Race help needed!

[uforgot]

I've been commuting by bike, and have a mountain bike that I ride on gravel roads and state parks, but I ride for recreation. I recently saw that the Missouri Show Me games has a 50-59 female category for their 20 mile cycling race. Gee, I'd like to do this, and boy I'd LOVE to win. Last year's winner did the 20 miles in 56 minutes. I currently have a Trek 7.2 fx, flat bars, can I do this race on this bike, (of course I would put slick tires on it) or do I need to go ahead and get my dream Bianchi Eros Donna? Or am I over-thinking a 20 mile race? Anything you can recommend to train for this? Suggestions, books, whatever? I have until July 22nd, so anything you guys tell me, I'll try. I've been dancing/teaching dance since I was 8, but I've never really competed in anything. Boy am I looking forward to this!

[maillotpois]

Is this a road race or a time trial? Depending on which it is, your approach will vary.

Riding with faster riders definitely makes you faster. It's a similar effect to doing speed work or intervals, but more real-life. You need to get used to reacting to speed changes of other riders, covering breaks, etc.

Having a great looking bike may or may not make you faster. The psychological component can't be ignored, though!!

If this is a true road race, then you really need to work on pack riding skills for safety's sake more than anything else. If this is a TT then ignore this part of the post, but if this is a road race, and your first one, you need to be as SAFE as possible:

You need to be comfortable with contact and wheel touching, etc. I coach for team in training, most of their events are basic centuries, but we also have one event that we will train riders to race, if they want. I have used some drills for riders who will be racing in these pack type events. The best is bump drills. You get a pair of riders on a lawn, ride with sneakers and helmets, and ride around in a big circle, taking turns bumping the back wheel of the front rider, and then also riding leaning into one another trying to knock the other person off - not too hard, but you get the idea. Both of these drills will help your bike handling and confidence if you do get into a race conditions.

I'd also encourage you to check around with local racing clubs and see if any of them have a women's team or do any sort of womens' racing development. We are lucky in N. CA that we have several strong womens development teams, for all levels. Ask around - it really help to be prepared and have ridden in race like conditions - even just on a club ride. The more you can ride in a group, the better prepared you will be.

Racing your bike is one of the biggest rushes ever, but you need to put some time into the skill and bike handling so you don't get hurt. I have seen (and been in) some nasty crashes in races - most of which were avoidable if people handled bikes better.

I really want to encourage you to try racing, but I also want you to be safe.

[RoadRaven]

Hey there uforgot...
Like Mallio says, you should define what type of riding you are going to do on the road as there are different bikes for different purposes, and your training will also depend on what you want to do too.

However, I suggest you do get a road bike as they are much lighter and made for the road and you will go faster and more securely on a road bike than on a mountain bike or a hybrid bike.

Its like comparing a SUV or similar with a family car - one is made for all terrain, and one is made for roads... a SUV or other 4WD will not hug the corners as well, will not zip up hills as quickly and will feel heavy and clumsy using uneccessary fuel (ie, your energy) as it pulls its heavy self along.

I would suggest a middle entry road race bike... don't spend heaps on bells and whistles like carbon fibre bits etc. If you are interested in TT, you can pick up aero bars and attach them. Have a go at riding with others, try things out... then your entry level bike can become your training bike, and you can buy yourself something specific that has a few bells and whistles.

Good luck and I look forward to hearing about your progress!!!

[uforgot]

Roadraven and Sarah,
Thanks for all of the great information. I never even considered the "pack" angle, and I found how you train very interesting. I just sort of thought I needed to be faster. Had no idea I would bump anyone. I certainly don't here, I'm one of very few adults who even ride a bike in this town, and all the others are Huffys. No one can believe I spent over $400 for my Trek. If they only knew how low end that is! I'm sure I'm viewed as an eccentric...Yes, it's a race, not a time trial, and they start every age group 5 minutes apart. I live in the middle of nowhere, no race group in sight. However, I am within 100 miles of St. Louis, so I am going to do some checking for clubs and rides there. Loved the comparison of the bikes to the SUVs. Thanks to you guys, I feel like I have a place to start now. I really appreciate you taking time to help me out!
Claudia

[velogirl]

If this is a sanctioned road race, you'll have to get a bike with a drop bar. Flat bar bikes are not allowed in road races for safety reasons.

My suggestion is to check the website of the race and find out who is sanctioning it. Then check the rulebook of that organization for specifics.

ps -- I think you should go for it. Find a local skills clinic and learn how to better handle your bike. And have fun! I know women in their 50s and 60s who race -- you're not too old!

[uforgot]

Thanks for the info Velogirl. I will check the rules and find out for sure. I wasn't aware of the bar part. Just a quick question, though, why are the drop bars safer? Thanks for all of your help!
Claudia