how fast do I need to be...

[madisongrrl]

Before you race, maybe try a few group rides, attend a clinic and/or watch a womens Cat 4 race. It will give you some confidence and understanding of what you need to be safe and have fun while racing. Then try one....the only way to get good at racing is to race. You can always line up in back of the pack if you are unsure of yourself.

The hardest part of racing (in general) is the pace changes and hills. Don't even bother worrying about how many MPH you average on solo rides. Women's racing fields can be so small (depending where you live) that you never know what the level of competition will be from week to week in any given category. In Cat 4 there aren't as many team tactics to contend with. The race won't be as crowded and aggressive as many of the men's races are. Escape and accident avoidence are a bit easier.

I'm primarily a mountain bike racer, but I'll be racing in a few crits and road races this year. I don't really have any "road" skills, but I'm not too worried about. I've raced in Cat 3 Cyclocross against many of the Cat 3 roadies....and let me tell you, I think some of them also lack general bike handling skills.

Also, if you can maintain a 18 - 22 mph average over 35 miles, you should try a time trial or triathlon relay. You would do quite well without the worries about pack riding...though you have to worry about staying out of the draft zone (which is a little stressful when you're figuring out if you have enough in the gas tank to pass people who are going your speed).

Bottom line is to go for it.....you will do just fine and hopefully have fun too.