Nimitz87

I've only been riding the bike for about 6 months, and just recently started riding in the local group rides in the "B" field ride usually is around 50 miles long or so and speeds from 19-23mph with a few sprint zones and regroup points.

I noticed that there is a crit race on my 21st birthday and I think it'd be pretty kick ass to race on your 21st instead of out getting drunk like everyone else does.

I've read pretty much all the race threads, and botto's tips and they have definitely helped.

but with 6 months experience and only half that with group rides am I delusional in thinking I can ride a cat 5 race? I'm going to do it regardless...but just wanted to see what the "group" thought.

btw I know it'll be painful, but I am no stranger to pain...I have been on that edge many many many times.

*shudders bootcamp*

btw its the Lake Mary Crit north of Orlando that seems to be a tricky course...with cobble stone corners

course is .8 mile 30 min race.



what should I be doing for riding for the 3 weeks up to the race?

Chad

AlexTaylor

Sprint intervals.

I just made that up but it sounded good didn't it!?!

Waterrockets will hopefully be along here with some sound advice shortly...

wanders

Do it. You won't regret it.

Good luck.

Ih8lucky13

Do it. You would be surpised on all of the different levels of fitness in cat 5.

Plus its the best learning experience there is.

Snap

That is a pretty good course. Plenty of room in the corners. Most of the races stayed together last year.

Good times!

Nimitz87

oh I will guys, I'm 100% doing this no matter what right now.

question can I register on bikereg without having a racing license?

Chad

Ih8lucky13

You can get a license instantly from USACyling.

So even if you need one it should not be a problem.

ljrichar

My 1st race ever was last year on my 30th birthday. Do it. Realize that you might get dropped but that's just part of the learning/fitness curve for racing. The true commitment is showing up to those next races to do it all again. Also, you can get a 1 day license on site for $10.

MDcatV

excellent way to celebrate your 21st b-day.

only tips that really matter are that you pre-register, your equipment is in sound working order, that you pack your car the night before the race with directions (make a checklist), and that you show up at least 1.5 hrs. prior to your start time on raceday. Once the race starts, all the tips will go out of your mind as the madness ensues.

have fun!

kensuf

It's an easy course. Wide open road, easy turns. Just remember to relax during the race and stay out of the wind.

Mtn Mike

Yep you'll do great. Your rides with the "B" group were probably great preperation.

Two differences with a crit are 1)faster accelerations and 2) having to corner with the group. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but if you want to do some drills to get ready, practice your lines on corners and practice sprinting. Then again it's only cat 5, so no one else will have much more preperation than you anyway.

dmb2786

cut your riding down a bit for one-two weeks before. hopefully someone else can be more specific.

Metzinger

But don't hang out near the back just bacause you're new.
Too much 'slinky' effect back there.
Try to be in 5 to 10th, if possible, most of the time.
Then jump out for the win!

Nimitz87

+1 on the have fun I definitely plan on it...I have a question about warm up...I don't own a trainer/roller and have read that for a short race you need to warm up pretty hard...so what do I do?

glad to hear that. the corners look alot tighter in the map picture

oh and I plan on replacing the crappy tires (they are just about bald anyway) before the race...conti GP4000s' and when I mean before...I mean I'm ordering them today so I will have time to get use to them.

Chad

MDcatV

no. it's a first race of a long season. OP will be hooked and probably race until october. train as normal.

edit: warming up. hopefully one of the locals on the forums familiar with this venue can chime in, but just warm up on the roads. everyone warms up differently, but I like to ride around for 20 mins. or so, then do something like 10" to 15" on/ = off for 5 minutes (not maximal but hard accelerations during the "on"), then rest for 5' or so, and do a few sprints. generally speaking, the shorter the race, the longer a warmup should be. seriously though warming up is important, making sure that all your stuff is in order, # pinned on, that you know where you need to go at what time, etc. is a big stress reliever and in this circumstance, IMO, the most important thing to having a fun experience.

kensuf

Turn 1 is the only "gotcha" as there's a brick median and the road narrows. It's still very wide open and a fast course. Around turn 2 is an open field, you'll probably catch a cross breeze there.

The solo flier with 5 laps to go won't work on that course, so don't try it. Trust me, I know. Instead, find a guy sporting a velo brew kit and after he attacks counter.

umd

People worry too much about whether or not they are "ready". If you have been riding in groups and you are comfortable, then just do it. It's not like you are racing pros that are expert bike handlers... most everyone in the race will be wondering if they are ready too.

Nimitz87

md thanks for the sound advice

appreciate the tactics advice...now lets hope I'll be there to the end to use it!

btw guys my Road Racing license is officially #289384 !!!

I just realized there is also a cat 4/5 race 2 weeks from now right up the street from my house...I could easily ride there. am I getting ahead of myself for thinking of signing up for two races on back to back weekends?

Chad

Second Mouse

Not at all. You'll probably be addicted following your first race anyway. Lots of us race weekly, especially crits.

Good luck and let us know how you did.

Nimitz87

most definitely will.

and I'm pretty sure i'll be hooked hard...

so new thread title should read "first race in two weeks hell yeah!"

Chad

merlinextraligh

+1. I think it's the easiest course I can think of in Florida. The promoters in fact had in the flyer last year that it was a great course for new racers.


The turns are easy, which means not only safer for new racers, but also less accordian effect, so it will be easier to hang with the pack.

As for warming up, it's in an industrial park, and there is plenty of room around the course to ride to warm up.


The Sanford Crit, (the day before) on the other hand is a bit technical, with cobbles, and 2 turns that are bit narrow (one because of a roundabout, and one because they fence off a lane.)

Of the 2 Lake Mary would definitely be the easier start. I would definitely go for it.

wolfpack 

slight hijack...am i delusional as well to think i can go race the Wolfpack Classice on 2/14 after being in a cast for all of january? hopefully hte damn thing will be off today. if it's not, then i suppose i won't be racin'.

Duke of Kent

Why bother? It's a crit, not the Tour. Do that, and you're just handicapping yourself down the line. Ride easy the day or two before your race, that's all.

Duke of Kent

I raced two or three weeks after getting my bike. Got chopped in the last corner, and ended up as a lawn ornament, but I was in the top 5 before that.

Riding your bike, just like normal. It's just another ride. Don't over think it.

MONGO!

If you can hang on a 50 miler at 19-23mph you'll be fine in a cat 5 race.

Try to stay near the front and out of the wind.