How can I start cross-country mountain biking?

First, you start by finding a trail and riding your bike on it. look for tricky sections with rocks and short hills, pratice them until you can ride without stepping off the pedals.

Second, ride whenever you can; to and from school, friends houses, errands to the store for mom (bring a backpack for the goods). Go on long weekend rides,

For race listings, try:

www.bikereg.com

www.usacycling.org

If you're lucky and live in an area with a highly active racing community, there will be many other resources to choose from. You should always start in the beginner or novice category. If you open a can of whoopass, then you can upgrade.

Go to a local bike shop and ask about clubs and group rides.

You also might want to consider a road bike, or road tires for your mtb. Road cycling is an essential component to endurance off road.

Track and field are good for overall fitness but not so much for cycling specifically. The muscle groups are used so differently that extended training in one discipline is detrimental to the other. Cyling is way better to build fitness and endurance for running and track events than the other way around. This months issue of Runners World has an excellent article on bicycle training regimens for competitive runners.

"RIde Lots" - Eddy Merckx

since your just getting into, strength training and all that is not really necessary. depending on were you live, there should be a regional association that organizes events. i live in new england ad here i have the Root 66 Race Series which organizes race events mainly in CT and MA (with 2 or 3 in NH and VT). the races range in difficulty from kids up to expert/pro which do 30mile circuits.

TIP: start in a low class. i started in the sport class and did so bad. i dropped down to beginner and took 2nd on my first race. dont underestimate the competition or overestimate your abilities.

attend a few races, have fun, talk to other people. older racers have more experience and most are willing to share a few tips with beginners.

you do need a proper diet if you want to be serious. nobody ever won a race powered by skittles and beer (soda for those who are younger).

if you want any more tips and advice, email me. ive got lots of info and experience with bikes and racing. i'd be happy to help you get started. the earlier start you get though, the longer the career you'll have, if your serious about it.

good luck

Christin....will you bike with me? Oops...first get a female specific designed mountain bike of your size. ( doesn't have to be expensive----with your physically fit status ---a full suspension lightweight rig will do you just fine----try brands like Giant , Kona, Specialized, Trek .) Local races? Check these websites ----mtbr.com, spokejunkies.com,bicycling.com,bikemag.c… Enter in the NOVICE category and if you land in the podium ---even a 4th or 5th place ain't bad----then your progress will dictate where you can compete. ( better let the champ Missy 'the missile' Giove offer advice---find her website little ditty! )....better get real cool protective gear before you race! ( www.wheelworld.com, www.pricepoint.com ). Oh, go to a local race FIRST...before you ever attempt doing one. WATCH THE PROS ----& like a Jedi, FEEL THE FORCE! Oh well, Talk to a female adrenaline junkie. The rest is up to you teenage biker!

Just go out and do it! It sounds like you have had a great start and you do a lot of activities to keep yourself fit. I would go to a local shop and see what clubs or groups there are locally that you can join up with. They can help point you in the right direction with training, equipment, events etc. If you are in the USA, Velonews.com often lists events online.