What Now?

[blondiebiker]

Well, I did my first bike race this weekend (Bulldog @ Camp Pendleton), and had a blast - I'm sure I saw some of you guys there and didn't know it. I placed second in my age group (out of four :P), but being a stats geek I put all the finish times into my stats analysis program and found that I was only 49th percentile in my finish time. I was hoping for more like 30th... but whatever, it was still really fun!

Anyway, here's my question. I'd like to get better at pretty much everything - climbing, descending, riding in groups, not getting distracted by pretty scenery :). Also, I want to race more often than we have open races around here, so I guess it's time to look into the USCF world. Any advise, particularly from people in the San Diego area? I know there are some good cycling groups here, but I've been somewhat of a loner so far...

[Brandy]

Awesome! Congratulations on your first race! I did my first...Dash for Cash Criterium in Dominguez Hills on Sunday. :)

Next step? I would say that if you want to stick with racing, get your license and get out there at some of the local races. Are you on a team?

Are you thinking of doing more of the road racing thing, or are you willing to race crits too? There is a crit almost every weekend in so Cal, typically they are on Sundays. Road races are harder to come by, but there is Devil's Punchbowl in April and then San Luis Rey in May.

Here are some sites where you can get the dates for races since not all are listed on one site...

http://www.californiabicycleracing.org/

http://www.socalcycling.com/Schedule/2005/racesched05.asp

http://scnca.com/2006calendar.asp

If you want to talk more, it sounds like we're in the same boat...both starting out with racing. :)

[blondiebiker]

Cool, good for you!

I'm guessing I would love crits too, simply because they involve riding a bike! I don't know much about them. Can I just get my license and sign up by myself (no team)? Tell me more! :-D

[Eden]

You can race without a team - and as a beginner you can get a one day license at most races *but* just keep in mind that a crit is a very technical pack race, so if you are at all uncomfortable drafting, riding in a large group and especially cornering in a large group, you probably should get some more experience before jumping right in.

You can also look for "training races" in your area. We have a really good series up here for beginners that I wouldn't hesitate to send newbies to - even those who don't have much pack experience. There are veteran riders who volunteer to ride with each race to give advice and teach along the way. Look for something on the same lines in your area.

Of course joining a team is IMHO the best way to learn to ride in a pack and race, so keep your eyes open for that opportunity too. Some parts of California do seem to have very active women's cycling communites so keep a look out and I'll bet you'll find something. This time of the year is likely not the best time to be thinking about it though. Some teams may recruit all year, but most teams, around here at least, only accept new members in the fall.

[Brandy]

It's too bad you're not closer to OC/LA. El Dorado Twilight Series starts tonight...races every Tuesday night until August.

[smilingcat]

congratulation on your first race :) :D How was the weather? It was overcast and dreary at my house so I did a "no show" Last thing I want is a wet road and ride in a pack.

So to the question of now what? Sounds like joining a local team is a next stop for you. Before you sin up with any team, go to their meetings, ride a few rides with them see how it feels to you. Then join the team you want. Each team have their own dynamics and you just need to match with your personal feelings. Just start slow and build up.

If you want to get faster, do intervals.
if you want to climb faster do hill reps.

lots of happy riding
Smilingcat

[blondiebiker]

The weather was great - totally overcast but not wet at all. :-)

Thanks for the suggestions!