VXCS - Virginia X-Country Racing Series

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This page will be updated with the answers to common questions as we see trends in what's being asked. Please click the link at the bottom of this page to contact a series official if you have any questions


What are the costs associated with the series?
1) District cards will be $25, fifteen of which will be the transducer cost. We are trying to work out a deal with the MX guys whereby the District 13 cross-country card can be used to ride MX also. Nothing has been agreed to yet.

2) Entry fees are going to be kept at $25 with the exception of the PRO class - entry fees are $35 for the Pro's.

3) Gate fees will vary with a maximum of $10.00 for the event. Check the website or individual race flyers for specifics on each site. These will become available as the race dates get closer. The objective of the VXCS is to try do our part in minimizing the costs to the riders, but since promotional costs vary from one promoter to another, we will do our best to support both the riders and at the same time help the promoters who make all of this happen.

How fast can I ride through the checkpoint with the transponder?

While that's a valid question, there's currently no answer. In every test to-date, riders have been able to pass through the checkpoint literally as fast as they're able, and never once did the system fail to detect the transponder - with one exception. For some unknown reason, the (quad) 400CC Honda four stroke has some interference that forces the riders to slow down when passing through the checkpoint. Intentions are to control the riders speed at the checkpoint by inserting a series of <S< curves - enough to eliminate any possibility of passing through the checkpoint faster than the system can detect him.


Does the transponder differentiate between me and another rider?

Will the system differentiate between one rider entering the checkpoint immediately behind another? In testing this issue, we've mounted on transponder on the handlebar of a rider, then mounted a second transponder at the junction of the seat and the rear fender (on the same cycle), leaving the transponders roughly 3 feet apart. Note that this is MUCH closer than will ever happen in reality since riders will go through the checkpoint single file. In all cases, even when going through the checkpoint as fast as possible, the system was still detecting the transponders without fail, separated by approximately 15 hundredths of a second apart.


What happens if I forget my transponder at home?
We will always have additional transponders at signup. You can rent a transponder for the day. We're planning to charge $15.00 at signup - but you'll get $10.00 back if you return it before the scoring team leaves after the last event that weekend. Do not expect a refund after the weekend you rented it.


What is the life expectancy of the transponder?
In most cases, you can expect your transponders last as long as you remain interested in the sport of off-road riding. They are extremely robust, require no batteries, and the manufacturer claims they have an almost indefinite lifetime. The single biggest factor in transponder life is damage. Although VERY strong, as with anything, it's possible to break them - and like a fracture in a good helmet - it's probably a decent idea to replace it. In all liklihood, you'll probably never replace it.


Where should I mount my transponder?
Regardless where you mount it, the transponder MUST be mounted cross-ways, and horizontal to the ground, and it WILL NOT WORK if it's mounted on metal.. Without question, the best place is to tie-wrap it to your chest protector - either in the front or back - it doesn't matter. You can also put it in a back-pack, as long as the transponder remains horizontal. An alternative location is to mount it to either the front or rear fender. While it might seem logical to mount it to the handlebar crossbar pad, that's OK, but a bit risky, since the crossbar pads are prone to rotate, bringing the transponder in contact with the metal of the handlebar clamps. In all cases, be sure the transponder is VERY securely mounted. Use extra tie-wraps or duct-tape. Remember - the transponder is YOURS, so take the extra time to ensure you don't lose it. Be sure to make some passes through the checkpoint prior to race time to confirm readability.

How do I know my transponder can be read?
Time will be allocated for riders to pass through the checkpoint to confirm the readability of their transponder. All riders are encouraged to conduct this self-test, to ensure theirs is mounted properly rather than discover that at end of the race when the final results are posted.


Will the rules regarding color of number plates be enforced?
In short, yes, we will enforce this rule. We expect that some people will show up at any given race unprepared, and we have no intention of turning these people away. We will try to keep contact paper, duct tape, and markers around to help out those people who need it. It is, however, the rider's responsibility to follow the rules that have been set. If and when a rider who is following the rules protests another rider who isn't, the protest from the rider who is legal will prevail. Our advice is very simple: IF YOU ARE GOING TO RIDE MORE THAN A RACE OR TWO; IF YOU ARE RIDING FOR POINTS OR CHAMPIONSHIPS - Plan to follow the rules as stated.


Is camping available at all of the race sites?
Most of these races will allow for camping Friday and Saturday nights.Gate fees will vary with a maximum of $10.00 for the event.Check the website or individual race flyers for specifics on each site. These will become available as the race dates get closer.


Will there be any throw-aways?
Nope - not for the present.