Here is a pan shot I took over the weekend

What have most of you found is a good shutter speed range for most cycling speed shots?
I'm going to try the slower shutter speeds with a 2nd curtain flash sync method here soon, any tips for that method as well?
<IMG SRC="http://www.mtbbill.com/pics/SoCalSSSummit-14MAY05-024-Carla1.jpg">
Canon 20D 18-55mm lens focal length 18mm F10 1/80th sec ISO 400.

For MTB panning shots I usually shoot between 1/125 to 1/60 depending on the light, the background and how fast they are moving (pan speed).

I'd like to see more foreground, particularly so that you can see both wheels completely.
That is my biggest issue with your photograph Bill, but a little more pan would help it out some.
Brian
Ride On!

Darker, with some flash would have worked well, here. It would make the background richer, hold the highlights better, and make your rider pop more.

I like lots of blur. So the slower the better. Since XC riders aren't usually moving that fast, you can shoot really slow. But remember - the slower you shoot, the more you'll lose. For a photo like this, I'd try as slow as 1/15th second. But I'd expect to have to shoot 3 or 4 to get a good one. You need a cooperative rider for that kind of photo. It's worth it, though!

A cute girl on a full rigid SS - we need more of that on this forum!

:D