staying with the pack

Hi guys,
So this is the start of my third year racing, if I can use that term loosely. In the past couple of years, I've raced a handful of times in local events and have always come in last - well, I guess I've beat juniors, but no one my age. Nonetheless, I like the way racing makes me push harder than I have before, gives me a goal to train for.

I've been training more & better this winter than I have before - using TrainingPeaks' Virtual Coach and digging it. So I'm in better shape this spring than past springs, and there's a shadow of a chance that I'll be able to stay with the pack in this Sunday's race. And I'm terrified! I've ridden with people before, but they've always been friends or teammates. I'm less nervous about crashing than I am being the one to cause others to crash.

Yikes...I'm better at cornering than I once was, but what if I have to brake...

Any advice? Besides to get better at cornering before Sunday? Is it irresponsible to race if I'm not totally confident with corners? I guess I can always hang to the back of the pack...

Fretting a little too much maybe,
Solveig

If you think you are going to be squirrly, stay toward the back.

A really important point to remember. If you follow the "track" in front of you and they didn't have to touch the brake, you don't either. You might want to feather the brake or worse but if they didn't you probably don't have to. They made the turn so should you. Sometimes, you should go out and ride with seasoned rider and practice those sharp hard turns. You might be suprised to see how much more you can go.

It's not irresponsible to race if you are not confident. Not everyone has the bravado or the overbearing confidence. Deep inside, lot of us have doubts.

smilingcat

Thanks for the advice. I've relaxed a bit, and I think Sunday will be fun and an opportunity to learn something.

:)
S