Tips needed / What to do with short 1-day MTB events

[GroenHoender]

Hi all,

 

I do not do intensive MTB stuff like CapeEpic or Argus or Karoo-to-Coast or such because it is not my tipe of MTB riding (too competitive) whereas I would just like to chill and ride leisurely. But I would like to support some charity rides in my area, that are for a good purpose (eg, CANSA, SPCA, etc, doing short rides such as 15km or 30km).

 

Problem is that most of those events starts early in the day, around 8:30 or so, depending on the distance I want to ride in.

 

Now, my questions (since I have no experience in this type of stuff):

 

1. do I dress up in bike gear beforehand, go with car to event, and get ready? Or do I dress there?

2. aside of sun lotion, what else do I need to protect myself against the environment (ie, horse flies, bees, stuff like that)

3. what should I take along with me (aside of my standard bike repair equipment and water bottles), ie, some sort of emergency kit? Or cell phone? Or what?

4. is it necessary to join the PPA for any event? Aside of the discounts and the time-logging / positions, I don't see any other benefit out of it?

 

Any thing else I need to know?

 

Thanks!

[Red Zone]

1. Drive to the event in your kit, but take a change of clothes for the return trip

Just sunblock - take your chances with the wildlife

Take spare tubes, pump / bombs, multitool and a cellphone - not much more you need

The PPA discounts are not that great and there is little benefit from timing and seeding based on your type of non competitive riding. My advice - dont bother with them

[Donovan Le Cok]

1.) Make a donation to the charity of your choice.

2.) Go and ride where ever, how ever, you want to. The options in WP are endless.

 

Don't frustrate yourself with the hassles of racing if you just want to ride and enjoy yourself.

[GroenHoender]

Thanks all for the advice given.  

 

Will do a bit more researching with regarding lotion for insects as I found a flea or two (nicely attached on my lower legs) when riding in outdoor areas that have lots of bushes. It rarely happens but I would like to prevent these if possible.

 

As for riding on trails, what is the best ethics? Keep left, pass right?

Reason for ask that one is that I am hearing-impaired and won't hear anyone coming up from behind, yelling at me to give way....

[Vangar]

Thanks all for the advice given.  

 

Will do a bit more researching with regarding lotion for insects as I found a flea or two (nicely attached on my lower legs) when riding in outdoor areas that have lots of bushes. It rarely happens but I would like to prevent these if possible.

 

As for riding on trails, what is the best ethics? Keep left, pass right?

Reason for ask that one is that I am hearing-impaired and won't hear anyone coming up from behind, yelling at me to give way....

 

 

Keep left when you can, more importantly ride predictably and guys should come past without issue. Will be a bit hard because guys usually shout if they pass, maybe pin a sign to you're jersey or camelback advising guys to pass if they want to.