Racing Questions... (from a sorta newbie)

[sarahk]

Hello,

Racing is a lot of fun, you should try it. I just really started racing this season. You don't need to be on a team, especially as a beginner racer. Teams are good as you will learn team tactics but you'll learn those anyways. It's been my experience that most of the races I do, the girls that are on a team won't have more than 1 or 2 girls so it's not usually a huge advantage. My suggestion would be to get out and try one. It can't hurt! The more you race, the more you learn.

Riding with a group will help you get used to riding with a pack, drafting, etc. This is really important. On the group rides that my club has we have 3 categories A, B, and C. I usually try to go with the A's for as long as possible. I usually can't hold on the whole time, but it definately helps. You find yourself holding on for longer, and longer each time.

I don't know about races in Michigan but a couple of websites that may list some are:
www.bikereg.com
www.racelistings.com

Have fun,
Sarah

[pharmakeus]

Ok, thanks so much... I guess I just need to kick myself into group rides... it's a silly sort of pride/fear thing, you know? I have the stamina from running, but I'm missing a bit of the sprinting power necessary for leading packs during workouts, but it's important if I ever want to race, huh?