- Rollout before AND after each race. Even if nobody reminds you. Immediately. Don't go back to the car first.
- When it's cold bring extra layers, and USE THEM. Kneewarmers / legwarmers / booties / gloves / jackets / vests / ears etc.
- sub-tip: wear the heavy jacket and pants when you first get on the bike to warm up.. then take them off as you get warmer.
- When it's hot bring extra ice and water - twice as much as you think you'll need, so you can share with a friend who didn't read this.
- When racing with older age groups, don't let bossy riders intimidate you.. you may be younger but you have just as much right to be in that race as they do. And just because a rider is older does not make him/her your coach.
- Are you in high school? Ask your principal about joining a league like this:
http://www.texashighschoolcycling.org/about
- It's not about the bike. Equipment doesn't make you fast. Spend the money on race entry fees and (maybe) coaching.
- But. You can't win a race you don't finish. So make sure your bike is in perfect working order before every race. Learn how to do basic maintenance yourself. It's easy.