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08-03-05, 08:17 PM
Hi!
So, I think I'm going to make the leap and race for the first time this Sunday. I've been riding since mid-May, 130-200 miles a week, my speed has been steadily increasing etc. etc. The race in question is 42 miles-no idea on terrain though.
What does "wheel in and out vans" mean?
"Feeding will be allowed within the feed zone but no neutral feeders provided." What does that mean? I think I'll be fine with gatorade for 40 miles if I eat well the day before/morning of.
Group Riding vs. Racing...
I ride on my own 4-5 times a week, and with a group 2 times a week. The group is all guys (local racing team) and one woman who raced/races masters. She is always getting ticked off at them for not riding a "proper pace line." I say, can't beat 'em, join 'em, and have started riding the way they do -sprinting any major gap, goofing around chasing people, riding side by side etc. I feel quite comfortable in a mini-pelaton going 30 as a result, but are these "bad manners" in a race? I understand the paceline thing, and can hang on a wheel, but I've never done a paceline for long.
How do I work with other racers? The women that are registered are all pretty experienced, do I just hang with them and see how it goes? There are going to be three races on the course at once, are the different groups allowed to mix?
Any other tips? Is there any good reason I shouldn't start racing?
Thanks!!!
So, I think I'm going to make the leap and race for the first time this Sunday. I've been riding since mid-May, 130-200 miles a week, my speed has been steadily increasing etc. etc. The race in question is 42 miles-no idea on terrain though.
What does "wheel in and out vans" mean?
"Feeding will be allowed within the feed zone but no neutral feeders provided." What does that mean? I think I'll be fine with gatorade for 40 miles if I eat well the day before/morning of.
Group Riding vs. Racing...
I ride on my own 4-5 times a week, and with a group 2 times a week. The group is all guys (local racing team) and one woman who raced/races masters. She is always getting ticked off at them for not riding a "proper pace line." I say, can't beat 'em, join 'em, and have started riding the way they do -sprinting any major gap, goofing around chasing people, riding side by side etc. I feel quite comfortable in a mini-pelaton going 30 as a result, but are these "bad manners" in a race? I understand the paceline thing, and can hang on a wheel, but I've never done a paceline for long.
How do I work with other racers? The women that are registered are all pretty experienced, do I just hang with them and see how it goes? There are going to be three races on the course at once, are the different groups allowed to mix?
Any other tips? Is there any good reason I shouldn't start racing?
Thanks!!!