First Road Race - need advice!

[RoadRaven]

Wow... where to begin?

Well. Reading Eden's advice, I don't need to.
She has covered many bases comprehensively.

But, as both she and Grog ask - what kind of racing?

We may be able to help with some specific tips...

Happy trails to you also

[Eden]

I'm one of the cat 4 coodinators this year so I've been going over a lot of this with our newbies so its all fresh in my mind

[Mimosa]

Oh and look at which side of the road the finishline jury is. And put the number on that side of the back of your shirt. Otherwise they can't read your number when you finish There is nothing more disappointing then finishing well but not being on the resultlist

[TrekJeni]

I went to my first race all alone. I didn't want anyone to see me. I'm just weird I guess. Got there early enough to wander aroung. Found the sign up tent, found some nice girls to talk to (they put my number on for me). They explained the race to me and what to do when. This race had a beginners women catagory versus being lumped all together so it was nice. Came home with a second place ribbon.... Okay, so there were only three of us in the beginner women's catagory!

One thing I wasn't prepared for was what to do after the race. Do you just slow down and get off the course? Found out later that I was supposed to do a cool down lap. Whoops!.

Good luck!!!!!

Jeni

[Eden]

Hey Jen-nay! Are you still out there? I certainly didn't mean to scare you off! I know I threw quite a bit of info at you, but truely its not as scarey or complex as it sounds.

[Jen-nay]

Eden,

Thanks a bunch!!!!!! I have two small kids - getting online is a rare event! I have copied your response to word so I can go back and read it over and over again! Thanks so much!

Jennie

[Jen-nay]

Thanks everyone! - BTW, it's a road race for road bikes and I don't think I'll be doing the TT or the crit. Maybe after I get some more expierence under my belt! I will keep you all posted on how it goes. Thanks again!