Race with or without a team?

[aicabsolut]

Yeah, it can be all over the place in terms of commitment, but frequently, they want you to pay some membership dues, show up to something (races, group rides, team social events), and volunteer at races they host.

Ask around at your LBS or if you know any racers to see what your options are. Then, sometime this fall, go on a group ride with several teams. See who you get along with and if you like their group dynamic. Tell them that you are thinking of racing and want to get to know the team. Ask them about the size of the women's team (for a mixed group) and what they are about (what categories, and do the women actually show up to races?).

That, plus location of their training rides, will help you figure out who you mesh with. You want to have a good experience your first year racing, but don't feel pressured to find your team for life. When you get some more experience and get to know more people in your racing community, you may want to change teams the next year, and that's ok.

[smilingcat]

+1 with aicabus and Eden,

Go on a club ride and see how it feels. See where you are in your conditioning... Lot of clubs require you to volunteer at the races and other events. Like sign-up... if you don't mind the extra hours you may have to commit, being attached may be for you.

Being unattached and new to the "scene" you might be viewed as a leper.

Ride in a group and train with the boys. You'll learn about bike handling in a pack even on a weekend training ride or mid week evening training ride. You need to learn to "jump" coming out of the corners... so its bit more than just riding hard and fast.

Lastly don't lose the sight of fun even in racing.

enjoy and lots of luck. Remember only one person gets to win

[BalaRoja]

Thanks Ladies for the informative responses.

I think I'll surely want to spend some time talking to different people, checking out various groups, and getting a sense of where I might fit in best.

The women's fields here seem to be varied - some events have huge contingents while others are fairly sparse based on what I've seen.

[aicabsolut]

Where do you live (you don't have to be specific...state or region can help). Some people on here might be familiar with the teams in your area to at least give you some names to look for.

[BalaRoja]

Where do you live (you don't have to be specific...state or region can help). Some people on here might be familiar with the teams in your area to at least give you some names to look for.

I am in the san francisco bay area. If anyone knows of teams here or has personal experience with them, then I'd appreciate your comments

[ehirsch83]

Talk to Lori, VeloGirl,
She should be able to help you out with everything!!!