1. Take the Challenge
Off-road bike racing is a demanding and exciting sport requiring more skills than just pedaling the sprockets as fast you can. You need aerobic training, agility and coordination. The fear factor is ever present, requiring off-road racers to be brace and a little bit crazy. Precision and coordination are must haves for off-road racers. Also, the equipment needs to be the best in order to win the races that really tear up that same equipment.
2. The Road Less Traveled
As the name implies, off-road races take place on unpaved trails that weave though hilly and challenging surfaces. You can find a variety of off-road races in which you can compete. Cross country events take place on tracks that are usually cleaned and ready for the racers. You can pass other riders on these courses and the number of laps you complete determines the race distance. Downhill races time individual racers on a steep course. The times are compared after each rider completes the course. In dual downhill races, two riders speed side by side down steep tracks. A hill climbing race sets the finish line higher than the starting line. Stage races take place over many days and combine a number of the different races. Scores are added up to name a winner.
3. Cross Train
Prepare for an off-road race by running for aerobic endurance and lifting weights to tone your arms and legs. You don't want to lift heavy weights that will build muscle, but you want to use them to sculpt your body to be as lean and flexible as possible. Always stretch before you do any kind of activity because you don't want an injury to crop up just before a big race. Stretching also will help you to perform better while on the bike.
4. The Right fit
Dirt bikes used in off-road racing are made of touch frames, with small, narrow handlebars. The tires are fat and knobby to be able to grasp various terrains and not get stuck in the mud. You should have three to four inches of clearance between the top bar of the bike and your crotch when you straddle the bike. You need the extra room to allow for greater maneuverability.
5. Protect Your Head
A helmet is an absolute necessity when riding off-road. While spills may not be as damaging as speed cyclists experience on hard pavement, the spills happen more often. Make sure the helmet is tied well under your chin because when you are flying through the air over a hill, you don't need to be choked by a too-loose helmet.
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