Conference noted::bicycle

    re to my own:
    Sorry for the rudeness.  I am new at this notes stuff.  I hit the wrong 
    key and didn't know what to do.  Thanx in advance for the info.

    
    
     1. Can a USCF license be used for NORBA races + vice versa?  -  No
    
     2. How much do the license(s) dent the pocket book? - USCF = $32
     							  NORBA = don't know
      
     3. When can a person buy a licence(s) for the 92 season? - you can
    				send the '92' application and the money in
    				whenever you want but you can't use the
    				license(s) until the 1st of the year.
    
      John C.
    USCF racer but not NORBA
    

      
    
    For this year a license was $25. for the year or $5. the day of the race.
    Helmets are mandatory.
    
    							Norm
    
    

    You might also consider that many USCF clubs organize cyclocross races, 
    which are sort of like real mountain bike races except they have this
    official person stand in front of the field at the start line and
    lecture, quoting liberally from the USCF rulebook, about how
    forward-facing handlebar ends are not allowed, how your your club
    jersey must be clean and pressed, and other important details to ensure
    that everything is conducted on the up and up.
    
    You can do these races without a USCF license, in the "novice" class. 
    A NORBA license doesn't work.
    
    Tom
    
    

    Being new to the MTB world I am eagerly trying to absorb as much
    information as possible. One question I have is about NORBA... What is it
    exactly, how does one get information on it such as what type of racing
    does it include, what are the classes and age groups involved, where
    are the races held (locally anyway- New England), what costs are
    involved and any general information you may have on it?

    I just bought my first MTB about 3 months ago and love it. I haven't
    ridden a bike since I was probably 17 (now 34) but I really enjoy the
    freedom, the speed, the adventure and the friends. I used to race
    motocross and am getting that urge again for speed and competition and
    I heard about NORBA. Now my curiosity is up and I need more info.

    Anything you can tell me about it would be greatly appreciated. Also,
    if anyone has experience with NORBA and how they run things that would
    be great insight.


    Thanks in advance,
    Shawn

Shawn,

I'll try and answer some of your questions...


>    Being new to the MTB world I am eagerly trying to absorb as much
>    information as possible. One question I have is about NORBA... What is it
>    exactly, how does one get information on it such as what type of racing
>    does it include, what are the classes and age groups involved, where
>    are the races held (locally anyway- New England), what costs are
>    involved and any general information you may have on it?


NORBA is a sanctioning body for most MTB races in the U.S. NORBA sanctions
cross country, downhill, and slalom - in New England almost all races are XC
only - only a handful have downhill and slalom races.   

The classes are broken up by both age and experience. The experience levels are
Beginner, Sport, Expert, and Pro/Elite. You can start at any level you like, 
but once you race at a certain level, you cannot drop to a lower level. 
You are required to bump up to the next level after five top-5 finishes. 

Usually the ages are Juniors, 19-26, 27-34, and 35+. There may also be a 45+ 
class, but I'm not sure. 

XC race distances range from 6-10 miles for beginners to 20+ miles for Experts. 

Races are held all over New England - on most weekends you can find a race
somewhere. Usual entry fees are $15-20. A NORBA one-day license is avaliable
for $3. 


>    I just bought my first MTB about 3 months ago and love it. I haven't
>    ridden a bike since I was probably 17 (now 34) but I really enjoy the
>    freedom, the speed, the adventure and the friends. I used to race
>    motocross and am getting that urge again for speed and competition and
>    I heard about NORBA. Now my curiosity is up and I need more info.

>    Anything you can tell me about it would be greatly appreciated. Also,
>    if anyone has experience with NORBA and how they run things that would
>    be great insight.

I'm in HLO1 too - stop by if you'd like to chat or need some more info. 

/ken

    Ken,
    	Thanks for the information. That's just what I was looking for. I
    will stop by if I have any other questions.
    
    Thanks again,
    Shawn