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10/27/2015
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US
Edited Date/Time
5/9/2018 7:40am
I've been an MX racer for 16 years now and I'm looking into trying hare scrambles. Was wondering if anyone had any tips on how I should start off. (Ex bike mods, first race day, how to practice) I'm definitely going to get bark busters and a second set of handlebars that aren't as wide as the ones on my MX bike. I will be using my 2014 yz250f until I get a 250 2-stroke to use for hs.
Point A to Point B
Or is it doing
Laps on some kind of course ?
The Shop
Just be ready for a total surprise the first time. Watch on the starting line. You'll see guys who look like total dorks and you'll think to yourself "I hope those guys don't get in my way." Those will most likely be the guys lapping you halfway through the race.
Before you go buying a $250 fuel tank go ride race pace in the woods for an hour and see where you end up with fuel. It's only about 20 seconds to top off a tank with a little help.
Race days are completely different than moto. You don't need to be there ALL day. You know when your race starts. You'll want to walk a bit of the track especially the first mile or so.
I raced mx for a long time, but injuries have slowly forced me to ween off it and go back to woods riding.
An 18 rear, and some type of handgaurds are a good thing. I dont like full hand guards, but they are handy, falling over in a low speed corner, usually can keep bike rinning because bar doesnt dig into the ground.
But for me, from my race bike set up for mx to going in the woods, im not really changing much.
Guess it also depends on the bike you ride.
I'm a big believer in protective gear: Chest protector, elbow and knee guards.
Enter a class that is probably above where you are: I'd rather be passed by faster guys then be held up by slower ones.
Get you a camelback and remember to use it. Whatever class you'll be racing in remember it is a distance race not a short sprint. If you happen to be up front remember you have time to pass, be patient. On the flip side , if a fast person does come up on you, remember he knows what you're doing bc he is watching you. Hold your line while letting him by or pull over to let them buy if in tight stuff. It's better then a crash.
Other then that it's not that bad. Just remember to have fun. Don't do anything different then you would at a mx race other then be plenty hydrated. Ride within your riding capabilities .
2) pace yourself at first
3) Put a watch on your handlebar
4) try to Sprint the last lap, everyone will be tired, so if you have the fitness, a lot of time and positions can be made up
5) If a guy suddenly comes up from behind out of no where, be courteous and let him by, then try to hang with him as long as you can.
6) cut handlebars are okay, but they can hurt more than they help, especially if the trees aren't that tight
Pit Row
I dont hate being held up...If I'm good enough I'll get around them.
Its not OK to hold someone up...move over.
Way to far from the ambulance.
I've clipped too many trees at pretty high speeds to not use them. We talk about safety here all the time. Bark busters are a huge safety feature. There's absolutely no reason not to use them in the woods. None.
Sharp sticks poking you to.
Brake snake to.
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