Moving Up a Racing Catergory

[Aggie_Ama]

In Texas you can move to Cat 2 without qualifying, the women's divisions don't always have enough entries to qualify automatically anyway. I want to move up to Cat 2 for the longer distance since it seems like more for my money to ride two laps. I have been doing okay in Cat 3, 3rd in the the only race with more than 2 riders. I am a little slow but just started riding passionately this summer. The other thing is Cat 3 has to race at 1:30 and in the spring that could mean 90 degrees, I don't manage heat that great.

I am so competitive though the idea of being dead last hurts. And my technical skills are a little past beginner and I know the spring series is much more technical. How can I train before February to get more comfortable and maybe faster? I am doing three mountain bike half marathons to get the base miles and short track on Tuesday nights to get the intensity of racing.

[jessmarimba]

Can you find someone who is Cat 2 already to ride with once a week or so? I'm a lot less conservative on a bike when I'm with other people. Tell them you're looking for a challenge and just see how you do.

And wow...to ride in February...

[rocknrollgirl]

I always tell the girls moving up, that the cat 2 girls are not just faster, they are better.

I would do my endurance work on the road, and then go someplace technical and work your skills without worrying about how far you have ridden.

[SheFly]

I'm a believer in moving up to another category to BECOME a better rider/racer. And trust me when I tell you that I have upgraded to mediocrity too many times . If you want to do the longer distances, I say go for it. Just be realistic with your goals to avoid disappointment.

As for training - rocknrollgirl said it best. Endurance on the road (including hill work), and technical once per week (or maybe twice). I race multiple disciplines including MTB, but most of my training is done on the road and not in the woods. Finding another rider who is a better rider than you with whome to train is also a good idea - you will definitely get better this way!

And from someone who races A LOT, you need to remember that this is supposed to be FUN. Once things become too serious (riding to train vs. just to ride), it will no longer be something that you enjoy. Keep it FUN above all else!

SheFly

[limewave]

Aggie--I am like you. I moved up to Expert (which is like Cat 2) this season, and it's the first year I've raced. I'm really competitive as well. I did it for the challenge of racing better women and because of the distance--if I'm going to pay to ride, at least let me ride for more than an hour

I do agree that riding with someone faster is great training. They will push you to ride stronger and smarter.

I have found it really frustrating to be "right-there" with the Experts but not able to push myself that little extra for a podium finish. As frustrating as it is, it's what driving me to train harder and smarter. And to get in better shape.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thank you for all the suggestions! I am on a team already with 17 other awesome ladies so I am sure I can find some riding buddies.

Most of my riding during the week will have to be on the trainer due to daylight issues, any suggested workouts? I hate the trainer.

I will probably try to hit the more technical area trails on the weekends. I got really good at riding the beginner/intermediate local trail by just keeping at it. It is amazing how much I accomplished this summer by just trying and trying again.

[sundial]

Most of my riding during the week will have to be on the trainer due to daylight issues, any suggested workouts? I hate the trainer.

Aggie, I really stepped up my fitness by doing gravel roads. There is just enough resistance that a 30 mile ride on gravel feels like a 60 mile ride on pavement. Can you ride any gravel roads with lights? Night riding has a benefit by helping you to focus more on balance to get your "night legs".