When to do first race

[seastar]

So I've ordered a bike and it should be here sometime next week - thanks for the help on that!

Last week I had my first clinic (there are two more sessions), and used my hybrid.

When would I be ready for my first race? Would next weekend be too soon? Should I wait until my skills are better? And which skills are most important? I gather mounts/dismounts - but what else?

[bluebug32]

I'm doing my first cross race in a week. It's tough to know what to expect, since you can't see the course until right before the race. My husband built some barriers in our front yard so I can practice my mounts/dismounts (see my blog below for info. on building your own). I would say that as long as you're comfortable with mounts/dismounts and have a good level of fitness, that it never hurts to give it a try. What's the worst that could happen? If you refer to my cross skills post, SheFly had some great training tips.

[Ered_Lithui]

I think you should do it as soon as possible! Cross season is short and you might as well dive in. Plus, racing will be great experience and great training. Have fun! As far as skills, shouldering is my current bête noire. People who do it well can save a lot of time. But I find it painful in any position. Working on that....

[redrhodie]

Are you really comfortable riding in fast groups? Are you a confident bike handler? Do you have great health insurance? Just some things to consider.

[Eden]

Are you really comfortable riding in fast groups? Are you a confident bike handler? Do you have great health insurance? Just some things to consider.

She's talking cross not road.... group riding skills not much of an issue (there's a mass start, but it's more like a mt bike race, there's some passing, but everyone sorts out more or less into a line rather than riding near one another because the courses are not particularly wide and can even have single track) and while you can get hurt falling in cross, it is relatively unusual to get anything more than some bumps and bruises because you are falling in the grass/dirt and aren't usually going super fast unless it is a steep descent (and it not particularly unusual to see people get off and run down technical/very steep descents.... it can be faster than crashing and having to get back up)

If you want to question anything - do you have a hose available and a good washing machine - then go for it. Many races have a beginner category for first timers.

[redrhodie]

Eden, you make it sound less scary than the crit race I did. Maybe I should try it.

I swore never again.