brett_beddow

If I register for a race right now, can I buy a license the day of the race? Also, how much is a one-day license? One more thing, do I need to buy the add-on license along with the primary license or how does that work?

Gerrylightning

Yes you can pre register.
Yes you can buy a one day license the day of the race.
I think it costs $10 or 15$ US
As for the other part of your question I don't know.

TurboTurtle

They may or may not allow you to register without a license. Up to the promoter (and web site designer). You will need one to sign in at the race.

$10 for a competitive event.

Add-on licencse for what? I think the answer is no, but not sure what you are asking.

TF

feethanddooth

answer is no. it is an add on for someone else i think. thats what i took out of reading it.

brett_beddow

https://www.usacycling.org/myusac/in...p?pagename=buy

Here is what I am talking about over on the right side where it says add on and then primary. I am already registered for the race and now have to deal with the license.

TurboTurtle

If you already had a Mountain Rider license, then you could just buy the Road add-on. - TF

elemental

Do you already have any sort of valid USAC license? Add-ons are for people who already have a primary license, i.e. mountain bike or collegiate. Assuming you have not purchased any other license for this year, you need the primary (or a one-day event license, but if you plan on racing even a few times this season, it will add up quickly to the price of a regular license).

brett_beddow

No, I don't have any license. So all that I really have to pay is the $30 for the road primary. Radical.

truckin

It's $60 for a primary, but yeah, that's what you'll need.

Homebrew01

And when you buy the license on-line, you can print an "authorization to ride" form that's basically a temporary license until the real one arrives in the mail.

brett_beddow

I think I am just going to go for the one day on the day of. On the website it says that the primary is $30...

brett_beddow

Ahh! Problem: I have decided to opt for the annual road license and I have a race on saturday. Because I am under 18, I have to send in a waiver. I will send it tomorrow for next day mailing but will it process and such by saturday so that I am able to race?

cooker

Aren't there some gearing specifications for juniors too?

ElJamoquio

Juniors cannot have a roll-out of more than 26 feet.

I doubt you'll have a license by Saturday. I'd e-mail them, or call them, and ask them what they recommend.

brett_beddow

Oh no, I have to get new cogs too? Even if I am racing cat 5?

ElJamoquio

https://www.bikeforums.net/33-road-bike-racing/380788-new-racing-here-s-tip-two.html

Read the rulebook...

... But if you are a Junior you do need to do something to be legal. Many races don't check the Juniors in Cat 5/4/whatever, but technically you *could* still be DQ'd after the race.

You don't need new cogs, run your derailler screw all the way in, so that you can only go to the XX cog, and (I believe) you'll be legal for all races except the Nationals-type races.

Are you turning 18 this year? I never knew the rule on what a Junior actually was, because your racing age is supposed to be the age you will turn that year...

brett_beddow

I will be 16 in june so no. They talk about a roll out method of 26 feet that I was just reading about. What is that? So if I just "block the gears" I will be ok? Also, can I just buy new cogs and screw them onto the casette (I think that is what it's called) or do I have to buy a full new wheel?

cooker

On most bikes you can replace the whole cassette - the cluster of cogs - as a set. It's not hard or very expensive. You do need special tools, or a bike store can do it for you in 2 minutes.

brett_beddow

Oh man, I'm bumming out. I will get that set up tomorrow but as for the license, my final decision is to not risk it and to just get a one-day on the day of the event. I really hope this all works out and am able to race considering I already payed my $35 race fee...sheesh.

Psimet2001 

Oh...boy....

Rollout....they'll take your rig and directly measure the distance you get on one full crank rev in your "tallest" gear. Most will let you block out gears by adjusting them out by the limit screw.

Eventually it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the right cassette. You can also achieve the correct gearing by chainging chainrings. Understand that tires affect the rollout. If you run gear calcs online to figure out what ratio you need and run it close to the limit you could be in trouble if your tire is unusually high/tall. Always check it yourself to be sure.

Now....you want to race this weekend....as mentioned call and ask about the license. You most likely won't get the gearing you need by this weekend so go the blocking route and cross your fingers.

You could also stop by an LBS and ask if they have anything they can help you out with on short notice - gearing to rent/borrow for the race. Many good shops would most likely take pity on a young man trying to go all in and help out.

You could also try calling a club or team in your area for some help. You'd be surprised. Also might be a nice way to introduce yourself if there was one in particular you were thinking of joining.

As mentioned it seems like Juniors in Cat 5 races usually slip under the rollout radar, but I have overheard officials calling up juniors for rollouts in every event I have been in. Got slammed for it myself as a junior my first time out.....20ish years ago....


...but trust the man. Gear restrictions are for your own good

EDIT: Oh...and congrats and good luck. Be ready to be chewed up and spit out. You're not a racer until you come back.

cooker

https://www.mnjrc.com/Junior%20Gearing.htm
That's a blurb on junior gearing - I hope it is up to date.

truckin

Ah, when I posted, we hadn't brought up your junior status- so yes, your primary will be $30. Those of us over 18 get to pay $60.

ElJamoquio

Rollout = distance traveled by bike (in this case, in highest gear) with one complete turn of the cranks.

brett_beddow

Please note that blocked gearing is not permitted in USCF National Championship and UCI events.

How do I find out if this event is a UCI event. It is the Tour of Kennsington Valley in Michigan.
I am going to give my bike store a call at lunch and see when they want to do and I will head up there after school. Hopefully I am able to just block it out. Man, all I want to do is race. Thanks for all your guys help. I would have been screwed if I didn't know about this gearing thing.
I have a Trek 1500 so how many gears will I need to block off the back of that if I do go that route.
Anywho, thanks and I am so ready to get chewed up and spit out.

cooker

Did you race it? See another race report here, and here.