af2nr

I am in a area with little to no cycling, Columbus, MS. The closest LBSs are 30 and 65 miles away respectively to give a perspective. I have tried searching for any races in my "local" area, at least within a few hour drive, and have had little luck. I would really like to to watch and possibly try some racing but am kind of stuck as to where to look. On average how far do most of you have to travel to race and how do you go about finding these races? TIA!

2Rodies

You could try here www.bikereg.com that's the source I use to find the races in my area.

jbhowat

Considering I live in one of the places most known for bike racing in the country, this probably won't mean a whole lot to you - but:

For collegiate I have races basically every weekend between March 4 and the beginning of May. We have to take vans and/or stay overnight (due to distance) for 4 of those. The closest of those 4 is a 3.5hr drive or so and the longest is like a 7hr drive. That said, after collegiate racing is over I can race just about every week without driving more 70 miles or so in a given direction. Not great, but an hour - 1.5 hour drive really isn't that bad. Especially considering I don't live in a major city. If I was in Denver the distance would be much less - same with Boulder.

waltergodefroot

If you haven't already, start by going to community sponsored fun rides, 100 kilometer to 100 mile rides, that generally attract competitive riders who use these as training. The competitive riders there will hook you up. Of course, you have to be able to keep up with them first.

DrWJODonnell

https://usacycling.org/events/

Bikereg as previously mentioned. I did not see anything on racelistings.com

https://usacycling.org/clubs/index.php?state=MS contact some of the racing clubs and they can help you out.

Typically I will travel from 1-3 hours (most 1.5 hours). Have fun.

race-me22

I hear you. My first race is quite possibly if parents give the ok is a week from sat. the 25. The dont know if they will let me considering it takes 4.5 hrs to get there. It is in Hartford Ohio so i am having the same problem you are.

af2nr

Thanks for the links and tips everyone. I had checked out usacycling before and there wasn't anything there, although now they have a "fun ride" posted. In the past I have done several of these, although that was when I was stationed in Shreveport, LA. I have found a club but it is 65 miles away so maybe when the daylight sticks around longer I can get with them for more info. I know there are a couple of crits in AL later in the year too. So far it seems as though 1.5 hours is the closest thing.

Bikereg doesn't have anything in the Southeast other than TX. Which really surprised me? Besides TX should have their own list as big as they are. lol

2Rodies

You need to get transfered down here, we've got races going off nearly every weekend from mid Jan to November!

af2nr

Trust me when it comes time to PCS, thats military for move, I will be looking at the bike scene as one of my factors for where to go. On the other note I just got here in November and will probably be here for at least 3 years...

af2nr

I have found a RR series, Winter Training Series, that will consist of 3 races. I am going to be in the area it will be held in this weekend so I have a couple of questions for you all. First there are classes instead of Cats, C, B and A. C will be 20-30 miles, not sure what will be the determining factor for the distance, while B will do 40 and A 50. Now obviously I would fall into the C class seeing as how they are doing the shortest distance. Due to time and weather this year my longest rides have been 20 miles so far. The guy at the LBS said I should give it a try, said its a 10 mile loop so if/when I get dropped I can just catch up with them when they come back around. He said it would be a great learning enviorment.

So my question is what type racers could I expect in the C class? There is a hour and a half gap between the start of the C race and the A race. Thanks for any advice/tips!

ken cummings

Long ago and far, far away I was a race official. One item only. The C riders are the least experienced and are more likely to get into trouble (crash). Closely watch anyone you are drafting and if they seem unsteady draft someone else.

af2nr

Thanks for the tip, I may actually just kind of lay back and watch to see how it all plays out, being my first time and all. So would C guys be Cat 5 and all other newbies or what?

feltdude

We have a few races in town, but for the big events like the Greenville Cycling Classic I drive about 2 1/2-3 hours.

af2nr

Anyone? I also noticed on the flier that a one day license is available at registration, should I go this route or check into a season license? How much are the one day ones? Thanks again for all the help and info!