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Like I tell my kids” can’t fail if you don’t try so stay home and play video games” just a joke. I like to practice HS by letting my bike fall over in yard and pick it up like s 100 times, feels like a real tough HS race to me lol But really start with just not getting last and having fun. You could be super fast but if you don’t have endurance and fall over a lot your WILL be exhausted. And just build from there. Fun racing for sure.

This bloke gained a few pounds but did ok.

I'm basically the same size as you. Bike set up is key. I started Moto later (mid 20's) and age was more of a hindrance than size. If you start doing well, the little guys will say it's just because you get better traction. 😂 A negative is that when you hit the ground the laws of physics will rear their ugly head.

I signed up for a harescramble a few years ago at 6’2” 260 off the couch on an mx set up 450. I chose to ride the C class as I had never ridden XC and was wildly out of shape. I had raced MX previously and have been on a bike for a lot of years, but always mx. I placed 3rd in my class just by staying upright. I made it about 1/4 lap into the race and was ready to quit, but after spending close to $120 to sign up after ama membership, transponder, day pass for...

https://youtu.be/FpGP1YLe9uQ

You might be competitive in the big fat guy class, but unless you start , you wont know. I am 54 and 220.. i still race a 125 when i can. No matter how much you suck, there will always be a guy who looks at you as a target to beat . Get out there and get it done. Drop a bit of timber, and enjoy the benefits.

Lots of encouragement and positivity in this thread. Loving it. And welcome to Vital I’ll be doing my first MX race towards the end of the summer, so that will be interesting for me

Just ride at a comfortable pace and keep your momentum up. You’ll be fine. The middle of a harescramble is the toughest part. I was 240 lbs at one point racing AA here and there since my dad took it up after moto.

Only if you weight train seriously Bro.

My long time riding buddy was 6'6" and 250. He hauled ass on a CR500. Benny Blose is 6'6".

Being tall gives you an advantage in off-road whereas being a smaller guy gives you a huge advantage in moto. That being said, you're on the right track by wanting to go the off-road route. I'm 6'2 (only 170lbs tho), local A/Pro in offroad, and generally, make my time up in the rough stuff (moto background). Being tall is a disadvantage in the tight stuff (generally) but you will be able to keep the bike stable at higher speeds in rough fast sections. If you want to be ultra competitive in off-road your best bet is to get to the...

Just go slow and get back into shape first. I doubt this is a career move so just enjoy yourself safely. Intermittent fasting 16/8 and a Keto diet will shed pounds faster than anything. Remember, breakfast is for fat people. If you don't believe me go to any Denny's or IHOP at 10 AM...

The weight isn't holding you back. A 450 with the right suspension and you're fine. Don't stress about dropping weight or working out. Just get a lot of seat time, that'll take you farther and you'll probably start losing weight anyway.

keep it on 2 wheels AND finishing the race are big steps in the right direction. Learn how to pace yourself for the entire race...a lot of amateur HS riders blow their wad in the first 20-30 mins then hit the wall. Find the smooth lines and consistent lines. Use your size to punt those small guys out the main line when needed

Quoted for truth. My local hare scramble series has several overweight 40+ guys who regularly top 10 the Pro/A class and are still flying in the final laps of a race.

That's my size and several years ago I lost the spring series by a couple points in C class. Hardcore trail dudes are weird. Often in their 40's 50's and fat, yet they put in 60 miles before noon. If you don't do well, speed-wise, it'll be more because of skill than gut. If you run out of steam, just go ride trails at a decent pace for 3hrs straight twice a week and you'll be good to go in two months.