I want to enter a bike race but have no idea what to expect...
07-20-11, 09:28 AM
#1
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I want to enter a bike race but have no idea what to expect...
The following link is the event I'm considering; however, I have some questions. To make it simple, I'll just number them.
https://www.oakridgevelo.com/page2.html
1) If I'm 38, I'm assuming I'd enter in the "Master 30/40" category, correct?
2) I'm looking at the time trial race. For an event in East Tennessee that is 17km long, what do y'all think the ballpark figure would be for a top 3 finish in the 30/40 category? I don't mind entering something like this and not winning; however, I don't want to enter something like this and look like an absolute fool coming in far behind everyone else. I have no idea what the finishing times might look like.
Thoughts?
https://www.oakridgevelo.com/page2.html
1) If I'm 38, I'm assuming I'd enter in the "Master 30/40" category, correct?
2) I'm looking at the time trial race. For an event in East Tennessee that is 17km long, what do y'all think the ballpark figure would be for a top 3 finish in the 30/40 category? I don't mind entering something like this and not winning; however, I don't want to enter something like this and look like an absolute fool coming in far behind everyone else. I have no idea what the finishing times might look like.
Thoughts?
07-20-11, 09:49 AM
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1) If I'm 38, I'm assuming I'd enter in the "Master 30/40" category, correct?
07-20-11, 09:55 AM
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Expect to get dropped early on.
That is what happens to most people in their first race.
If anything other than this happens it is pure gravy.
That is what happens to most people in their first race.
If anything other than this happens it is pure gravy.
07-20-11, 09:57 AM
#4
Peloton Shelter Dog
If you're a beginner you can't race in the Master's, you have to race with the Cat 5's.
Expect mayhem.
Enjoy.
Expect mayhem.
Enjoy.
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07-20-11, 09:58 AM
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I was pretty nervous before my first race a month ago but I loved it and I'm looking forward to my next one. Just go for it. I got 77th place but finished on a few spots behind a friend of mine who's been racing for a few years. It would be more embarrassing to not race because you're afraid to get embarrassed. Just go for it!
07-20-11, 09:58 AM
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Peloton Shelter Dog
Hopefully you lap the field and discover you should have been a pro cyclist in your youth. But that's not usually how it goes.
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07-20-11, 10:06 AM
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The following link is the event I'm considering; however, I have some questions. To make it simple, I'll just number them.
https://www.oakridgevelo.com/page2.html
1) If I'm 38, I'm assuming I'd enter in the "Master 30/40" category, correct?
2) I'm looking at the time trial race. For an event in East Tennessee that is 17km long, what do y'all think the ballpark figure would be for a top 3 finish in the 30/40 category? I don't mind entering something like this and not winning; however, I don't want to enter something like this and look like an absolute fool coming in far behind everyone else. I have no idea what the finishing times might look like.
Thoughts?
https://www.oakridgevelo.com/page2.html
1) If I'm 38, I'm assuming I'd enter in the "Master 30/40" category, correct?
2) I'm looking at the time trial race. For an event in East Tennessee that is 17km long, what do y'all think the ballpark figure would be for a top 3 finish in the 30/40 category? I don't mind entering something like this and not winning; however, I don't want to enter something like this and look like an absolute fool coming in far behind everyone else. I have no idea what the finishing times might look like.
Thoughts?
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FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
07-20-11, 10:07 AM
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Welcome to the Road Racing forum.
07-20-11, 10:09 AM
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Start at the front, stay on the wheel of the fastest guy and edge him out at the line. sounds easy right? 
07-20-11, 10:15 AM
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And I suspect a typo on the prize list. They have $200 paying 3 deep for the Cat 5 crit.
07-20-11, 10:18 AM
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I didn't think you were allowed to have a cash payout for cat 5. What do I know though...
OP - race cat 5. Around here you could enter the masters crit even as a 5, but you wouldn't want to. It's where old pros go when the elite ranks threaten to send them to the glue factory.
OP - race cat 5. Around here you could enter the masters crit even as a 5, but you wouldn't want to. It's where old pros go when the elite ranks threaten to send them to the glue factory.
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07-20-11, 10:20 AM
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Sweet. Thanks for the advice.
Any estimates on a finishing time for a 17 km time trial? I'm just trying to determine if I'd even be competitive.
Any estimates on a finishing time for a 17 km time trial? I'm just trying to determine if I'd even be competitive.
07-20-11, 10:25 AM
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Do the crit.
07-20-11, 10:35 AM
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I can only use my experience with local TT's here...
Winners average in the low to mid 40kmh
To finish middle of the pack you need to be in the upper edge of 30kmh
Anything under 35kmh and you are severely bringing up the rear...
Now crits, that's a whole different animal
Winners average in the low to mid 40kmh
To finish middle of the pack you need to be in the upper edge of 30kmh
Anything under 35kmh and you are severely bringing up the rear...
Now crits, that's a whole different animal
07-20-11, 01:10 PM
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And it's correct that you can't give cash prizes in a Cat 5 only field.
07-20-11, 01:31 PM
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+1 - If you ever doubt this then ponder the following: I have power numbers that wouldn't scare anyone. My "e-wang" lists me as "Untrained female". I am 40 pounds - ye 40 pounds OVER my ideal cycling weight. I ride once a week....that is usually the same time I am pinning a number on.
....and every now and then I finish in the pack. Why? Because it isn't about how strong or fast you are after a certain point...it's HOW you do it.
....and every now and then I finish in the pack. Why? Because it isn't about how strong or fast you are after a certain point...it's HOW you do it.
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07-20-11, 01:56 PM
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07-21-11, 06:41 AM
#22
grilled cheesus
if you train properly you wont get dropped in your first crit. or you second. or your third.
maybe in august on a NRC course with a u-turn, 125 rider field, and crap load of racing in your legs....but, im jus sayin. later.
maybe in august on a NRC course with a u-turn, 125 rider field, and crap load of racing in your legs....but, im jus sayin. later.
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07-21-11, 03:06 PM
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Is a weekend crit ok for a first time racer, or should you start with a weekday race? I've heard the weekday races are more for practice and usually less competitive.