[kbahus]

A couple friends and I are considering racing in the Keystone Climax this year. I myself have never raced before so this would be a first. I have been looking into the dual slalom and/or the downhill course. I am curious if there are beginer classes for these events? I am no pro but love to throw down and be as fast as possible. I just don't want to be competing against guys that are way above my level as I am a total newbie. Does anyone have any prior experience with this race event? Is it good for a first time racer or should I be looking for something different?

 

[bikeandski]

Yes they have beginner classes and yes it is a fine event for a first timer, do it, you'll be glad you did.

As long as you can ride the DH course I can't see any reason not to give it a go!

Good luck!

 

[kbahus]

Awsome, I was up there a couple weeks ago and had no problem with the dh stuff up there, it was really fun. Gonna request that weekend off from work tomorrow!

 

[.thumper.]

Awsome, I was up there a couple weeks ago and had no problem with the dh stuff up there, it was really fun. Gonna request that weekend off from work tomorrow!

Welcome to gravity racing! For anyone else out there who is somewhat interested in trying out downhill, dual slalom, and/or mountain cross racing, our regional Mountain States Cup Series is an excellent place to try it out! There are still two events left; Telluride in two weeks and Keystone the beginning of September. For gravity racing, Telluride is a DH only event, where Keystone will have both Dual Slalom and Downhill events. There are beginner categories for each age group, both for men and women. If you think you have what it takes, you can also start out in the Sport or Expert categories as well.

 

[kristian]

It's a great first time race because you can ride the DH course every weekend between now and the race. Of course, you probably won't do that, but it is easy to become really familar with the course over 2-3 days of riding. I would strongly recommend you spend a few days up there between now and the race.

Keystone was my first DH race, but I actually went into the sport class for the first race since I didn't feel it would be fair for me to race beginner. Most of my riding buddies were racing the expert class at the time so I knew I could do OK in sport. Do you have any idea how well you would fair based on a riding buddy who races? Of course, there is nothing wrong with signing up as a beginner for the first time to see how well you do.

 

[kbahus]

I really don't know how I would fair. I can hang pretty darn good with my buddy that rides an all out 8" dh bike unless it is a super technical section, then I have to pick a good line where he can just huck the bike down it. I believe he raced last year in semipro or something like that. I ride a 6" travel setup and feel plenty comfortable on it at both Keystone and Winter Park. It's no dh rig but damn close.

I recently took a digger and destroyed my shoulder, I am recovering quickly and hopefully will be riding next week, this is the only thing that is holding my back right now. I was planning on riding Vail last weekend and going back to Keystone this weekend but that obviously is not gonna happen. Dirt jumping is not worth it imo!

 

[bikeandski]

If you can hang with your buddy who used to race semi then you are not a beginner at all but since you don't have a DH rig the sport class will be a good place to start, if you podium then move up to expert.

 

[shabadu]

If you can hang with your buddy who used to race semi then you are not a beginner at all but since you don't have a DH rig the sport class will be a good place to start, if you podium then move up to expert.

Yep, def. Sport.