Quote Originally Posted by Eden View Post
People considering racing almost always want to know if they are fast enough to start racing, but pure speed isn't the determining factor as to whether or not you'll be able to stay with the pack in a race, so its not really possible to say if you can do x mph you'll be a successful beginner racer. Even very strong people can fall off the back if they have a hard time handling surges, hills, or just can't get comfortable in the pack, while weaker riders can take adavantage of tactics and good postitioning to get good finishes.
Eden is a great resource on racing, and has given some great advice. One of the local legends here told me during my race clinic that racing wasn't "about who's the strongest or who's the smartest, it's about who crosses the line first."

I didn't realize at the time how much I would use this advice, but it is true - a strong rider does not always = a successful racer. Find a club and give it a try, and if you can, do a race clinic. Most of all, HAVE FUN! No one pays us to race - quite the opposite!

SheFly