"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Upgrading to Cat 2

In the district where I race, Cat 3s have the option to enter either a Cat 3, Cat 3/4, P/123, or Masters race (if old enough) or Jrs. race (if young enough).

Given this, why would a 36 year old with a family, career, etc. who wont be racing nationally upgrade to Cat 2 (other than to brag on the internets)?

To give the next cat 3 a chance.

To give the next cat 3 a chance.

By the looks of your power files, that's what I'll be pleading with you to do next year!

In the district where I race, Cat 3s have the option to enter either a Cat 3, Cat 3/4, P/123, or Masters race (if old enough) or Jrs. race (if young enough).

Given this, why would a 36 year old with a family, career, etc. who wont be racing nationally upgrade to Cat 2 (other than to brag on the internets)?


to brag outside the internet too. I guess sometimes being a cat 2 can get you better hook ups from certain teams in the area as well.

I totally get what you are saying and as long as the person wasnt sandbagging by only racing cat 3 events i dont see any problem with it.

To give the next cat 3 a chance.

F that action.

Sandbagging RULES. Not that I have any personal experience with same because I suck so hard. But if I were Dr. W. they'd have to send the USCF Storm Troopers to make me upgrade. F'em.

It is a problem given that almost all races for 2's are Pro 1-2 races. So, upgrade to Cat 2 for bragging rights. Race some Pro 1-2 for the training, and focus on getting results in Masters 35.

In the district where I race, Cat 3s have the option to enter either a Cat 3, Cat 3/4, P/123, or Masters race (if old enough) or Jrs. race (if young enough).

Given this, why would a 36 year old with a family, career, etc. who wont be racing nationally upgrade to Cat 2 (other than to brag on the internets)?


I've heard 2s muttering to 3s that they should never upgrade... "you'll regret it", that sort of thing.

If nothing else, I think getting to 2 in this region is a great personal goal; being competitive with the guys who can train 20 hours a week seems to be the real issue for a family man (or a single parent like myself).

I`ve been thinkin' about racin' Cat 3 next voyage instead o' M35+ so I can brag if I get an upgrade.

I probably will nay, fer th' reasons ye state...

It is a problem given that almost all races for 2's are Pro 1-2 races. So, upgrade to Cat 2 for bragging rights. Race some Pro 1-2 for the training, and focus on getting results in Masters 35.

No, no, no! Stay out of the Masters 35+! Those races are hard enough without a bunch of Cat 2s putting us into difficulty.

In the district where I race, Cat 3s have the option to enter either a Cat 3, Cat 3/4, P/123, or Masters race (if old enough) or Jrs. race (if young enough).

Given this, why would a 36 year old with a family, career, etc. who wont be racing nationally upgrade to Cat 2 (other than to brag on the internets)?

there is no legitimate reason.

^ One legitimate reason would be a forced upgrade.

^ One legitimate reason would be a forced upgrade.

hairsplitting.

No, no, no! Stay out of the Masters 35+! Those races are hard enough without a bunch of Cat 2s putting us into difficulty.

Correct.

Because that's where the real race is?


I upgraded to cat 2 for that reason and because this whole bike racing thing is all about personal challenge for me. The majority of cat3 races were no longer challenging. Additionally tactics are a reality in almost all of the pro 1-2 races around here and almost never in the lower cats.

Because that's where the real race is?


I upgraded to cat 2 for that reason and because this whole bike racing thing is all about personal challenge for me. The majority of cat3 races were no longer challenging. Additionally tactics are a reality in almost all of the pro 1-2 races around here and almost never in the lower cats.

move. ;)

I wouldn't do it. The jump to pro 1/2 from 3s is huge and humbling in terms of speed and aggression. Unless you are training full time, I don't see why you would do it.

Because that's where the real race is?


I upgraded to cat 2 for that reason and because this whole bike racing thing is all about personal challenge for me. The majority of cat3 races were no longer challenging. Additionally tactics are a reality in almost all of the pro 1-2 races around here and almost never in the lower cats.

On the other hand Vets races usually involve tactics and often a successful breakaway with teams behind chasing or blocking. The pace of the Vets race in Prospect Park used to be a steady 25mph in the 4 race, but would go from 21mph to 30mph in the Vets race depending on the tactical situation. The most amazing breakaway I ever witnessed in a 35+ race had to be the one with Morgan Stebbins' 3 man break (Morgan's over 45 now) that lapped the field on a 3 mile circuit race course. Now THAT is a gap : ). I'll never forget the astonishment I felt to see Morgan and his pals lap us in Brooklyn.

move.
Boulder, CO isn't exactly a dead spot in the cycling scene...
The biggest reason tactics never happen here is that everyone wants point so bad that they will never let stuff go. So guys will chase everything even if it might have been a good break.


Agreed that the masters/vet classes usually have some tactics being played out but I can't race those for at least 3 years.

