Just go out to have some fun. Ride within your abilities. You will always be quicker if you don't crash. Make sure your bike is in good working order. Part of the race is keeping your bike going until the end. Be polite on single track. If faster riders come up behind you, let them pass by keeping to one side of the trail, put a foot down and lean your bike off to the side a bit, an experienced rider only needs 30cm to get past you. Then you can carry on enjoying your ride without the pressure of some one behind you. (you'll probibly catch them on the next hill anyway) If you want to pass someone on the single track, shout "track". Once they give you some space, tell them which side you will be passing on and make your move. Have a good one.
