TMBRA - Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association

Rules and Classes

Helmets are required of competitors
and non-competitors any time they are on their bike.

All races follow current USA Cycling - Mountain Bike rules.
( For more information, see USA Cycling Web Site )

2012 Hill Country Bicycle Works Texas Mountain Bike
State Championship Marathon Series Rules

1. The Roland Green rule: Any registered racer may assist another registered racer at any time with any part being carried other than on the bike, and/or water and/or food. No parts that are on the bike may be exchanged.

2. Racers may receive Outside Food and Beverage handouts at Designated Open Feed Zones ONLY.

3. Racers may only receive Outside Assistance at the Designated Pit Area(s). All repairs must be done by the individual racer, no other person may touch the bike. The Pit Area is designated by race officials. Racers may not leave the Course for any purpose. A racer may leave a items inside the pit area, however the race promotion team assumes no responsibility for items left unattended.

4. You MUST complete the entire race on the same bicycle frame and fork with which you started. All other parts can be switched out.

5. You MUST be 18 years old to compete in a full marathon (Not race age)

All USAC licensed Pro riders must compete in the Open category.Your race age for the marathon series will be your age on December 31, 2012

Points:
Points will be calculated for the following Marathon categories:
Open Men
Open Women
Open Single Speed
19-29 Men
30-39 Men
40-49 Men
50+ Men
19-29 Women
30-39 Women
40+ Women

Best 4 out of 6 races will be scored for the series overall; you must compete in 3 races to be scored. Overall awards will be presented at The Miles of Discomfort Jan 29th, 2012

Points are tallied based on the rider’s finish order at each individual Championship Marathon series events. Points can not be moved from one class to another.

Points are awarded in the following manner:

Place	Points	Place	Points
1st	60	16th	19
2nd	55	17th	17
3rd	51	18th	15
4th	47	19th	13
5th	44	20th	11
6th	41	21st	10
7th	38	22nd	9
8th	35	23rd	8
9th	33	24th	7
10th	31	25th	6
11th	29	26th	5
12th	27	27th	4
13th	25	28th	3
14th	23	29th	2
15th	21	30th	1

If a tie exists for an overall class at the end of the series, the following rules will be used in the following order until the tie is broken: 1) Number of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ... until tie is broken in all races that are used for series points. 2) Head-to-Head results in all common races. 3) Head-to-Head result in the most recent/last race. This rule is applied by starting at the last race and going backward to find the first common race. Once found, that result will be used to break the tie.

Courses
Courses vary according to the terrain. For the Texas State Championship Marathon Mountain Bike Series the marathon course must be either a point to point, or a circuit disputed over one, two or three laps. The marathon distance must be over 40 miles and no more than 110 miles. (*** Some of the races will offer lesser distances besides that race’s designated marathon distance- these races will not be counted for an marathon overall series awards. Check each individual race flyer)

USAC Mountain Bike requirements
All open class racers are required to hold a valid USAC annual license ($60). Non- USAC licensed racers in all other categories will pay an additional minimum $5 fee to race in the marathon series- the fee will be paid at the race site. Annual licenses can be purchased at the race site. Racers need their USAC license and legal ID for registration. All racers are required to complete and sign a USA Cycling standard athlete’s release.

Prizes and Awards
Awards will be presented to the top three in each category.
Payout will be based on overall top finishers regardless of class, but only if there is a mass start. The planned payout will be on the race flyer. Any other awards and payout will be at the discretion of the promoter. A per rider fee of $1 (only riders that ride the full marathon) will be paid by the promoter to the TMBRA treasurer to be used for series overall awards. The overall State Championship awards will go to the top five racers in each category and will be presented at the series final at The Miles of Discomfort Jan 28th, 2012

Beginner's Tips
(and maybe some tips
for Cat 2 and Cat 1)

New to the racing scene? Here are a few tips to follow to make that first race a little less intimidating.

Come prepared. Your bike should be in race ready condition- don’t save repairs for race day and don’t make any changes on your bike in the week before the race. This includes changing position, chains, cogs, tires, etc. (An exception is if something breaks.) Bring a variety of spare parts with you; tires, tubes, chain, cogs, and an extra wheel set if you have one. Lube, a pump, and allen keys are things that should live in your car or bike bag. There are usually people at a race that can help you in a pinch, but it is always better to be prepared.

Chain damage is still a problem with mountain bikes. Keeping your chain clean and well-lubricated will help. Periodic inspections of your chain for wear, stretch and damage is recommended. Learning how to use a chain tool will save you a walk home.

If you hear a funny noise coming from your bike when riding, soft pedal and look at what is making that noise. If something has landed in your drive train, like a stick, continuing to power the bike could cause something to break. Its better to stop off the trail and fix the problem quickly then get back in the race.

An athlete should always drink plenty of water, but this is particularly important prior to a race. It is good practice to begin heavy hydration 72 hours before the start of any competition. Be sure you have a water bottle with you at all times.

Bring your own food and water to the event. It is always better to be self-contained and self-sufficient. A first aid kit is a good idea.

There is always a designated feed area where water bottles are handed up. There should be signs or a map designating this area. Not all race venues have a water handup for beginners and the younger junior and open categories- find out at the race site.

Most race flyers and registration areas have all the pertinent information about the race. Read these notices carefully as most questions will be answered in these postings.

You must have a USAC license to participate in a TMBRA sponsored race. If you are a beginner or junior, you can purchase a one day license for $5, good only for that race day, or you can purchase an annual license for $60- adults, $30- juniors. You can purchase either license at the race site or go to www.usacycling.org to download an application or call USA Cycling at 719-578-4581 and have them send you one.

Try to pre-register for a race. This makes it less hectic on the day of the race. Double check your entry form to be certain you are placed in the proper race and that the time and location haven’t changed.

Upon arriving at the event, go first to pick up your race packet and number, then go back to your vehicle to dress and get your bike ready. Warm-up for at least 15 minutes. If you need a longer warm-up, plan to be at the start line about 20 minutes prior to your start.

Racers riding a bicycle have the right of way over racers pushing bicycles. When practical, racers pushing should stay on the least rideable portion of the path when being passed. A racer pushing or carrying his bicycle can overtake a racer riding his bicycle, provided he does not interfere with the rider’s progress. (NORBA rule 5.12.2)

Lapped riders must yield to leaders. (This applies to a lead rider overtaking another class) Riders should voice the command “track” when overtaking another. It is the responsibility of the challenging rider to overtake safely. You must yield to the passing rider on the first command. (NORBA rule 5.12.3)

All repairs during an event shall be performed by the individual racer. No outside support is permitted (NORBA rule 5.4)

Don’t litter the trail with gel packets.

Your computer clock is not the race clock. Remember this when filing a protest.

You have 15 minutes after the results are initially posted to file a protest. You must have a racer witness with you when you protest a result. Protests are very time consuming- make absolutely sure your protest is legitimate before you dispute the results.

Get out of your wet and dirty clothes as soon as you can. Eat a combo of protein and carbos within 30 minutes after finishing and re-hydrate.

All events have a Cat 3r raffle. Your race number is your raffle number so bring it with you after cleaning up from a race when you go to check the results. Some races have a separate junior raffle. Check the postings at the awards area and registration to find out.

It is your responsibility to collect your award or prize. If you cannot wait, then have a buddy pick it up or leave your name with $5 for postage at the registration table. It is not the promoters responsibility to mail you your prize without the request and the fee.