"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - leave aero bars on for race?

It's a non USCF race, and they are allowed. However, I know most true roadies frown on them in group situations. Obviously I would NOT be using them in a group, but the hard reality for me is that at some point I will likely be going off the back, and they may be my best chance of hanging on/rejoining, esp after a climb. Thoughts from racers? Am I gonna be that squirrelly guy who must be ignorant, or you really don't care? PS I'm inherently lazy and really don't want to take them off, so if it runs 50/50 my laziness wins...

I would say take them off. They're complete give-aways if you're trying to keep a low profile and not stick out due to your admitted poor noob riding style. And if you know you're gonna get dropped..well they won't help that much in trying to rejoin the main bunch.

good luck and remember to hold your line...

It's a non USCF race, and they are allowed. However, I know most true roadies frown on them in group situations. Obviously I would NOT be using them in a group, but the hard reality for me is that at some point I will likely be going off the back, and they may be my best chance of hanging on/rejoining, esp after a climb. Thoughts from racers? Am I gonna be that squirrelly guy who must be ignorant, or you really don't care? PS I'm inherently lazy and really don't want to take them off, so if it runs 50/50 my laziness wins...

Take them off. Even if it isn't a USCF event and they're allowed take them off. Nobody's going to feel comfortable riding in a pack situation with some body with aerobars on and they're going to try their hardest to push you off the back ASAP. Think about it from a safety perspective. If there's a crash and you go down with aerobars on there's a good chance that somebody's going to get really hurt. I know that I for one would probably be petitioning the event holders to have you take them off. Just not safe for pack racing.

Off they go!

I ditched them. Two good points, thanks.