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Frequently asked questions and answers to help clarify a few things:
What if I am under 30, can I still race OTHG Events?
Yes you can. You can race in the support classes. The OTHG has support classes for all bike sizes.
How much does it cost to join?
The cost for a full race season is $40 for Bay, $40 for Sierra. Some chapters, such as the Bay and Sierra, allow you to sign up online through PayPal.
What Chapter should I join?
You are free to join any chapter. A good rule of thumb is to join the Chapter that is nearest to your home and where you currently race. Because of proximity to each other the Bay and Sierra chapters often promote races together.
Do I have to race only events my chapter is putting on or can I race any OTHG event?
You are free to race any OTHG event. The only events that have stipulations are the National events. You must race two regular races before attending an OTHG national.
Can I keep my current racing number or do I have to take one assigned by OTHG?
It is possible to keep your current number, unless another rider in the OTHG chapter you join already has it. Numbers 1-25 are reserved for the top 25 riders. Check with the chapter you are thinking about joining as to which numbers are available. You will have to add a letter to your number which will represent the Chapter you have joined.
What do the letters after the numbers represent and am I required to use a letter?
The letters represent your chapter.
B – Bay Area Chapter
G – South Chapter
R – Reno Chapter
S – Sierra Chapter
V – Valley Chapter
You are required to run your letter on all three of your number plates to be scored.
I heard you have to have a certain colored background?
That is correct. The colored backgrounds help us police practices, races and help everyone identify the skill level of the rider. The current color requirements are:
Beginner - Green Backgrounds with White numbers
Novice - Yellow Backgrounds with Black numbers
Intermediate - Black Backgrounds with White numbers
Expert - White Backgrounds with Black numbers
Master - White Backgrounds with Black numbers
I have seen some riders with Red or Blue backgrounds, what class are they?
Red backgrounds with white numbers are National Champions and or Club Champion. Blue backgrounds are for the Womens class.
What is an eval race?
An eval race is an evaluation race. It is used to determine the proper class for you to race in. During your eval races you may actually race more than 1 class to see where you fit best.
What class should I sign up for during my eval?
If you have raced before a good rule of thumb is that you should race up one class from a standard AMP, E Street, CMC class. For example if you race 30+ Novice in AMP, you should do your first eval in 30+ Intermediate.
I have seen some riders wearing an OTHG jersey. Is it required?
No, it is no longer required to wear an OTHG jersey.
Are transponders mandatory?
Yes, they are required for all OTHG Race events. You can purchase and register yours at MyLaps.
Do I need anything special to do my eval races?
No, just join the club, pick a class and race, It is recommended showing up a little early to make sure you have time for the paperwork.
Do I have to have my number and letter set up on my bike before my eval race?
No, you will be given a temporary race number for your eval day. You will be given a printed paper number that you simply stick to your number plates. You will also be given a colored vest to wear to make it easier for the Race Director to watch your race.
I want to sign up for the Expert class; do I have to ride an eval race?
No, if you are already an experienced racer and feel that you should join the gang in the Expert or Master class, you do not need to do an eval race.
What do I have to do in order to be eligible for the OTHG Nationals?
You must be current on your membership and must have raced 2 events in the previous calendar year, or 4 events in 2 years prior to the national. The two/four prior races MUST be in the class you are racing at the national.
Do my eval races count towards National eligibility?
Yes they do.
Since I am racing expert and don’t have to do Nationals, do I still need to get 2 races in to be eligible for the National?
Yes, you still must participate in at least 2 events, prior to the event.
What is a Gang Only day and is it safe to bring my family?
A gang only day is a race/event that is promoted by the OTHG. Family is welcome, and can race the support classes.
Can I race multiple classes?
You cannot run more than 1 OTHG class, however if we are running an event with another promoter you are free to sign up for whichever non OTHG classes you are eligible for. OTHG Members can also race Support.
The OTHG Club promotes no sandbagging and fair racing, how do people get advanced and who do bring up questions to if we feel someone is racing in the wrong class?
There are race director(s) that watch all races. You can find the name and contact information for your chapter’s race director on your chapter’s website.
http://www.bayothg.com
What if I am under 30, can I still race OTHG Events?
