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Just looking for some information on racing. Ive been doing triathlons for three years and have been venturing this year into some longer distance charity rides and find myself not tiring even at a pretty good pace (21-22mph). I am looking for some input on how to even start racing. I think I'd like to give it a try come next spring, but I'm not sure where to start. I live in Michigan just for a reference. Thanks!!!
Welcome! Very glad to hear that you are interested in some racing in the coming year! I love to hear of more women getting into the sport.
This past year was my first year of road and 'cross racing, but I have been doing TTs for a couple of years. As a triathelete, TTs will suit you well - our club's TT record for women is held by a triathelete.
To get started, try to find a cycling club near you. I connected with a club this year, and it has been invaluable. Our club has an intro to racing clinic, and provides free coaching sessions to team members throughout the season. This has really helped me to learn about racing tactics and techniques, and to practice my skills with a group that has similar interests, goals and abilities.
I also did some reading to complement my lack on knowledge. I would highly recommend Joe Friel's book "The Cyclists Training Bible". This helped me to understand where I needed to focus training efforts. I have also been reading a book titled "Racing Tactics for Cyclists". The reading, of course, needs to be a supplement to riding and training.
Hopefully you have a good club near you, and can find some other women with whom to train and race. Hopefully, one will become your mentor, which is what has happened with me!
Good luck, and let us know how you do.
SheFly
Welcome! You might try here http://www.mbra.org/ (Michigan Bicycle Racing Association) for a good start.
I just finished my first year of racing and I've had a great time. I joined a team last fall and I think that its a great way to go. You get the advantage of riding with a group experienced racers all winter before the racing season starts. (though I don't know how much Michigan team ride in the winter?) It prepares you for riding in a pack and gives you lots of good mentors to draw from. Everything from how to get your racing license and how to prepare for a race. Plus, bicycle racing really is a team sport. It can be as much fun as winning yourself when you know you've helped a team mate to win.
As She-Fly said you will probably find with your background in triathalons you will likely do well in TT's, but you will definitely want to hone your group riding skills before you try road racing. If you can't or don't want to join a team at least try to attend group rides and / or take some skills clinics. Many cyclists view triathelets at road races a bit warily (or really unattatched riders in general). They are often strong enough to hang with the pack, but lack the handling skills to be safe there. It's nothing personal - everyone is just concerned about staying out of crashes so anyone who looks like they may not have group experience is someone to avoid.
You'll also want to do some group riding to get used to the rather different nature of road racing compared to triathalon. Road racing is less about all out speed and power and more about tactics, positioning in the pack and being able to deal with surges (attacks). Sure, sometimes there is a person who can get away and just be strong enough to stay out ahead the whole race, but that is pretty rare and that person will upgrade fast.
Let us know how things are going! Racing is a lot of fun.