Boulder, CO isn't exactly a dead spot in the cycling scene...
The biggest reason tactics never happen here is that everyone wants point so bad that they will never let stuff go. So guys will chase everything even if it might have been a good break.


Agreed that the masters/vet classes usually have some tactics being played out but I can't race those for at least 3 years.

humor (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&oi=dict&q=http://www.answers.com/humor%26r%3D67&usg=AFQjCNE-X0LOPJNBnAMHzWQI0vnyzMribA), sarcasm (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&oi=dict&q=http://www.answers.com/sarcasm%26r%3D67&usg=AFQjCNGL6SBIcbjt9DTXbt5KQZ6HmHjQEQ), jest (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&oi=dict&q=http://www.answers.com/jest%26r%3D67&usg=AFQjCNG2SR9vrchxxB-RAoeNbnhae_SqLQ), irony (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&oi=dict&q=http://www.answers.com/irony%26r%3D67&usg=AFQjCNHtkxVEKCeshji90NYZoWVE4xXENg)...

Around here, M35+ be dominated by Cat 2s who be havin' families, busy lives, an' dasn't want t' do 90 mile races ever' weekend, or twice a weekend.


Boulder, CO t'ain't exactly a dead spot in th' cyclin' scene...
Th' biggest reason tactics nerehappen here be that sea dogs an' land lubbers wants point so bad that they will nerelet stuff go. So guys will chase everythin' e'en if 't might ben a good break.

That be me experience in CO aft in th' early 90s as well. Breaks in th' 4s almost neresucceded. Maybe two per season. 't be nay much more likely in th' 3s. Sea dogs an' land lubbers be jus' so panicked about th' points. Th' teamwork certainly played in fer th' sprints tho.

Arrrrr...!

Around here, M35+ be dominated by Cat 2s who be havin' families, busy lives, an' dasn't want t' do 90 mile races ever' weekend, or twice a weekend. That be me experience in CO aft in th' early 90s as well. Breaks in th' 4s almost neresucceded. Maybe two per season. 't be nay much more likely in th' 3s. Sea dogs an' land lubbers be jus' so panicked about th' points. Th' teamwork certainly played in fer th' sprints tho.

Arrrrr...!


Pirate speak is rampant; must be a vast conspiracy - where's Oliver Stone when you need him...:eek:

Around here, M35+ be dominated by Cat 2s who be havin' families, busy lives, an' dasn't want t' do 90 mile races ever' weekend, or twice a weekend.



That be me experience in CO aft in th' early 90s as well. Breaks in th' 4s almost neresucceded. Maybe two per season. 't be nay much more likely in th' 3s. Sea dogs an' land lubbers be jus' so panicked about th' points. Th' teamwork certainly played in fer th' sprints tho.

Arrrrr...!

yer translator be more ali G than pirates.

By the looks of your power files, that's what I'll be pleading with you to do next year!

I have thoughts of making the Armed Forces team if I can continue to build/improve on where I am now. They only take Cat 1, so I'll upgrade out of every cat as fast as I can.

I have thoughts of making the Armed Forces team if I can continue to build/improve on where I am now. They only take Cat 1, so I'll upgrade out of every cat as fast as I can.

The Army canceled the WCA program for cycling recently. Or mothballed, I should say. 15 month deployments aren't conducive to training for Olympic class cycling...the Armed Forces team is populated in great measure by reservists IIRC.

It's sort of a downer, as the AFCT guys still have to work in their MOS. The WCA guys get to hang out in the Olympic Training Center and ride all day...all while collecting a paycheck better than most pros.

yer translator be more ali G than pirates.

`Tis th' top one in th' Google results, 't must be correct

Because that's where the real race is?


I upgraded to cat 2 for that reason and because this whole bike racing thing is all about personal challenge for me. The majority of cat3 races were no longer challenging. Additionally tactics are a reality in almost all of the pro 1-2 races around here and almost never in the lower cats.

but if you read the OP he states that in this area we have plenty of 123 races if we want a "real" race. So if thats the case you dont need to upgrade to 2 to really race.

In the district where I race, Cat 3s have the option to enter either a Cat 3, Cat 3/4, P/123, or Masters race (if old enough) or Jrs. race (if young enough).

Given this, why would a 36 year old with a family, career, etc. who wont be racing nationally upgrade to Cat 2 (other than to brag on the internets)?

I think it's time to change your BF user name and start racing Masters :) If I had the points and folks in the cat 3 field are doing a lot of talking behind my back I'd up to 2 and start racing Masters.

If it hasn't been said already, congrats! Pretty gratifying problem to have.

over-rated.

+1

to brag outside the internet too. I guess sometimes being a cat 2 can get you better hook ups from certain teams in the area as well.

Better chicks, too...look around at your next race. The good looking chicks don't hang around with 3's and 4's.

In the district where I race, Cat 3s have the option to enter either a Cat 3, Cat 3/4, P/123, or Masters race (if old enough) or Jrs. race (if young enough).

