Tips For First Time Racers - with Megs Braap

Hello guys and gals! I’ve made this video for anyone who is just getting into cross country racing. I’m going to list some tips and tricks to help any first time off-road racers survive out there. Your first race is usually a tough one, I will tell you that. My first race was an absolute gong show. I think I got lapped by everyone in my class at least once and pretty much pushed my body to its absolute limits. I was not prepared at all and had no idea what to expect, so I am hoping that by making this video, I can help some people avoid the carnage I experienced the first time I raced.
The first and most important tip is to pace yourself. An average cross country race or hare scramble lasts 2 to 4 hours. As crazy as it sounds, you need to take it easy out there. When I’m racing, I am riding at about 75 or 80 percent. I do this for two reasons. The first reason being that I need to conserve my energy so that I can remain consistent for the entire race. The second reason is to avoid making mistakes. If you are riding at 100 percent out there, you are at a much higher risk of making mistakes. It is EXTREMELY important to remain consistent out there and to keep the rubber side down. As soon as you’re picking up, dragging, or pushing your bike, you can kiss your energy levels goodbye. Trust me, it took me years of racing to get this figured out, but a slightly slower pace with less mistakes is much better than a faster pace, with more mistakes. It is just so important to stay fresh and conserve your energy out there.
Okay, so lets sum up tip #1. Don’t ride at 100%. Conserve energy so that you can remain consistent and finish the entire race in one piece. The goal is to stay smooth, avoid mistakes, and keep a consistent pace.
The second tip I’m going to give you is to USE YOUR HEAD. You will most definitely experience moments out there where you need to make quick decisions. The classic example would be a bottle neck at the bottom of a gnarly hill. You’ll come around a corner and see 5 people stuck on a hill with 5 more people piled up at the bottom. Your first instinct is going to be to blast by the people at the bottom and take a run at the hill. Usually this is a bad idea. The smartest move would be to take the few seconds you need to assess the situation and make a decision. Is there a way around? Are there any alternate lines? Is your safest bet to wait it out and take a clean run at it? It all depends on the situation and how confident you are that you can get up this hill and not end up piled up with the rest. Getting stuck on a hill can really screw things up. It’s extremely exhausting and draining to get going again once you’re stuck. Especially if you’re stuck amidst a bunch of other people.
To sum up tip #2, STOP AND THINK before you get yourself into a bad situation out there. Take a few seconds to look at your options, and do your best to make the right choice. Losing a few seconds to think something through is a heck of a lot better than losing 10 minutes because you got yourself really stuck on a hill or an obstacle.
Tip # 3 is not to panic. If things do get nasty out there and you’re making mistakes and losing time, it’s okay. I can guarantee you, a lot of other people are doing the same thing. You have 2 to 4 hours out there. You will catch people as they make mistakes. All is not lost if you end up at the back of the pack. There were a few years where I had notoriously bad starts because my bike would never start on the line. I was always last off the line and I’d have to fight my way to the top. There is lots of time so never panic or feel like you’re doomed. You’d be amazed how many people you can pass just by getting yourself together and remaining consistent. Also, don’t panic if you get yourself into a situation where you need help. There are lots of good people out there who will help you if you’re really stuck. I’ve been helped by other racers before, and I have helped others as well. The off-road community is amazing that way. To sum this one up, stay calm, don’t panic, you have plenty of time to redeem yourself if you screw things up at the beginning.
Thanks for watching, I really hope this video will be useful to any first time racers out there! Let me know in the comments what you think!
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[@shadetreesurgeon]

Great tips! I should've followed them on my first few races. it took me a few races to start following the slow down and ride at 75% advice... I finally put that into effect in my last race and my times were waaaay better because of it.

[@philwilliamson3370]

shadetree surgeon shadetree! I was just going to post this video on your KZbin for you! Great videos guys!

[@kiwi-moto]

ha! @shadetree surgeon, it was your videos that inspired me to try a Cross Country ! Did my first one 2 weeks ago. Only been on a dirt bike a dozen times and the bike I was on, 7 times! :-) :-)

[@Burner-Adventure-Chronicles]

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast...

[@warrenstemphly5756]

Shadetree knows Megs? It’s like when you find out two of your friends already know each other!!

[@leechunyendanielleecy2646]

Thanks Meg, your tips are calming for beginners.

[@cledussnow9507]

I agree with that. My first was a 24hr Ironman solo event. Extreme mud, nonstop rain for a week through the morning of the event. Stuck and dropping the bike is an absolute energy sucker and rode the first few hours as if it was a moto. Wore me out in a hurry. Biggest mistake I made, for a couple weeks, right after work I was concentrating on making the bike perfect to last 24hrs problem free and prepared, and didn't prepare myself, including not making time to stay riding and keeping in my groove. I eased going to the gym, poor diet the day of the race and the day prior, and huge lack of sleep. Just those in itself make the world of difference, physically and mentally

[@michail1963]

cledus snow first race 24hrs in a row solo??? is it even possible to race enduro bike for 24hrs in a row?

[@cledussnow9507]

Mikhail yea, checkout Northeast 24hr Challenge and Perry Mountain 24hr challenge. I tried my first Ironman in the Northeast 24, wasn't prepared as I shoulda been. Doing both races ironman this year

[@cledussnow9507]

Mikhail Theres also 24hrs of Glen Helen, 24hrs of Starvation Ridge, and I also think there's a new one in Texas called the Gutbuster 24hr

[@tridium-go6hw]

Enjoyed your comments Meg. I think they apply in large part to someone just starting out riding as well as racing. take your time, conserve energy, stop, evaluate and pick your line before jumping into something over your head, etc. I'm getting back into riding after a 30 year hiatus. When I go all out I just get exhausted and make too many mistakes. Slow and smooth is actually faster (and more enjoyable) for me.

[@PNWEnduro]

Great tips Megan. Also for first time racers if you have questions before the race ask fellow racers or the friendly people at signup in the morning and pay attention at the riders meeting! It's a great community and people will be glad to assist you.

[@270raptor]

Awesome tips !! I have my first ever cross country race in two weeks

[@metlmuncher]

Great tips. As a long time racer I say you are spot on all around. Especially the easier said than done part. i did my first snow race a couple weeks ago.. As hard as i tried I got too excited and tried to ride too hard too early.

[@megs_braap]

Adam Butler Thanks Adam! Yep, it’s always easier said than done haha. Takes time and experience to calm nerves for sure.

Great tips Megan, very well explained. I try to remember when I do my first round in the Italian KTM Trophy, starting at 1st of April :-)

[@madib315]

Hi Megan, thanks so much for this video! I have my first cross country on sunday the 18th so these tips are extremely helpful! It's also great to see another girl out there showing girls it can be done and encouraging them to take part in the sport :)

[@bengtaberg]

Excellent information thank you

[@Tankerman]

I tried my first race and actually didnt feel nervious but I must have been because I forgot to turn the choke off and ended up not figuring out what was wrong until I got home haha. So staying calm I did not haha. I plan on redeeming myself in 2019 and I appreciate the tips. I am 52 and a beginner and honestly after talking with some of them in my class I thought my class wouldnt be so serious but when that flag dropped those friendly old guys and gals meant business haha. Stay safe

[@kiwi-moto]

Nice tips. I kinda figured out this on my own during my first race - I did my first race 2 weeks ago, and only been dirt riding about a dozen times! I was expecting to come last, but my aim was to complete at least one lap. I managed 2! (other riders did 3 or 4) ha! I didn't come totally last as I completed 1 more lap than other riders. I dropped the bike on a couple hill climbs. Very energy sapping that! Just subscribed to your channel. Keep up your tips and videos - much appreciated.

[@xplane7523]

100% agree. Early races are an apprenticeship. I’d add it’s the consistency and 75% speed of the front wheel not the rear.

[@alpham8754]

Thank you very much fort that awesome tips! It all sounds logical and makes sense. However, I am an experienced motor bike rider at all for more than 9 years (125 ccm Yamaha light enduro). But I have started hard enduro (in that exactly meaning) in August 2016. So, a bit more than one fully season experienced at that. As you may guess, I got that tip to start with moto cross riding, in order to get a better basically feeling of obstacles and to learn how to ride those thing prepared. This was a tip from a mate of our local offroad club. He told me, that most enduro riders can't really ride (fast) offroad, because enduro riding is an art of itself and hasn't really much to do with really offroad riding. He said, if you got that basic skills, on how to ride on offroad (fast) in general, you get a much better rider.

[@TheRcscalebuilder]

Great vid Meg, Me and a couple of the boys from the enduro bootcamp Calabogie class will be doing our first race this spring so this vid comes at a good time. Thanks!

[@megs_braap]

justplanecrazy Thanks my friend! I’m glad to hear the vid was helpful! Good luck to you and your buddies in the upcoming race :).

[@jimruns89]

Great advice!👍🏼💪🏻

[@rollinpatrolin6218]

Awesome! Thank you so much for the advice! I really hope to be racing in the GNCC someday, I've only raced flat track once before but I was injured and lost 4th place ( I fractured my right knee ). I'll definitely keep these tips in mind next time I race.

