Get Race Day Ready
RACE DAY CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS & STUDENT-ATHLETES
Get the most out of race day! Whether you are competing or attending as a spectator, being well-prepared will make for a more enjoyable experience. This checklist will help student-athletes and their families get ready for a Northside Hospital Race Series event.
DURING THE WEEK LEADING UP TO THE RACE:
To avoid poor performance and physical problems caused by dehydration, athletes need to consume plenty of water in the days before the race. Hydration DOES NOT begin on race morning. So, all athletes need to reach for the water all week. Never chug! Just continuously sip water throughout the day.
Drinks like sodas and sweet tea do not help with hydration. So, while they are liquids, the sugar and caffeine negate any hydration benefits.
Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Athletes need great sleep hygiene before competing in a mountain bike race. If an athlete does not sleep enough during the week, their battery will not be fully charged by the time they get to the start line.
You will not be permitted to drive into the Pit Zone (unless you have a Pit Zone Pass from your Team Director to deliver team equipment) so you may want to purchase a small wagon/cart to carry your family items from the parking lot into the race venue.
THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE:
Gather everything needed for tomorrow so you do not forget anything.
Athlete: Team Jersey, Helmet, Gloves, Shoes, Water Bottles, Post-Race Clothes, etc.
Family: Water Bottles, Snacks, Pre-Paid Parking Pass, Email Confirmation for Camping, Sunscreen, Chairs, etc.
Go to the Race Schedule and bookmark the Race Info Page for this race. It will help you find the schedule quickly whenever you need it.
Eat a proper dinner! Every student-athlete should give themselves the right fuel for race day. Avoid a dinner that is high in fat or fried. Foods like pasta, bread, and rice should be on an athlete's dinner plate. Also, include some low-fiber veggies like peas, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower and a good serving of lean protein such as chicken or fish.
Decide the time you want to leave your house and let everyone know. The parking line builds as the morning gets later, so arriving earlier is better. All athletes should be at their team tent no later than 60 minutes before their staging time. This is the minimum window of time needed to get settled and prepared.
RACE MORNING BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE:
Get excited! Today is going to be a wonderful day.
An athlete’s breakfast should be light enough to avoid feeling heavy and sluggish but powerful enough to fuel their race day performance. Great options are fruit, smoothies, low-sugar oatmeal, low-sugar cereals (go easy on the milk), or granola.
Athletes are not permitted to consume caffeinated beverages on race day until they complete their race. Doing so will result in disqualification.
All spectators should wear comfortable shoes! You may be doing a decent amount of walking, some of which might be on uneven ground. So, be prepared with the proper footwear.
AT THE EVENT VENUE:
Athletes should go directly to their team tent when they arrive to meet up with their coaches and teammates.
Spectators should scope out their viewing locations. The maps on our Race Info Pages include some great spectator viewing areas.
Middle School does one lap. Their time to complete should take less than 45 min.
High School does multiple laps. Depending on their speed, race times could be anywhere from 45 to 120 mins.
Spectators should never lean over the race tape to get a better view or take a picture. This could result in an injury.
We encourage spectators to cheer for every rider that passes you, not just those on your team.
If you are watching a race by the finish line, please consider staying there until the last rider completes the race. If you are an athlete with free time, please head to the finish line area to cheer on your fellow athletes. We never want any student-athlete to cross an empty finish line!
Do not congregate at the end of the course exit chute. This can cause a backup into the course. Parents, please wait for your athlete away from the exit. Athletes, please keep walking your bike until you are clear of the exit.