womens racing

[Eden]

If you race, how did you get into it? I've ridden a bike all my life and when my husband started racing he talked me into it.
Do you race against women exclusively? Yep - out here we are very lucky that we have a lot of women racers. Occasionally you see a women race with the men, but those tend to be the elite riders who are looking for a better workout by riding with the boys.
Do womens' races tend to be slower than mens'? For the most part yes
What are average speeds to expect in entry level womens' races (hilly, flat, distance specific)? Average speed means little to nothing unless you are doing a time trial. Like aicabsolut said, its much more about being able to handle surges, how you handle your bike and deal with the pack and making tactical decisions.
Do you make money from racing? Don't count on it...at the beginner level, cash prizes are rare, merchandise is more common and when there is money it generally won't do more than pay you back your entry. Bike racing is an expensive sport... Being on a team softens the blow - most teams get discounts from their sponsors, and some do some race entry reimbursement, but its still pricey.
How many hours do you train (a week)? 8-10 for me
Do you ride with clubs that are co-ed or only women? My team is women only, but sometimes some of us ride with our "brother" team (we used to be co-ed, but interestingly enough the team became predominantly women so we made the boys form their own team...)
Do you have a personal trainer or are you on a team with a coach? Yes. I did my first year without a formal training plan or a coach. When I did well enough that I thought I needed a little extra edge I decided that it was time to get a coach.
Do you work a job as well? For 99.99% of people racing will always be a hobby.... for the few that are able to go pro 99% of them still hold a day job. Unless you are a superstar (or an heiress...) as a woman racer you won't be able to only race for a living.
How far do you travel to race? I race in the Washington and Oregon area. The farthest I have driven for a race is probably about 7 hours.
What level of racing are you at? Cat 3. I'm in no hurry to upgrade to a 2. For the most part it doesn't get you anything, except the possibility of racing N(ational) R(ace) C(alendar) races and since I don't think I'm ready for that yet, I'm in no rush. I already race with the 1-2's for a most of the races.... at least as a 3 sometimes we are scored separately. When I think I could actually be useful at a 5 day NRC stage race I'll think about being a 2.....
How are the levels distinguished? to add to the last answer - you move up by winning or placing high in races.
What are your long-term racing goals? I'll let you know when I see how I'm doing this season.....
Are there other tidbits of information you consider important for female cyclists to gain an understanding of the womens' racing scene? I pretty much agree with aicabsolut here. Join a team - its much easier when you have experienced riders to show you the ropes and it may help ease the financial burden a bit. Look for weekday "training races" in your area. They are a good way to get some experience and often have veteran riders there to coach new people. Before you ever start racing do some group riding. Get used to riding with other people.