Racing...how, what, when, where...?

[aicabsolut]

I would like to say that road races are not any safer than crits. Both are risky.

If you can't handle the possibility of crashing for whatever reason, then racing isn't for you. I go back and forth with myself about this all the time.

I'd say for your first race, pick an event with a Cat 4 only field and just go have fun.

BTW, I put together a PowerPoint presentation for my collegiate team about racing basics--strategy and basic rules. It's a bit easier to read than going through the whole USAC rulebook. It does contain some collegiate-only rules (like points for intermediate sprints in crits and an overview of collegiate categories), but if you'd like to take a look, PM me an I'll send you a PDF.

[aicabsolut]

It would be interesting if you could post this online somewhere. I've no intention of racing, but the information sounds valuable

Maybe someone has a website that could host it?

I'll see if the team wants to put it up on the team blog or something. If so, I'll let you know.

[Aggie_Ama]

I know a few of the Flyers, great women. Some of the team are mountain bikers and cool chicks, I consider one pretty good friend. If you ever want to come to the dark side (mountain racing) I would have more advice! But whatever you do, fun is the KEY!

[bonnypriest]

aicabsolut & Amanda...I just sent you both a PM! Thanks to both of you for the added help.

[Jiffer]

You're welcome Bonny. I'm glad my long stories didn't go to waste. I know I was very intimidated about my first race (and the others!) ... so I thought hearing someone else's experience as a newbie might be helpful. I just know I was really curious what it was like and how well I'd do. I figured, I'll never know what it's like until I try and I never have to do it again if I hate it and/or totally suck. My husband really encouraged me to do my first one. He had done that particular one before and saw what the riders were like in my category and said I could totally do it. After that first race I got to talking to another rider, one of the few who I actually beat. We were both excited to not be last and had stuck around to see the list and find out just how far from last place we were! Kind of funny! I told her it was my first race and I really wasn't sure I was racing material, but wanted to try it. She really encouraged me to keep racing, which was nice. I never forget that.

As for danger, I can't speak for crits as a person who has even been to one, let alone ridden in one. I just know some stories I've heard, which probably make it sound worse than it is, but people I've talked to who have done both seem to think there's more of a chance of going down in a crit than road race (and may have experienced same). Of course, when you lose the lead group in a road race and you're either by yourself or with one or two other people, how dangerous can it be?! But my husband knows what it's like to be in the lead pack in tight quarters and, while you can of course get tangled up and bump into each other, he also agrees that it's over all safer than crits. Now there may be road racing courses that are a lot more dangerous out there along with more extreme circumstances depending on number in the pack, competitiveness of riders, etc. than he or I have ever experienced. Just giving my two cents worth from my little world of knowledge.

By the way, just writing out my lengthy story and telling you how I'd probably be good at TT's made me get excited about the idea. I checked out all the TT's in my area, of which there are way more than road races, and I'm SO going to try them! My first one is March 6th. In looking at previous race results, I feel I can actually be competitive in those. Can't wait! Thanks for the inspiration.

[bonnypriest]

You go get 'em Jiffer!!! Let me know how the TT's go. Are you planning on using your road bike or getting a TT bike? Just have fun & go kick some serious butt!!! Thanks again for the help & the stories. I really do love to hear other people's experiences.