Am I ready?

[autumn]

I am 18 yrs old and have been riding long distances with my dad ever since I was eight. Lately, I've been toying with the idea of entering a road race this summer, but I really have no idea if I am ready. I ride several times during the week (20-40 miles), and do longer trips (100 miles) on saturdays, but the pace is pretty leisurely. I don't know if I should go ahead and start racing this summer or wait until next summer when I am in a little better shape and have some idea what I am doing. I really want to try out racing, but I have zero experience and am pretty clueless. Any advice?

[Popoki_Nui]

Can you join or hang out with a local race club, and see how you do compared to those who are already racing? There are several categories of racing skill levels....I'll bet you'll fit into one easily.

~S.

[Grog]

The most important thing about racing is not so much speed but SKILLS. DO join a club. Get used to riding very very close to others, cornering at high speeds, descending in groups, etc. There is probably a development team not too far from where you live, call your local cycling federation and try to learn about it.

In the meantime, you can always try time-trials to see how you do speed-wise! I'm sure you'll do well if you're used to riding with your dad. But please don't get in a pack race if you've never done big-group riding. Your security and that of others will be at stake.

Good luck!!! And come back to report to us on that training and races!