First Race Suggestions?

[blondiebiker]

I'm planning on doing my first cycling race (so far have only done tris and century), and I'm looking at the Camp Pendleton (San Diego) Bulldog race on March 1st. Has anyone done this race? I'd love some feedback on whether you guys think this is a good first bike race, or if there are other southern Cali races that would be better. Thanks!

[velogirl]

BB, have you check out the SCNCA Women's Challenge? It's a women's race series run by Dorothy Wong and Bonnie Bourque that includes mentoring and races just for beginner women (separate CAT4 and CAT3 races). I would suggest one of the Wome's Challenge races for your first race.

Lorri

[Tokie]

My club (Echelon of Santa Barbara) hosts the "Mothballs" race - it will be held on Saturday Feb 2nd this year. It's a crit and the course is great for first timers. It's a flat course with 4 right turns, (and the pavement is in great condition this year!). I went the Santa Clarita crit last year(it was a women's only race!) to watch my friends last year, and was sorry that I didn't do Mothballs to get my feet wet, as the field was much bigger in Santa Clarita, and the course had a short steep climb on one leg. Hope to see you there at Mothballs, it will be my first criterium! Carol (Here is a link to the club web page and you can open the Mothballs flyer from there) http://www.echelonsantabarbara.org/

[smilingcat]

Just checked with a friend of mine. He says that the bulldog race is a public race. Anyone can race. The race is staged according to age group. Lot of first time racers. And over the 26 mile course many of them blow themselves up (jack rabbits). But that's okay. It's supposed to be fun.

The one mile steep rise they are talking about is a staircase so its not that bad. My friend recommends doing it.

Starts at Los Pulgas (only in california would you name a streed "the flea")

I think I might sign up just for the fun of it. Get a T-shirt. Oh he said that he has seen people still out riding hour or more after he finished.

Smilingcat

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There is a 50ft or so tall bump near the beginning and the hill climb is near the half way point. The race is out and back in a U shape. didn't sound exactly like a TT but you do come back on the same road (that is what it sounded like). Each age group does a mass start so this could mean upwards of 40 or so riders trying to get to the front or stay near the front. Depending on the mood of the group, some wil sort of meander to the staircase hill climb then attack viciously to the top. You then turn around, form a pace line with those around you, and try to catch the leaders back to the finish line. And there are other groups which go out fast but no one attacks the hill. So depending on your group you may do different things. And the hill has total of 500 feet climb with maybe 6-8% grade??

This is also a season warm-up/tune up for some of the local clubs. Several local clubs will be there for a warm-up.

40 or so mass start with seasoned riders and squirrly ones do worry me a bit well mostly the squirrly ones. I just need some new T-shirt so maybe I'll just pop out the back and meander my way through the course.

smilingcat

[spokewench]

Watch out for public races - many times, the racers are not very good bike handlers. It is worse than a Cat 4 or 5 race dependent on your gender of course

spoke

[velogirl]

BTW, in case you haven't thought of this, finding a club could be a great support mechanism for you.

Here's the URL for the Women's Cycling Challenge race series. They haven't updated the 2008 information yet.

http://womenscyclingchallenge.org/

[smilingcat]

I've looked at bulldog race results and found my friend. Judging from his time, the course is not the easiest. Just a moderate ride. If you never raced before or unsure of your speed, figuring on comin in around 1:30 to 1:40. (16-17MPH avg with the 500 foot hill in the middle).

Race is staggard in age group, gender, handicap factor (clysdale for men and Athena for women). No tandems no recumbants. The total number of people is 500 or less and women's groups only number in the forties or so. The group splinters really early on so I wouldn't expect crashes from squirrly riders. It sounds fun. I may just sign up on the day of the event have fun and come in really slow

And oh if you do show up, do bring your mag/fluid trainer so you can warm up before the start. (NO PITCHING OF CANAPY...)

why am I even comtemplating such a thing? you get zero points. not sanctioned by USCF (USA cycling)...

Brandy, are you going to do this just for fun and any one else in so cal??

smilingcat

[blondiebiker]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I think I'm going to go ahead and give this race a try.