Posts
1957
Joined
7/21/2011
Location
Galesburg, IL
US
Edited Date/Time
6/13/2014 4:55pm
I've got a buddy at work who is big into hare scrambles and off road racing events. Every time I talk to him he's beating me down to come race with them. From the way he describes it, it sounds like it's a blast and could be fun to ride something new. I've grown up strictly racing MX so I feel like it will be a huge change. Most of their races run 45 to 90 minutes. I definitely feel like my fitness is going to be an issue since I'm used to 20 min max motos.
As far as bike setup on my 250SX, what do I need? I'm running Michelin intermediate terrain MX tires, +1 tooth on rear sprocket, and suspension is definitely set stiff for MX. I don't have any hand guards, a camel-back, or a large-capacity fuel tank.
I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts on opinions from any of you who have done both before.
Kind of getting bored with all of the same MX tracks in my area, so I feel like if I enjoyed this, it could re-ignite my passion to get back into the racing scene.
As far as bike setup on my 250SX, what do I need? I'm running Michelin intermediate terrain MX tires, +1 tooth on rear sprocket, and suspension is definitely set stiff for MX. I don't have any hand guards, a camel-back, or a large-capacity fuel tank.
I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts on opinions from any of you who have done both before.
Kind of getting bored with all of the same MX tracks in my area, so I feel like if I enjoyed this, it could re-ignite my passion to get back into the racing scene.
The key I've found on the trails is to
be smart
be patient
look for good lines
keep moving as smooth as possible
If you're going hard core and setting up a bike dedicated to off-road racing a few things will help a lot
Bark busters
Rekluse auto clutch
grab straps for the front and rear fender
IMS over-sized gas tank
I have just been doing the best I can with my moto setup. This year It was muddy and a total race of attrition. I finished 4th in the vet class. The 3 guys that beat me where on fully outfitted KTM 300exc's with big tanks, auto clutches, etc. The muddy, peg deep, rutted, steep hill climbs really worked my clutch hand out. The guys with auto clutches just tractored up them and could stop in the pile-ups and start again on the hills like nothing. Super advantage. I was running my bike exactly the same as I would for a mx race.
The Shop
If a faster guy pulls up behind you it is accepted practice to let them by. If you are in C class there will be a bunch of dicks who don't.
Oh, you will probably need a spark arrestor too
On the line dead engine start standing in front of the bike
Sometime during the race....
I'm a 1 finger clutch guy but 2 hours working it non stop made a 2 finger guy out of me pretty quick. This hill is super steep
Find more pictures of the carnage here....
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.544337578995394.1073741832.50…
Rock gardens suck.
Start in gear or in neutral?
I race B MX, should I register for off road B or C? I am honestly just looking to have fun
One thing I noticed was that the staggered start can be kind of a pain. They let different classes go at one minute intervals, so I caught up to them pretty quickly. The four stroke classes let me by pretty quickly since they could tell I was not in their class ( I was on my rm250), but once I caught the 200 and 300 classes I had to make some riskier passes.
Realistically, just have fun and enjoy the atmosphere out there. Everyone is super cool and look out for each other, so enjoy the experience!
Edit: get a skid plate!
as for the start i would do a neutral start so you're guaranteed a one-kick-start. hold in the clutch and keep your left shin between your foot-peg and shifter. once your kick leg is through the kick, jam your other leg up and it'll shift you into 2nd. works every time. otherwise, get a KTM and enjoy the finer things in life, like "The Button"
If you have power valve springs for the 250sx put the green spring in, and get some bark busters. Other than that you're fine. I race(d) full Moto two stokes in the woods with no problem and actually prefer the power delivery of a race bike to a wood bike like an xc or xcw
Pit Row
My opinion is that the crowds at the off road racing are a LOT more family oriented than the motocross. It's looked at a competition still but everyone depends on everyone on the track. If you have a wreck and get injured, sometimes a fellow competitor is your only help for several minutes whereas MX, the race doesn't stop for you. This has been my experience at least.
-Pace yourself...it's not a sprint
-Hand Guards
-Pace yourself
-You aren't going to win your first one (no matter how slow you think off road guys are)...just accept that, and take good mental notes for the next race
-Have fun
-Hydrate...way before and during
-Eat a lot of food before the race...you don't want to get hungry mid race...if you do, you bonk.
-Pace yourself
-Stop and help a down rider...your competitors are all you've got out there
I wouldn't worry to much about bike set up for your first race...soften the compression a few clicks and let 'er rip.
I wouldn't worry about an oversized tank for your first race...how long is the loop? How many loops do you think you'll do? If you need to, just make a pit stop.
If you make a pit stop, dump some gas in a one gallon milk jug...its a poor mans quick fill...just tip the jug over and crush it with your hands...and your tank is almost instantly full.
On your pace...its your first race, you aren't going to know what your body can do over 90 minutes...so the first race is a learning curve. I'd rather pace myself to slow, and then be able to really push the last two loops...rather than start to fast and bonk with two loops to go.
If you like it...and you will...and want to do it more...then get the IMS tank, and the Rekluse EXP 3.0, and revalve the suspension and the fly wheel weights and all the other jazz than will make your race more energy efficient...
Sure, you may be fine - until you need them. Boom, fingers crushed. It's avoidable.
1. Yes on hand guards they are cheap and worth while but not absolutely necessary.
2. Pace yourself or you will pump up or just get exhausted and wish you hadn't
3. Suspension... It is all personal preference. That being said, you probably want it a little softer than a pure moto setup. There are pros and cons to stiff moto type setups and soft plush setups. Titan1's idea to take a few click out on compression is solid advice.
4. You will want some sort of drink system. I usually run a mix of sport drink and water. If you do, clean the thing out as soon as you get home.
5: Lastly, have fun and get ready to be sore for days.
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