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Cross-Country Race
Preparations
For You
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Drink lots of water (3-4 liters/day minimum) for three-five days before the race.
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Drink even more water during Saturday practice and before Sunday's race.
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Drink Gatorade before and immediately after riding.
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Stop all liquid intake about 1.5-2 hours before the race starts to avoid potty breaks.
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Have an energy drink and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (protein and sugar) just before "cut-off" time.
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Some people swear by carbo-loading the day before, others eat lots of protein. My doctor said just eat a balanced diet. Take your pick.
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Have all your gear ready long before the race and laid out with the first items to be put on sitting on
top.
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Use undergloves with baby powder in them.
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On 90 degree plus days, baby powder in most of the gear (not in your helmet - it could drip into your
eyes).
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If it's really dusty, put rim grease on the foam
inside the top of your goggles - not the foam that touches your face,
the foam inside the goggles.
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Use roll-offs for the goggles.
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Have a full camel-back with ice. Some people do 1/2 Gatorade
but I can't stand the taste.
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Put all gear on :-)
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For Your Bike
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Clean air filter.
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Full gas tank.
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Proper tire pressure for the terrain.
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Chain lubed.
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Bike warmed up.
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Gas on, choke off.
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Punch card or other scoring device attached.
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All bolts tightened.
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If it's muddy, use WD40 on the plastic to make later
cleaning easier.
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Relax and have fun.
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Differences from
Motocross
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You need to pace yourself - the races are much longer. I've
seen many motocrossers lead for the first couple laps then quit way before
the end, ending up last or even without finishing points.
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You
won't be able to memorize the track, and the track will change with each
lap. Become adept at reading the terrain at speed.
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During practice, scout for places that will likely become
bottlenecks in a race. Look for alternate lines.
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You
will need handguards and a chest protector to protect you from tree limbs,
vines, thrown rocks, etc.
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Try to keep your hands dry - in a long race wet hands will
be very uncomfortable. If you slow down a little in a creek crossing it may
actually save you time in the long run if you can avoid getting your hands
(and goggles) wet.
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Wear
a camelback during the race and drink lots of water before the race (but not
within an hour of so of the race).
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