CT: maybe start racing next year, where to start?

[fprintf]

After getting in shape for my 400 mile journey to Pennsylvania in September I need another goal to train for through the Fall and long cold Winter. I was potentially thinking of giving racing a try again. The last I remember it 20 years ago it was painful, I was really slow and pretty unmotivated by how quickly I was dropped. Now 20 years later I have matured a bit and think I might be able to keep myself engaged long enough to make it to Spring with some fitness. Plus with a race on the calendar I will have no excuses for getting off the boring trainer.

The trouble is, everything I have checked for race organizations online is pretty old (CBRA.org being one) or geared toward centuries. I am thinking maybe my local shop, which sponsors a Cat 4 team, might be able to help. Are there any other resources I might check online now or early next year for available Cat 5 races... I might also need to check into whatever requirements exist for signing up since it has been a long time since I had a USCF card.

Is this 40 year old going to regret it?

[sfene]

Good for you, Ive been thinking along the same lines for about a year and still have not pulled the trigger for various reasons. I know there is racing in East Hartford every tues. night, and someone sponsors a spring series in Farmington.
Where are you?
T.

[fprintf]

Where are you?
T.

Thanks for the info. I am in Cheshire. I see lots of bikes locally during the spring, not so much now. Someone told me to show up for the Tuesday night Sleeping Giant training ride and to prepare to be dropped. Nice!

[sfene]

From your profile on mapmyride, looks like we avg about the same speed, I ride usually <30 miles due to time and family constraints. There are a lot of hills out my way (Bolton, Coventry etc.) so my rides while short are pretty challenging. I did the Tour of the Litchfield Hills a couple weeks ago, tough but not a killer, avg just under 14 mph including stops. Hills are longer out there but not nearly as steep as some out here, though Im sure they have some killers too.
Let me know if you get out my way.
T.

[isuffer]

Is this 40 year old going to regret it?


NO WAY! You're going to get hooked. Enjoy!