First Race Coming Up. Any Advice?

[Andrea]

The race was on a four mile loop with one really ugly climb. I was staying with the front group just fine until kerchunk.... I dropped my chain on the hill. The chain got stuck between my chain rings and the bottom bracket. I was trying to pull it out and slipped and managed to bust my hand open on the chain ring (ouch). I did get the chain back on in about 45 seconds and started back up the hill. Always fun starting on a steep incline...I managed to pass a few people after that but I only had a half lap left when my chain incident occurred so I wasn't able to fully recuperate from it. It was quite a blast even with my mechanical. My legs are talking to me tonight after 5x up that freaking hill but other than that I think things went pretty well. I can't wait to do another race now.

Oh yeah, and don't be afraid to cross gear big ring to 20something gear in the back to avoid the potential for chain drop... guess it's a little late for that advice, though! I don't know the size of your hill, either... it could be totally out of big-ring range.

As for the pushing thing, the fact that he used fingers & not a flat hand most likely meant that he was trying NOT to touch your butt more than necessary, however, guys who race bikes are often pigs, so, while he was trying to help you, he probably enjoyed having an excuse to touch your butt at the same time. If you're uncomfortable with that, just tell him to stop next time.

Congrats on your first race!

[SheFly]

...however, guys who race bikes are often pigs, so, while he was trying to help you, he probably enjoyed having an excuse to touch your butt at the same time. If you're uncomfortable with that, just tell him to stop next time.

Congrats on your first race!

I actually find this to seldom be true. I have been on many training rides with the guys, and I don't think any of them would be looking for an excuse to "touch your butt". I have been pushed a few times, and have always appreciated it. Take it for what it likely was - a helping hand (sorry for the pun).

SheFly

p.s.
If it does bother you, you can just say so.

[aicabsolut]

Yeah, you can use a hand on someone's low back/rear to help them across a gap or up a hill in situations where they just need a little extra push to grab a wheel & keep from getting dropped. Depending on body position of the push-ee, sometimes the push-er ends up with their hand smack on the butt.

I actually find this to seldom be true. I have been on many training rides with the guys, and I don't think any of them would be looking for an excuse to "touch your butt". I have been pushed a few times, and have always appreciated it. Take it for what it likely was - a helping hand (sorry for the pun).

SheFly

p.s.
If it does bother you, you can just say so.

Agreed. Usually, they will go for the lower back, but depending on the positioning of the both of you and possibly the terrain, placement may be more or less awkward. It is highly unlikely that this was meant in any sort of inappropriate way.