Ok, here is a question that may help you think about something other than the tdf and epo for a minute (not like I think you all want to or anything). I grew up a swimmer and when I got older I started running. The last couple years I have been doing triathlons. I am really enjoying the bike part now. I mean I suck but since I never really did it before I see improvement all the time. Anyway I was thinking about entering some races (cycling ones) and I heard there are different types of categories (or rankings or something). Any advice on what category to enter. I usually ride my bike portion or an Ironman (112 miles) between 19.5 and 21.5/mph depending on the course. I can usually hold 23+ for a one hour ride on a flat course. I doubt I am a good sprinter. I haven't done much riding in big groups (so not sure my speed in group). Is there an edict to what category to enter, do you start at the lowest level and go from there. Finally I am in southern california, so if any one can recommend some local races for a first time that would be great.
Ok, here is a question that may help you think about something other than the tdf and epo for a minute (not like I think you all want to or anything). I grew up a swimmer and when I got older I started running. The last couple years I have been doing triathlons. I am really enjoying the bike part now. I mean I suck but since I never really did it before I see improvement all the time. Anyway I was thinking about entering some races (cycling ones) and I heard there are different types of categories (or rankings or something). Any advice on what category to enter. I usually ride my bike portion or an Ironman (112 miles) between 19.5 and 21.5/mph depending on the course. I can usually hold 23+ for a one hour ride on a flat course. I doubt I am a good sprinter. I haven't done much riding in big groups (so not sure my speed in group). Is there an edict to what category to enter, do you start at the lowest level and go from there. Finally I am in southern california, so if any one can recommend some local races for a first time that would be great.
Mac
First you need a license from the USCF or a State Affiliate.
See what type of license you get and enter races accordingly.
Ask at a decent bike shop.
Joining a road racing club might help some.
And get rid of the tri-bars, at least for group rides.
<[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
(I am a Yack so what) said:
Ok, here is a question that may help you think about something other than the tdf and epo for a minute (not like I think you all want to or anything). I grew up a swimmer and when I got older I started running. The last couple years I have been doing triathlons. I am really enjoying the bike part now. I mean I suck but since I never really did it before I see improvement all the time. Anyway I was thinking about entering some races (cycling ones) and I heard there are different types of categories (or rankings or something). Any advice on what category to enter. I usually ride my bike portion or an Ironman (112 miles) between 19.5 and 21.5/mph depending on the course. I can usually hold 23+ for a one hour ride on a flat course. I doubt I am a good sprinter. I haven't done much riding in big groups (so not sure my speed in group). Is there an edict to what category to enter, do you start at the lowest level and go from there. Finally I am in southern california, so if any one can recommend some local races for a first time that would be great.
Mac
First you need a license from the USCF or a State Affiliate.
See what type of license you get and enter races accordingly.
Ask at a decent bike shop.
Joining a road racing club might help some.
And get rid of the tri-bars, at least for group rides.
On 21 Jul 2004 14:13:34 -0700, [email hidden] (I am a Yack so what)
Quoted message said:
Is there an edict to what category to enter, do you start at the lowest level and go from there.
You start at the lowest level. Be sure to do some rides with other cyclists in a group before racing. Ideally see if you can find a small race with some sort of clinic for beginners.
Thank you everyone for your advise and the socal link all helpful. But I still didn't see what the lowest category rider is. I don't want to do any of the TT events (I get enough of that in tris). I want to do one of the pack races (not sure the correct term). From the socal link they look a little few and far between. These are the ones I am presuming you need to pick a category for?
"I am a Yack so what" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Thank you everyone for your advise and the socal link all helpful. But I still didn't see what the lowest category rider is. I don't want to do any of the TT events (I get enough of that in tris). I want to do one of the pack races (not sure the correct term). From the socal link they look a little few and far between. These are the ones I am presuming you need to pick a category for?
In the US your first license is Cat V (five). That license is good for all type of road racing. After 10 races you move to Cat IV (4). To get out of Cat IV you need to finish at the front of races to score points. After you get enough points you can ask to be upgraded.. Find a local racing club and join. The best place to find a club is to go to a local bike stor that sells raod bikes.
In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...
Quoted message said:
Ok, here is a question that may help you think about something other than the tdf and epo for a minute (not like I think you all want to or anything). I grew up a swimmer and when I got older I started running. The last couple years I have been doing triathlons. I am really enjoying the bike part now. I mean I suck but since I never really did it before I see improvement all the time. Anyway I was thinking about entering some races (cycling ones) and I heard there are different types of categories (or rankings or something). Any advice on what category to enter. I usually ride my bike portion or an Ironman (112 miles) between 19.5 and 21.5/mph depending on the course. I can usually hold 23+ for a one hour ride on a flat course. I doubt I am a good sprinter. I haven't done much riding in big groups (so not sure my speed in group). Is there an edict to what category to enter, do you start at the lowest level and go from there. Finally I am in southern california, so if any one can recommend some local races for a first time that would be great.
Since you are new, you will have to do the cat 5 races. Do yourself, and the other riders, a favor. Practice riding in a group before you do your first race. ------------- Alex
I don't want to do any of the TT events (I get enough of that in tris). I want to do one of the pack races (not sure the correct term). From the socal link they look a little few and far between. These are the ones I am presuming you need to pick a category for?
only shows the races remaining in the year. To see the entire year, hit the sort button at the top with "ALL" displayed in the box. There are a few good races left but, as you'll see, the majority of the mass-start races are earlier in the year. For some reason the California calendars have a much higher concentration of road races and crits early in the year. Maybe it's our good weather.
Also check out the TRAINING link at the left side of the page because it lists many of the good group rides in So Cal. Some of these are like races and you will get good experience riding them. Your IP address shows San Diego; do the Swami's ride because it is a good one.
"RWM" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<SPmdnZxQWK_AwGLdRVn-
Quoted message said:
In the US your first license is Cat V (five). That license is good for all type of road racing. After 10 races you move to Cat IV (4). To get out of Cat IV you need to finish at the front of races to score points. After you get enough points you can ask to be upgraded.. Find a local racing club and join. The best place to find a club is to go to a local bike stor that sells raod bikes.
"Mark Fennell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<QSRLc.15877$Zr.8711@okepread01>...
Quoted message said:
Also check out the TRAINING link at the left side of the page because it lists many of the good group rides in So Cal. Some of these are like races and you will get good experience riding them. Your IP address shows San Diego; do the Swami's ride because it is a good one.
Mark
Thanks I'll look more into the races. I have been doing the SDBC Saturday ride. It is fun, that is why I want to try and do a pack race, because I love the feeling of cruising with a huge group. I have done it a few times the past couple months (actually I am planning on doing it this Sat.). I have mainly just hung in the main group, only a couple of times did I take a turn at the front pulling (probably better that way). I guess the only bummer about that ride to me is how many stops and regroups they make. After the stud loop I usually just take off solo. SOme of the people at that ride told me the Swami's ride is harder or faster can't remember what they said. Anyway I like the big group rides, it would be a blast to do them on a closed course. Thanks for the advise, I am into anything else you can fill me in on.
