Race Advice please?

[runnergirl]

I realize this post is very similar to another one a few days back, but I didn't want to hijack that thread.

I'm from a running background where common wisdom is that everyone should jump into a 5k or 10k right away, so bear with me...

There is a criterium comming up at the end of July about an hour away (no women registered yet), and I am sorely tempted to get my licence and register, it's 15 one mile loops.

I'm riding about 150 miles a week, did 50 on Saturday with an average of 17 (kicked hubby's butt ), shorter rides average 19ish. At least 1 ride a week is with a group, usually 2 rides, but the group spreads out a lot after a bit, so I don't really have a lot of practice in a tight group.

Should I even consider it? In running there is always a race ahead to focus your training, just building mileage for a college season next spring is starting to irritate me a bit, I need short term (less than 3 month) goals.

I learned a little about soft pedaling on someones tire this weekend, so I can practice that on the group rides, but what about cornering? I've been practicing shifting my weight while leaning around 90 degree bends, but haven't really been taught how.

There aren't any time trials in my area in the next couple months (at least that I can find), any advice or opinions?

[alison_in_oh]

I raced on a one-day license (bought the day of the event) for my first race, so I could get my feet wet without being $60 in the hole.

A one-mile loop criterium is going to be a hard fast race emphasizing bike handling skills, especially cornering, and the ability to conserve strength by accelerating with the pack. Especially if there are no hills to break things up, it's going to be about power-power-power and not crashing. But a lot of people find them terribly thrilling with the adrenaline rush and the fact that being bullheaded and aggressive and riding that fine line between daring and foolhardy will be the factor that wins you a race!

If you never have a first race, you'll never have a second so yeah, I say go for it and jump in!

If you can, practice your group riding skills (especially pacelines, drafting, and cornering in close proximity) as much as possible, and try to grab some more experienced folks to give you tips. My racing pals have been invaluable. Good luck! (I just took second in my third ever race, and am looking forward to my fourth this coming weekend!)

[RoadRaven]

I know very little about criterions, but if you have never raced before, you should, as Alison suggests, join a few packs. Each race type has specific protocols, as well as more general protocols. Crits are very fast paced - be prepared

If there are no time trials organised, no worries.
A TT is a race against yourself - so go out there over a measured course and try it... then keep riding over the next week or so, and then TT again and if the weather conditions are similar, you'll maybe do a better time.
Just set yourself goals and meet those. The 2-3 months will pass quickly
Best wishes for the training

[CorsairMac]

I learned a little about soft pedaling on someones tire this weekend, so I can practice that on the group rides, but what about cornering? I've been practicing shifting my weight while leaning around 90 degree bends, but haven't really been taught how.

When cornering - put the weight on the outside handlebar and tuck your knees in. (I got the tip from Davis Phinney @roadbike.com) I know that sounds contrary to what you see especially with the pros but it's amazing how fast you can corner when you do that. Practice cornering slower first until you get the feel and then speed it up.

As for crits - it's not my thing but I'm an Avid spectator of our local Crits and wish there were more women racing. I say what the heck - go for it!! and tell us how it went!!!

[runnergirl]

I love the quote in your signature block!

I may end up with some road rash and a DNF, but I'm not sure how else I'm going to learn. There is a very good team in town, but they are all male, and the local bike club seems like 55 and over only with no interest in anything but touring.

Any thoughs on where to find some fast ladies to help me improve?

[spazzdog]

runnergirl, where are you located?

I'll recomend the same to you as I did for someone else recently... assuming you are a beginning racer (cat3/4). Check out Cycling Made Real (http://www.cyclingmadereal.com/ ) and see if they have a branch in your area.

[bounceswoosh]

I learned a little about soft pedaling on someones tire this weekend, so I can practice that on the group rides, but what about cornering? I've been practicing shifting my weight while leaning around 90 degree bends, but haven't really been taught how.

Well, for mountain biking, I've been told to keep my outside leg down around tough turns to keep traction ... I would think this advice also applies to road riding? Maybe?

[bikerINco]

I have heard that as well for road biking. it keeps the bike torqued for better contact with the pavement.

good luck...you have to race now. Please let us know how you did in the race results section!!

[Hound Dog]

(kicked hubby's butt )

I loved this comment! keep kick'n it!

[Jones]

Well, for mountain biking, I've been told to keep my outside leg down around tough turns to keep traction ... I would think this advice also applies to road riding? Maybe?

It also keeps your pedal from hitting the ground.

Jones

[swlsue]

Are you riding with a team?
Do they ever have "practice" rides? Depending on the course, crits can be very technical and it pays to know how to ride within the pack. Riding at the back only make you yo-yo alot and you expend a lot more energy.

[Pink Kona]

Hey Runner Girl - I highly recommend reading what BikeMomma wrote in the crit advise thread... it was extremely helpful. Looking back on my experiences in racing thus far - I also recommend surrounding yourself with other women who can provide support and insight into the racing scene. It's hard to jump in with both fet if you haven't even tested the water. There are many common tips that you can learn - such as taking your chamois off immediately after racing, sipping your recovery cocktail, nutrition, etc... and unfortunately there isn't a book yet that mentions all of these things - it comes with experience. You came to the right community though!

I will say - crits can be difficult at first to learn how to manuever in the pack and then downright exciting once you master that and start bringing in the premes or wins. Make sure you don't get stuck behind any slow pokes - and if you do, move around them as quickly as possible.

Is your race a women's only one or are they putting you with the guys? Where are you located too?

[runnergirl]

Here is the current club situation for me...

There is a regional club which is mainly for the 55+ crowd going fairly slow. There are a couple B pace rides (which I go on), that group is guys in their 30s/40s who don't race. I have learned to work a pace line with them, and we occasionally bump arms etc, one guy has been really helpfull in showing me how to stay close to a tire w/o touching, etc. But that is the extent of bike handling skills I'll learn there.

There is a local team, but to the best of my knowledge, they are all really fast (25mph+) guys. There were two women, but through my use of google, it appears they have both moved (one to a pro team up north).

I'll be joining a college team this fall, and I'm trying to find out if the only other gal on the team (an A rider) might be around for the summer. I'm also going to ask the LBS guys if they know any women in the area, maybe I'll have some luck there.

The race I'm looking at has a seperate cat 4 women's race, it's 15 one mile laps, no women (any cat.) have registered yet, but the men's fields are almost full.

[Pink Kona]

Maybe that local team is a good starting point to finding the group you're looking for. I would contact them and ask them what is available locally. Another option is to see if you can locate a cycling coach and use them as a resource. In the fall we have "meet the team" rides - where anyone can go for a leisure ride with teams to find out where you fit in - maybe your area has something like that too?

I have a friend who does collegiate racing for the University of Washington and she said she wishes she had joined a local team because there are more events she can participate in. But on the other hand, she loves racing collegiate because she isn't pulled from the races once she's lapped and their rules are slightly different.

Don't worry about the lack of registration - that always happens. People love to procrastinate! Good luck in finding some peeps!