Given this, why would a 36 year old with a family, career, etc. who wont be racing nationally upgrade to Cat 2 (other than to brag on the internets)?


You are not upgrading. You are racing with riders who are, frankly, a lot better if you go the P 1/2 route. If you want to become a 2, race with the 3's and get points.

Better chicks, too...look around at your next race. The good looking chicks don't hang around with 3's and 4's.

oh yeah. biker groupies in the US. they're hot.

http://www.own.org.au/images/sydney_theatre_performers.jpg

F that action.

Sandbagging RULES. Not that I have any personal experience with same because I suck so hard. But if I were Dr. W. they'd have to send the USCF Storm Troopers to make me upgrade. F'em.

Back in the day, I was forced to upgrade. Not that I minded - I wanted to upgrade anyway.
I guess it depends on the local official to decide to allow sandbagging or not ?

Because that's where the real race is?


I upgraded to cat 2 for that reason and because this whole bike racing thing is all about personal challenge for me. The majority of cat3 races were no longer challenging. Additionally tactics are a reality in almost all of the pro 1-2 races around here and almost never in the lower cats.

+6 Ditto

I wouldn't do it. The jump to pro 1/2 from 3s is huge and humbling in terms of speed and aggression. Unless you are training full time, I don't see why you would do it.


yup. if you wanna be cat 2 and compete then you should be doing 20,000 miles a year minimum

...if you are capable, why not upgrade ? if you don't upgrade, yet you are capable, then you are doing it wrong and you should just quit racing. that's my take on it anyhow

I was a cat 3 then broke the hell out of my leg, but was on a plan to go cat 2 eventually. the desire just gets stronger. I don't care if I never placed in a race I just wanted to see and feel what real hammerpilots can do

CAT 3s tell CAT 4s not to upgrade... CAT 2s tell CAT 3s not to upgrade........


CAT UP IS FOR WUSSY?

yup. if you wanna be cat 2 and compete then you should be doing 20,000 miles a year minimum

Based on what? I think that's pretty grandiose overkill...

P1/2 crits are usually 60-90 minutes, and road races are 80 to 100 miles. Unless you're specifically training for a stage race, that's overkill miles.

Based on what? I think that's pretty grandiose overkill...

P1/2 crits are usually 60-90 minutes, and road races are 80 to 100 miles. Unless you're specifically training for a stage race, that's overkill miles.


ummm, no. well maybe if you are only interested in short races. or a genetic freak. i am thinking about centuries races and suffering...then winning after that

50 miles a day average it about what you need to do, to be -really- competitive. oh yeah you gotta ride 25% of those miles balls-to-wall. it's only 2 hours a day

ummm, no. well maybe if you are only interested in short races. or a genetic freak. i am thinking about centuries races and suffering...then winning after that

50 miles a day average it about what you need to do, to be -really- competitive. oh yeah you gotta ride 25% of those miles balls-to-wall. it's only 2 hours a day

Most of the cats I know in the P/1/2 field get about 17 hours a week, it seems. One of those is a nice easy one-hour ride, usually on monday, with the rest of the work week either two or three hours, and three to four on the weekend.

I'm single, live with my parents, am done with school and will be starting a new job soon, about 15 minutes away. I think I'll be able to pump out 15-20 a week. Or so I hope.

To the OP:

I'd do it. At a lot of races, you get your second race entry for $10 or so. So, if nothing else, you can race the P/1/2 race, and get a great workout in. Then do the Masters 1/2/3. My friend's dad and teammate do this all the time, and they are the Masters State Crit, RR, Masters and Overall TT champ, and Masters 40+ TT National Silver medalist between the two of them. Often times, if they don't get in a break before 5 laps to go in the P/1/2 race, they simply pull out to avoid the shenanigans at the end of a race.

you guys keep missing the point that many of the races in our area are already 1/2/3 so there is no need to upgrade to 2 to race in the same races anyway.

you guys keep missing the point that many of the races in our area are already 1/2/3 so there is no need to upgrade to 2 to race in the same races anyway.

Then it's time to start doing bigger, harder races that are Pro/1/2 only. Having come from the 3's myself recently, I will be the first to say that a beginner 3 has no place racing with the faster division. I wouldn't have been ready for that when I first moved up, both tactically and physically.

Around here, the only 1/2/3 races are those that have a hard time covering costs, let alone getting a decent sized field. Industrial park crits and such. The BIG races, the NRC, stage races and state championships, races that big time teams show up to...all Pro/1/2. Cat3s have their own category, as they should.

we usually have 123 and seperate 3 races. 3s dont have to race with 1/2s if they dont want to.

I still haven't heard a compelling argument as to why you shouldn't do it. You can compete in the same races, and you'll be a 2, which IMHO, is a very cool accomplishment.

i guess the argument would be you could still race in the 3 only races if you wanted instead of being forced to race with 1/2s only.