"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - how to start

I have a 15 year old duaghter who wants to give road racing a try
what should I do?
I live in northern New Jersey.
and she is just starting to really get into riding.
would like to take her to see a few races (sp).

Taking her to races is a good idea for her
to get an idea of what its all about.
Then I'd go to a good LBS one that promotes
training/races and get her started in the local
events.
I would imagine Velo could speak to this
as she is doing it as we speak!

Marty

thanks!!
I will look for some lbs which may not be so local, but it is a good start.. :)

lotek and ahuman are correct!

Also taking her to races is a great idea.

You know womens racing in the USA is great even if many do not think so. Also many companies and shops strongly support womens racing more than mens racing.

Find a local club where you feel very comfortable. Sadly this is a mans sport and a girl in the 'house' threatens the manhood of many. You will feel this so steer away from that.

Also shops may be able to help in more ways than you think. People tend to think shops just can offer a minimal discount at best. They are wrong.

Take her to races, join local rides where you feel comfortable and just both of you enjoy yourself. Let nature take its course.

I heard your call, and I have come. I'm 15 also, but I've been in the sport for a fairly long time.

The advice that's already been stated is sound. Sure, go see a couple of races first. It's a great motivator to be in the race environment. You'll really get a clue as to what it's all about. Then, try to get involved with a club that deals with rider development. A junior or women's team would be great if you have one in your area.

Local rides, races, and training groups are were to start. Get to know people in your area.

I hope you daughter gets into it and enjoys it,
velo

Advice for getting into riding groups:

Just because she wants to race doesn't mean that she should, or needs to, ride with "racers." Take it slow. Let her ride with older folks who will see it as a chance to teach her before they ever feel a need to drop her.

A lot of racing groups lick their chops when they see new meat and can't wait to shoot them out the back. The guys at the local club should tell you who is who. There are a lot of old geezers that can ride hard AND be helpful to a newcomer.

Finally, be forewarned that when a group says they ride at a certain pace it is not at all uncommon for them to ride 3, 4, 5 MPH faster during parts of the ride (sometimes even faster).

Good luck to you both. We need more youth in this sport than we may ever get.

Hey Velo: Are you Cindy Lakatosh?

From what you state, I think you might be.

agian thanks... we belong to a bike club and she has lead a few rides .. she enjoys meeting new people and I was really surprized when she said she wanted to race.. few of her friends
race bmx... I asked if thats what she wanted... but is road bikes she wanted to race... takin her to a few races would be a good Idea.. I would like to give her something to read can anyone recommend a book or a magazine?

Stumbled over this one yesterday.

http://www.ladiescycling.net/lcn/index.php

Originally posted by Maurizio
Hey Velo: Are you Cindy Lakatosh?

From what you state, I think you might be.

No, I absolutely am not. It's funny though, you give away enough information on these forums for people to find who you are if they really wanted to. Do I know you? You can PM me if you'd like.

Velo: "Do I know you?" I guess not. I'm riding for NECSA Elite this coming season, mostly racing in New England, Nationals, Cuba, and Canada, but we'll come to Pensylvania for FCCC and Track practice. I was just curious.

Yeah, I guess not. We'll probably run into each other informally, then. Good-luck this season.

velo