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Stand up as much as you can except in really tight turns.
This gives you more control over the bike and lets your legs work as your shock
absorbers instead of your back and rear-end.
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Don't let your head/upper body move (unless it's to avoid a tree branch).
Your head and upper body should stay perpendicular to the ground. Lean the
bike but not your body.
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Counter-balance the bike. If you are going uphill lean
forward, if you are going downhill, sit back. This is similar to the above
rule about not leaning your body to the side - you're keeping your body
perpendicular to the flat ground.
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Putting baby powder in your gloves will help to keep your hands
dry on hot days. If you wear padded bike shorts baby powder will help to keep them
from sticking to your legs.
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Drink lots of water and sports drinks starting 2-3 days BEFORE
the race. But stop drinking 1-2 hours before the race or you might need to
make an unplanned pit stop. Make sure your salt intake is high too.
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Be considerate of and helpful to others. If you don't do
it just because you should, think about what will happen when you need help
yourself.
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Have a mental or written checklist
of things to do before the
race.
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Lean forward in turns. Way forward. Up over the
tank.
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Use the clutch to help in turns and to
help you get over rough spots when your engine starts to bog down.
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Red Bull or Hansen's seems to help keep your energy up during a race.
It tastes a lot better than those energy bars. Just be sure to drink it a
while before the race so it can take affect.
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Get in shape! Those who haven't ridden don't realize
just how much you use the muscles in your arms, legs, shoulders, and back.
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My Race day prep tips.
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How to learn to use the clutch.
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The right way to corner.