Yes you can. You can race in the support classes. The OTHG has support classes for all bike sizes.
How much does it cost to join?
The cost for a full race season is $40 for Bay, $40 for Sierra. Some chapters, such as the Bay and Sierra, allow you to sign up online through PayPal.
What Chapter should I join?
You are free to join any chapter. A good rule of thumb is to join the Chapter that is nearest to your home and where you currently race. Because of proximity to each other the Bay and Sierra chapters often promote races together.
Do I have to race only events my chapter is putting on or can I race any OTHG event?
You are free to race any OTHG event. The only events that have stipulations are the National events. You must race two regular races before attending an OTHG national.
Can I keep my current racing number or do I have to take one assigned by OTHG?
It is possible to keep your current number, unless another rider in the OTHG chapter you join already has it. Numbers 1-25 are reserved for the top 25 riders. Check with the chapter you are thinking about joining as to which numbers are available. You will have to add a letter to your number which will represent the Chapter you have joined.
What do the letters after the numbers represent and am I required to use a letter?
The letters represent your chapter.
B – Bay Area Chapter
G – South Chapter
R – Reno Chapter
S – Sierra Chapter
V – Valley Chapter
You are required to run your letter on all three of your number plates to be scored.
I heard you have to have a certain colored background?
That is correct. The colored backgrounds help us police practices, races and help everyone identify the skill level of the rider. The current color requirements are:
Beginner - Green Backgrounds with White numbers
Novice - Yellow Backgrounds with Black numbers
Intermediate - Black Backgrounds with White numbers
Expert - White Backgrounds with Black numbers
Master - White Backgrounds with Black numbers
I have seen some riders with Red or Blue backgrounds, what class are they?
Red backgrounds with white numbers are National Champions and or Club Champion. Blue backgrounds are for the Womens class.
What is an eval race?
An eval race is an evaluation race. It is used to determine the proper class for you to race in. During your eval races you may actually race more than 1 class to see where you fit best.
What class should I sign up for during my eval?
If you have raced before a good rule of thumb is that you should race up one class from a standard AMP, E Street, CMC class. For example if you race 30+ Novice in AMP, you should do your first eval in 30+ Intermediate.
I have seen some riders wearing an OTHG jersey. Is it required?
No, it is no longer required to wear an OTHG jersey.
Are transponders mandatory?
Yes, they are required for all OTHG Race events. You can purchase and register yours at MyLaps.
Do I need anything special to do my eval races?
No, just join the club, pick a class and race, It is recommended showing up a little early to make sure you have time for the paperwork.
Do I have to have my number and letter set up on my bike before my eval race?
No, you will be given a temporary race number for your eval day. You will be given a printed paper number that you simply stick to your number plates. You will also be given a colored vest to wear to make it easier for the Race Director to watch your race.
I want to sign up for the Expert class; do I have to ride an eval race?
No, if you are already an experienced racer and feel that you should join the gang in the Expert or Master class, you do not need to do an eval race.
What do I have to do in order to be eligible for the OTHG Nationals?
You must be current on your membership and must have raced 2 events in the previous calendar year, or 4 events in 2 years prior to the national. The two/four prior races MUST be in the class you are racing at the national.
Do my eval races count towards National eligibility?
Yes they do.
Since I am racing expert and don’t have to do Nationals, do I still need to get 2 races in to be eligible for the National?
Yes, you still must participate in at least 2 events, prior to the event.
What is a Gang Only day and is it safe to bring my family?
A gang only day is a race/event that is promoted by the OTHG. Family is welcome, and can race the support classes.
Can I race multiple classes?
You cannot run more than 1 OTHG class, however if we are running an event with another promoter you are free to sign up for whichever non OTHG classes you are eligible for. OTHG Members can also race Support.
The OTHG Club promotes no sandbagging and fair racing, how do people get advanced and who do bring up questions to if we feel someone is racing in the wrong class?
There are race director(s) that watch all races. You can find the name and contact information for your chapter’s race director on your chapter’s website.
http://www.bayothg.com