First Timer Race Reports: U.S. Pro Cup in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Just send it! It is one of the best experiences I’ve had on a bike. I think we underestimate what our bodies can do based on what we look like or how we think we will be perceived by others. You may surprise yourself and become someone else’s motivation to get out there and race!

Registering for your first mountain biking race can be pretty nerve wracking. Even more so when the race your considering is a world-class production with thousands of spectators and the world’s elite cross country mountain bikers.

We talked to four local riders who raced for the first time EVER at the OZ Trails U.S. Pro Cup presented by Experience Fayetteville. They opened up about the decision to race, overcoming nervousness, and encouragement to anyone considering signing up for their first race. Read on and let us know what you think in the comments!

Rider: Biviana Romero (Image Source: Arkansas Latinas En Bici)

What helped you feel confident to sign up and race at the U.S. Pro Cup?

My confidence to race came from knowing I wouldn’t be alone. Olivia (Founder of Arkansas Latinas en Bici ) approached me with the idea to sign up and race to represent other women of color in the community and the ladies of Arkansas Latinas en Bici. I mountain bike solely for fun and up until now I ride mostly beginner trails. If it wasn’t for her enthusiasm and confidence in me, I would never have signed up to race.

How did you feel leading up to the race? Were you nervous?

I was nervous that racing was beyond my skill and fitness level. The pandemic and other health issues took a toll on me and I gained a lot of weight. I had not been biking much and I wasn’t sure I could bike the route without giving up halfway, especially when I heard the elevation would be 800 feet. I felt like this was not something for me. But then I had the opportunity to do a pre-ride with Olivia. We finished the loop and even though it was difficult, we decided that being able to race at an event this big in NWA was something we didn’t want to miss.

What category did you race? Are you happy with how you rode in the event?

I raced in the Women’s Novice category. Even though I finished second to last, I am grateful for the experience. I’m happy and proud that I accomplished overcoming my fear and went outside my comfort level. It has given me the motivation to continue mountain biking and the confidence to start riding the tougher trails.

What encouragement would you give to someone interested in racing their first mountain bike event?

Just send it! It is one of the best experiences I’ve had on a bike. I think we underestimate what our bodies can do based on what we look like or how we think we will be perceived by others. You may surprise yourself and become someone else’s motivation to get out there and race!

 

Rider: Meredith Joseph

What helped you feel confident to sign up and race at the U.S. Pro Cup?

The addition of the womens novice division is what made me feel the most confident to sign up and race. Knowing that the other ladies in my group would also be first time MTB racers eased some nerves and got me excited. Another factor that boosted my confidence was getting to ride the full race course with a Women of Oz  group a couple days before the race.

How did you feel leading up to the race? Were you nervous?

I live in Fayetteville and had ridden the trails at Centennial several times, so I didn’t feel that nervous about the course. However, I was nervous about the group start and passing/getting passed on the trails. My husband and a few friends came to cheer me on which eased some nerves, and the whole community surrounding the event was encouraging.

What category did you race? Are you happy with how you rode in the event?

My category was the womens novice division on the first weekend. I was definitely happy with how I rode in the event. I PR’d on a handful of the course segments which was exciting, but overall I was mostly just proud of myself for signing up and doing it!

What encouragement would you give to someone interested in racing their first mountain bike event?

DO IT! Everyone I interacted with was encouraging throughout the whole process. It doesn’t matter how fast you are, if you think it sounds fun go for it! Also, your bike will look super cool with a legit race number on the handlebars.

Rider: Olivia Baraza

What helped you feel confident to sign up and race at the U.S. Pro Cup?

I felt safe when I knew that my teammate was going to participate too, it made me feel confident that I wasn’t alone.

How did you feel leading up to the race? Were you nervous?

As a leader of Arkansas Latinas on bike, it was very important to be included in this race. I wanted to show the women of our team and LatinX Community that it is possible despite fear and limitations.

What category did you race? Are you happy with how you rode in the event?

I participated in the Women’s Novice Race. I felt a little nervous, but I am very happy to have participated in an event as important as Us Pro Cup.

What encouragement would you give to someone interested in racing their first mountain bike event?

I will encourage anyone to participate in this awesome event, don’t let fear stop you for doing it is worth it!!

Rider: Beckie Irvin

What helped you feel confident to sign up and race at the U.S. Pro Cup?

Funny story–I was hosting an Instagram Live with the race director, Ty Kady, prior to the event. Folks tuning in asked lots of questions about the amateur course. Ty did a good job articulating expectations for the event and it made the race seem a lot more…doable. I talked it over with some friends and everyone was super supportive; so I decided to go for it!

How did you feel leading up to the race? Were you nervous?

Some friends were kind enough to pre-ride the course with me. If we hadn’t been able to do that multiple times, I would have been considerably more nervous. Time is a privilege and so is being able to use that time for leisure activities like mountain biking. I spent about 10/hrs a week on the bike getting ready. So, I completely understand why many folks don’t sign up for these races because the time resources need to train are significant.

What category did you race? Are you happy with how you rode in the event?

I raced Women’s Cat 3 and I finished first in my age group. I had no idea that I was in first place, so it was super exciting to cross the finish line and hear that I won my category. What I’m most proud of, however, was the aggressiveness that I put out on the course that day. I attached rock gardens, berms, and climbs better than ever.

What encouragement would you give to someone interested in racing their first mountain bike event?

I always forget how much there is to do the morning of a race, and as a single person, I default to travelling to races solo. I recommend asking a close friend or family member to join you the morning of the event. It alleviates some of the race-day nerves if you have a friend reminding you to eat, screaming you up the last hill, and pumping you up after the finish. If your friends are like mine, they’ll also hand you a mini bottle of Fireball at the conclusion of your race!