So, you want to race?
Well, there's a few rules you need to understand.
Let's go through them now.
CURRENT SEASON RACE SCHEDULE
For the current season's race schedule
check out the race schedule.
RACE CLASSES/CATEGORIES
The CLASS determines what you're up against.
Are you after glory or a challenge or maybe you just want to have fun.
We have CLASSES for everyone!
Male/Female Open 60
No age restrictions
(Expert riders race here)
60 mins
OF CYCLING
Male/Female Open 30
No age restrictions
(Experienced riders race here)
30 mins
OF CYCLING
Male/Female Novice
No age restrictions
(Beginners race here)
30 mins
OF CYCLING
13 - 16 Years
Restricted to riders between 13 & 16 years old
(Teenagers race here)
30 mins
OF CYCLING
9 - 12 Years
Restricted to riders between 9 and 12 years old
(Get your kids into racing)
15 mins
OF CYCLING
8 & Under
Restricted to riders
8 years and younger
(Introduce your kids to biking)
15 mins
OF CYCLING
**Races are based on time and not laps.
**Riders must complete 5 races to be eligible for a trophy.
WHERE SHOULD I RACE?
Not exactly sure which category to enter in? Let's summarize what to expect from each category:
EXPERT
Roots. Rocks. Drops. Insanity. Again and again. The riders here are fast and things can get aggressive at times. As this is a full 60 mins of racing, you have to be fit and very comfortable on a bike. If this is your first time racing, you may want to drop into the beginner class for a race before deciding to change class to the Open 30 or Open 60.
EXPERIENCED
Roots. Rocks. Drops. Insanity. But less punishment, err.. enjoyment than the 60 class. The riders here are also fast and things can get aggressive at times. As this is only 30 mins of racing, fitness helps but the race is over before fatigue can hit you like the Open 60. You should be very comfortable on a bike. If this is your first time racing, you may want to drop into the beginner class for a race before deciding to change class to the Open 30 or Open 60.
BEGINNERS/13 - 16 YEARS OLD
Roots. Small Rocks. Maybe a drop or steep hill. This class rides the same course as the 13-16 year olds. It is much less aggressive than the Open 30 and Open 60. If you are uncomfortable with any feature, you can always walk your bike over it. It may be best to start here and change class if you find yourself craving more challenge.
KIDS
A much smaller loop for kids to ride their bikes on. There may be a small incline or decline, but the roots, rocks, drops and insanity aspects of mountain biking are left out. The courses are designed to introduce kids of their age level to mountain biking. For the smaller kids (under 8's) parents can assist their child on the track if needed.
RACE FORMAT
A large count-down clock will be placed at the start / finish line.
Results will be based on the rider's ability to complete as many laps as possible in their allotted time-frame.
There will be no bell lap or white flag lap. It will be up to the rider to watch the count-down clock at the start / finish line to manage their pace.
Once the count-down clock has reached zero the race is over and the rider's current lap will count towards the race result.
POINTS
Did you place good?
Here's how many points you've earned:
ADDITIONAL NOTES
1
Points Series winner will be the rider with the highest number of accumulated points from their 6 best races in the series.
2
A rider may change classes once during the season provided they have not ridden more than one race in the original class. No points will be carried over. The rider will need to give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice in writing to the organizers notifying them of a class change.
3
Riders not participating in the point series will still be awarded their place in the race which could impact the points awarded to the other riders.
4
DNF will be allocated a finishing rank (and points based on finishing position based on the number of laps completed when they abandoned the race i.e. a rider abandoning early in the race will be ranked lower than a rider abandoning later in the race.)
DNS will not be allocated points.
5
Sometimes you are unable to finish the race. Hey, it happens. Blown tire. Broken derailleur.
Any rider abandoning the race MUST report that to the race official at the start / finish line.
You'll get 'em next race!
6
HAVE FUN.
Remember! We're a community of mountain bikers that are passionate about mountain biking.
AT THE START LINE
A BBA appointed race official will be stationed at the start / finish line to liaise with the race organizers and handle the running of the races on race day, from calling riders to the start, to confirming the results with the timers. Beforehand, the official will provide agreement to the race organizers that the course has been set and is safe to race over. The BBA appointed race official will be responsible for all questions regarding compliance with the race rules.
We will be issuing race chips which must be attached to the bike while racing. The chips will aid in rider identification and tracking riders' progress through the race.
All BBA racing rules apply and can be found here. Key highlights include: Riders must be entirely self-sufficient during the race; Riders are only permitted to use tools and parts (e.g. spare tubes and inflator) that they physically carry with them; Riders must finish on the same bike they start on.
A mandatory pre-race check in and chip check for rider and bike is required 10 minutes before the start of your division. Avoid the rush, show up early!
Single event participants must collect their number plate at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their division and return the race chip at the end of their race.
COVID RESTRICTIONS
Strange times we living in.
Currently there are no restrictions.
Hope to see you at the races this season!