So I have decided with my last race upon me to come up with and share a list of things that I have learned from racing XTERRAs over the past 6 months. Hopefully some of this information will be helpful to you, put a smile on your face, or maybe convince you to race one of these adrenaline pumping gut-wrenching races.
1. When braking make sure to squeeze slightly vs slamming. Slamming may result in a face first over the handle bar action (guys this usually does not impress the ladies, just sayin').
2. In the even of a wreck, get up brush off the dirt, and check for witnesses. They'll be needed later to validate the awesomeness of your story.
3. The more blood, the better the ride. (Or worse, I guess it all depends on your own standards).
4. When dressing for a ride/race the holey-er, more torn-up clothes the better. It makes you look like you know what you're doing.
5. When choosing a bike to ride it is best to go with something lightweight and maneuverable. It makes the climbs that much easier and the downhills that much sweeter.
6. Using the words like "gnarley", "wicked" and "sick" will get you quite far in the mountain biking world. You might even be considered cool with proper usage of these words, so choose wisely.
7. When attempting a drop keep your weight back, feet firmly planted on the pedals, and eyes ahead on your obstacle. Nothing is more embarrassing than flying down with your legs flailing to the side, butt planted firmly to the seat, screaming as your bike goes flying into the weeds off the side of the trail.
8. Wear a helmet. All the cool kids are doing it these days.
9. Never try and make a road bike into a mountain bike. No matter what kind of tires you put on it. That is just an insult to the breed.
10. Never ever try and pass someone on a single-track unannounced coming up to multiple trees. There are going to be consequences for all parties involved. Especially the rider who ultimately hits those trees.
11. Trees will ALWAYS stay firmly planted in their position. Always.
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