[@delinquense]

My favorite of your videos so far. Spot on advice. These are my top 3 tips as well. Might have helped me but then again.. I probably wouldn't have listened. 😭

[@Privateparry]

Thanks meg. Absolutely awesome advise. I look forwRd to my first enduro and am excited to go into it with your tips. Regards Charlie

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Awesome tips! I've only raced once, but yeah, these are definitely important.

[@arnoholopainen]

Great advice for every race all your life.

[@gillesgenete9598]

Thank you Megg, very good advice. I sadly experienced each of your 3 tips, so too bad I didn't see your vid before 😫 but ok, I'm ready for my next attempt 👹

[@carlatamanczyk9199]

Excellent choice! Thanks!

[@supergarball]

I liked the video. Well thought out and applies to us just starting out. Thanks.

[@nallekalle1]

Solid advice, hope to get into someday.

[@kidisgod]

Thanks for the tips. Good luck at the D100.

[@scottchittock7898]

I'll keep this in mind when I'm doing my first race, which will hopefully be on April 22nd if my XR250R is ready by then. I know I'll be last off the line and definitely won't be first back. But I know its going to be the hill climbs and tight sections where I'll make up time.

[@tam_braap]

Great tips megs! What was the first race you did? Also what would you recommend to look for, for skiing your first race?

[@markm5554]

be calm inside your head,remember your doing this for fun

[@musschootski]

Sounds good. I might be planning to do my first race in MB this summer. Yikes! 😬

[@CalamityKim1]

Hey Megan, can you do a video on pre race prep. As in body fuelling, something I struggle with so bad is fatigue. My speed is okay, just after half the race I can barely hold on. It's awful :(

[@megs_braap]

Hey Kim! Yes, I will try to put something together for ya!

[@CalamityKim1]

Megan Griffiths Enduro thank you very much :)!

[@yoboo6167]

Great advice! You rock!

[@spacecowboyrides4762]

Thanks Meg my first hare scramble is April 8th this video was very helpful

[@megs_braap]

spacecowboy rides No problem! Good luck in your first race!

[@kdxkyle]

It's not with forward motion harescramble championship is it?

[@J0mama1]

Good luck!

[@Chenzoman]

Good luck spacecowboy! Have fun!

[@danholmes5372]

Good luck dude! And another really helpful tip is make sure to have a water pack, keep yourself cool and if you feel getting warm stop off the trail and take your helmet off or water yourself down some

[@marshalbird2480]

great advice--you nailed it!

[@dirtpirateracing1629]

Great tips! I am just getting into racing and still have alot to learn. March 31 i am doing a 9 hr ironman here in Missouri. Early forcasts are calling for lots of rain. Any tips on how to handle muddy conditions? I know on hills keeping momentum is key.

[@BrokenSprocket]

Great tips thanks.

[@gabrielmarbella9704]

Thanks for the nice video keep up👍👍👍👍👍

[@45derrickman]

once again great advice thanks :)

[@megs_braap]

ron doucette You’re very welcome!

[@canonen100]

Hey Megan are you going to race at the Stix and Stones hard enduro in Kellogg Idaho on Silver mt. June 18th?

[@benyork6646]

Megan, nice job on this video!

[@buddha65281]

would be nice to see the declination/inclination as well as other information such as direction, speed, gear etc. My Garmin shows this information as well as track times and track. I know this dirt and different, do they offer such a device with this info while riding? thanks for the tips!

[@TheWw29]

Keep momentum going be consistant.

[@BenIngold]

Also don’t panic if you somehow wind up getting the holeshot and you weren’t expecting it! Just ride your race and enjoy the moment!

[@kickanz]

Love this!

[@JFish5]

I am getting a 3.9 gallon tank for my yz125 and I'm 160 pounds how long do you think that would last me for a race

[@thenobleandmightybeaver4411]

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

[@Bill-jw3ph]

Do you ever come down and ride western Washington?

[@dominique5462]

nice!!!

[@akathecanadian]

Where is that riding location shown in the background footage? Okanagan area?

[@carlatamanczyk9199]

Glad you wisely ride a 2 stroke. 👍👍👍.

[@tipziiy6029]

You do know the point is to be the fastest and cut off time those seconds matter in the end

[@xt225]

She is giving tips to first timers.

[@carlatamanczyk9199]

What size bike do you ride?

[@megs_braap]

I'm riding a Husqvarna TX 300 in this video.

[@vladbronnikov9813]

On my first race I screwed all those tips ))

[@claireelliot6846]

Ha I'll do ya one better. I got lapped at least twice by everyone in my class!

[@krazed0451]

I have only one tip for first time XC racers... Work on your fitness! ;-)

[@megs_braap]

krazed0451 Good advice!

[@mxlura1]

What happen