Show first time racers and fun riders what mountain biking is all about? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
Are you ready to take your fun rides to the next level and do your first mountain bike race? We’ve got you covered, here is the Hollard JUMA guide to riding your first race like a pro.
The Hollard JUMA, taking place on the 29th May 2016 at Marks Park, is a mountain bike race that turns the world’s’ biggest urban forest into the ultimate mountain biker’s playground with a course build worth over R1.5 million.
Find a Bike Buddy
Racing with friend will a lot of the pressure off your first bike race. With a buddy you’ve got backup in case of a mechanical, someone cheer to cheer you on through the scary bits, and someone to celebrate your victory with at the SAB beer garden.
Don’t Forget your Shoes and Helmet
Seriously. It happens. Make sure you’ve got all your gear packed and ready the day before so when you wake up for race day, all you need to do is throw your bike on the rack and you’re ready to go.
Get there Early
On the day of the race, be sure to arrive early so you have time to get all the nitty gritty out of the way. Secure your number, get your bike in order, grab some breakfast at one of the food stalls and warm up. Most people have pre-race nerves – totally normal. Just remember to breathe, relax and accept the challenge.
Walk it Off
The 22km route isn’t technical but if you feel nervous about riding a section or obstacle consider getting off your bike and walking. Want to go slower? That’s great, you are still beating everyone not riding.
Everyone’s a Winner
Don’t worry about people passing you or not making the podium. It’s not about winning, it’s about challenging yourself, experiencing a different side of Joburg and most importantly, having fun. There are also other fun prizes for the not so competitively inclined, like the best dressed team award, so why not grab a friend, put on your sparkliest spandex and stand a chance to win R9000.
Make it Official
If you’re ready to get your first race done and dusted and even bring your family along for the ride – enter the Hollard JUMA 22km. The 22km route is for time riders, juniors and casual riders, a less technical ride that’s mostly jeep track with some single track sections, over three exciting (but very safe) scaffolding ramps. Although more suited to first timers the 22km is still 100% Hollard JUMA adventure.
Entries are selling fast, so cleat up or miss out. Entry fees are R299 and available at www.juma.co.za. Now all that’s left is to enjoy the ride and look for your name immortalised in the list of Hollard JUMA finishers.
For the season vetrans that laugh in the face of distance, there is also the 54km technical route, visit www.juma.co.za to find out more.
