Road Bike Racing - Racing for a begginer

Hey there, Im very new to racing never done it but really hope to this summer. However road racing seems so competitive and somehwat scary. What are your experiences? How do i find out about races? I know i need to get a USCF card, but i cant seem to find about the races. Any input a begginer should know would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Byro

Your local bike shop (LBS) is the best place to start! Racing can be intimitating but after a few races it gets in your blood and you will not be able to stop. Get in on some group training rides and ask questions.

By the way where are you? you just may hook up with someone from your area in this forum.

When you start racing, it will be Cat 5. You can purchase a 1 day license at the race (usually $5). If you enjoy the experience, you can apply for a yearly license at any time.

To get to racing, join a club, get in group training rides, go to a race and watch, talk to people, etc.

What is the speed and distance in Cat 5 racing?
Thanks

The races in Northern California that are Criteriums are 15-25 miles and the pace is around 23-25mph in the ones that I have been to.

There are a couple road races that I plan on doing, and they are around 60-75 miles long.

Racing is one of the best experiences I have had. what type of race will you be joining? Crits are very different from road races. Over here, crits are usually raced in a paceline due to the small size of the track we race on...but road races are pretty much different here since we ride in a big pack. Riding in a paceline and riding in a large pack is very different..I would say that in a pack, it is easier to keep up while in a paceline, it takes a bit more effort. Crits also have a lot of tight corners where you sprint out of..this makes crits quite a painful experience. BUT< riding in a big pack is also quite dangerous..you need to be alert at all times and know where the guys are beside you...a tiny swerve may bring down the whole pack.

Race, you will not regret it.

I've got my card and am gearing up for my first race. I have only been training hard now for 2 weeks after light training all winter. I rode with my club for the 1st time last week and turned out a few guys were cat 1/2 and I got my but kicked. I'm planning my first race in two weeks so that I 'll have 4 weeks of training under my belt - 2 weeks of pure mileage and 2 weeks with hard intervals. I know I need more training, but I'm looking forward to the race. I don't ride nearly 23-25 MPH on my own, so hopefully I can keep up to the tail end....

I hope to start racing next season, so I very interested in the experiences of other beginners.

Good luck to you! :beer: