Beginner to road biking/want to start racing!

[BikeMomma]

thanks for the tips bikemomma.
i've been really mixing it up recently with my mountain bike, road bike, rock climbing, etc. recently instead of all road bike all the time. i think it's important for me to keep things varied. things might be different when collegiate racing season rolls around in the spring, but for now this seems to be doing the trick!

I admire you for being able to do all that! I've actually never been mountain biking...I can't believe I've never tried it. Guess I need to get a mountain bike first, tho'!! (Ooooh...that would be another bike to name!!) I tried rock climbing a loooong time ago, in beautiful Yosemite of all places (what a place to start, eh??), and loved it so much, I bought some expensive climbing shoes and have never used them!! I swear I will someday! Where do you go rock climbing? (sorry, this is a little off-topic)

[DirtDiva]

I'd love to get into climbing! Problem is finding someone with a little knowhow you trust enough to hold the other end of the rope.

[abarensfeld7]

I'd been rock climbing a handful of times but spread out over 6-7 years; I never remembered how to belay from one instance to the next. A few weeks ago I went climbing in the Adirondacks and decided it was something I'd like to remember how to do this time around...
Cornell (where I go to school) has a big, wonderful rock wall where you can boulder (climb at low heights off rope) all you want and climb with top rope if you get belay certified. They are open 7 days a week in the evenings so it's easy to get in there. If I'm alone I just boulder which I think is almost as fun as climbing upwards. They have lots of bouldering "problems" (difficult moves made up of only 5 or so holds) to work on which keeps things interesting. Kiwi, have you ever thought of trying this? No need for a partner.
Cheers!

[DirtDiva]

That's a good idea. No idea where there's a climbing wall around here, but that can be looked into. Hmmm. Possibly after I've paid next month's rent though.

[JmcG]

I have a question about road racing - I'm looking into possibly racing next year (I currently compete in triathlons and am thinking road racing would be lots of fun too) - so when I look up races and I find local ones - can I assume there is always a women's race associated with the races or are some only male races? Also - do you need to be a part of a local team or club or can anybody sign up for a race, esp say a TT?

Lots of good info in this thread! Thanks for all the advice,
-j

[runnergirl]

No, there isn't always a women's race, and usually there's only one for all cats of women. For your first crit or road race, I'd look for a larger race that specifically says the cat 4 women have their own start time.

You can race down one Cat with the men, so as a 4 you can race the men's cat 5. Since they're such bad bike handlers, it's not the best idea if you have other options, but depending where you are you may be forced to race with guys.

You don't have to be on a team, but since you're from a tri background, it is imperative that you learn to ride in a tight group, bump elbows and wheels, etc before attempting a crit or RR. You don't want to be the one in the pack that is obviously unsteady. TT is another story-no need for group experience.

[JmcG]

You don't have to be on a team, but since you're from a tri background, it is imperative that you learn to ride in a tight group, bump elbows and wheels, etc before attempting a crit or RR. You don't want to be the one in the pack that is obviously unsteady. TT is another story-no need for group experience.

Thanks for the info. I do need more experience riding in a group - I ride with a group at my work, but I think joining a team would be my best bet at getting that kind of experience you're talking about - bumping elbows and wheels, etc. There seem to be a lot of teams in my area (from my Google search!), I just need to pick one and check it out!