What Cat would I fall into?

It's really hard to tell without knowing the course and the level of effort you had to put out to achieve that speed, but assuming it's a loop course with a few rolling hills I'd say you would likely want to start out riding in the "B" group (i.e. below average Cat5 or non-competitive rider).

Assuming you can find a club ride that goes at a smooth, steady pace you should be able to average somewhere around 20 mph with the group. If they change speeds frequently or "kill it up the hills" you might get dropped, though, even if their average speed only ends up being 18-19mph.

--Steve

5.....

Wisch5200 said:

I just finished a 32 mile ride and my computer reads an average of 18.2 mph.

With the caveat that it's hard to tell without knowing the course, I would tend to agree with ZimboNC: With an 18mph average, you would not be competitive in any category. Nor should you expect to, one might add. Since you are new to the sport, as you say, you cannot expect to run with the wolves right away, let alone keep up in any of the more advanced categories. You may be able to get there, though, if that is what you want...

Spunout said:

5.....

+1.

All beginner racers are Cat. 5.

(BTW, I've done about a dozen Cat. 5 races this year. Was dropped in 2 of my first 3. Finished top 10 in 2 of my last 3. Pack finishes in the rest. Average speed ranged from a low of 22 mph (mainly because I got dropped and soloed the last 12 miles) to a high of 25.8 mph. Distances ranged from 17 miles to 35 miles. Flat to moderate hills.)

Bob

Although generally agreeing to what most people are saying so far, may I add my $0.02? Average speed can be deceptive. Even though a Cat5 race might average 20mph the sudden urges especially in such a small race(35miles) are so strong and frequent that it sometimes reaches 25-26 mph and quite suddenly. This is extremely difficult and unnerving. It takes a lot of hard work to reach that level. Again, not trying to disourage but trying to clarify what it means.

IOW, you can average 20mph and not be a racer. OR average 18mph and be a good Cat5 racer for small races.

I have also noticed that there is more sandbagging in the lower categories. It is more probable to have a bunch of CAt4-3 guys in a Cat5 race which makes the race harder.

I had the same question but was too ashamed to ask because I was fairly sure I was off the chart. I took my first ride over 10 miles yesterday and averaged 15.5 mph for 25 miles. Yep, way off the chart. I've never done a race or even group ride. Me, Cat 5??? Ha Ha Ha Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

I need to get out and ride but my only options are county roads with idiot hillbillies or the urban obstacle course (city bike path).

In Quebec there are 6 or 7 events for riders interested to but not fast enough for competitions, plus weekly crits that'd probably fall into your Cat5 level. It's a a bit fast and nervous, but at least people can try and get drop after few laps. Go home and come back stronger.