Help - Advice needed USN MTB Cup - Ths saturday

[BigDL]

So,

 

I have entered for my first ever MTB event. i have entered the 30km event so hopefully, will muddle through ok.

 

However, my 11 (almost 12) year old son wants to enter as well, and I am really struggling to get some real info as to what event he should compete in. There is a 10km event, which, distance wise, is well within his ability, and there is a kids event, however i don't know what the criteria are for that. He has Mountain biked with me in Scotland, Ireland and England, although never in a large group or competitive environment.

 

Whilst he is cpable of 10km's (we did 15 together on Saturday afternoon at BRB with no issues), he has absolutely no idea of race etiquette, what to expect and how to react to any aggression from other riders i.r.o. pathways etc. From some of the stuff that I have read on the Hub, it can get quite aggro out there. I am also quite nervous about my first experience , but at 6 foot 4 and 95 kg's, I am less stressed about someone swearing at me and more thick skinned than a kid on his first event.

 

so, a question to those with experience. Should he enter the 10km or the kids race? Will he be ok by himself or would you advise me changing to the shorter event in order that we can do the event together and perhaps make his intro to the sport as gentle as possible.

 

Any help much appreciated.

[VicanZA]

hi wahofish

u not gonna find alot of aggression in half distances and down..maybe do his first race with him.

[VicanZA]

He may even manage the 30km the USN events are a great introduction to MTB the total climb will be under 400 for the 30km.

[Gavmeister]

My 11 year old son did the 10k rides last year, have now entered him to do the 30's. Your son should be fine, all types and sorts riding this distance, there shouldn't be any problems.

[dre]

Yep, definitely no aggression in the shorter distances. Especially further back. think about doing the 30km together.

[Hennie VR]

He should be fine. As far as I remember the longer distance has their own route but will join the shorter distance at some places but usually it will be somewhere on a jeep track so there should be ample space for faster riders to pass.

[Google]

Half Distances tend to be more laid back and even the front runners are moire polite when passing

[Pusher]

He will handle the 10km with out any problems and it's a great area to ride in. He has start sometime!

[BigDL]

Fantastic - many Thanks. i appreciate the responses. Cheers

[Izak]

Since you seem to have your answer I would like to quickly hog your thread for a few minutes.

 

Although this is at BRB how much of the single track is ridden and I presume it goes out of the BRB area on the longer distance?

Concerned about being frustrated with a race on the single track and not many opportunities to pass.

 

As there is no proper race information available, maybe someone who has done this before can help?