Road Bike Racing - Outlaw Race?

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af2nr
10-09-07, 07:12 PM
So there is a "outlaw race" here this Saturday, semi-organized as this is the 8th year I think they have done it, but not an official race. They have a KOM title/trophy they give and an after party. It is an open race though so everyone is up against everyone. I am nowhere near being able to compete for the "win" but would it be good to race just to race? There is no entry fee so if nothing else guess it would be a good ride to see where I stack up against the big boys?

So what do you guys know about these type races and your opinions on "open" racing when you know you aren't going to win?

jrennie
10-09-07, 07:32 PM
Never say never and give it a go. Worst case it will be a motivational ride for next season
waterrockets
10-09-07, 07:44 PM
We have the Tuesday Nighter every week, and it is as you describe, minus the (planned) party and trophy. It's probably the most fun race or ride I've done. I thought I couldn't compete for the win either, but I've hit top 10 twice this year...

Do it.

Racer Ex
10-09-07, 08:12 PM
Good traffic control? Go for it.

But if you're running stop signs and dodging commuters or Sunday go-to-churchers? I'd pass. Lost one teammate to one of these and seen too much idiocy at others.
patentcad
10-09-07, 08:17 PM
Good traffic control? Go for it.

But if you're running stop signs and dodging commuters or Sunday go-to-churchers? I'd pass. Lost one teammate to one of these and seen too much idiocy at others.

Come down to the Nyack Ride some Sunday and observe the Cat 2/3 NYC Ay Carramba Boys play chicken with the cars @ ever other traffic light. Oh yeah.

18 years on that ride, zero point zero zero car/cyclist collisions. It's a Miracle.
bamaflyfish
10-09-07, 10:19 PM
af2nr,

I know the ride. DO IT! If i could do only one race a year this would be it! Family obligations prevent my attendance this time :( .

By the way, the on road behavior at this event is better than most "organized" events.
MDcatV
10-10-07, 06:46 AM
So there is a "outlaw race" here this Saturday, semi-organized as this is the 8th year I think they have done it, but not an official race. They have a KOM title/trophy they give and an after party. It is an open race though so everyone is up against everyone. I am nowhere near being able to compete for the "win" but would it be good to race just to race? There is no entry fee so if nothing else guess it would be a good ride to see where I stack up against the big boys?

So what do you guys know about these type races and your opinions on "open" racing when you know you aren't going to win?

Is this on open roads with no traffic control, officials, lead car, road guards, police, EMS personel on site, course markings, notification of residents and motorists of a race, etc.? If that's the case, then, yes I know about these types of races, they're called group rides.

I'd say go for it and participate, but I'd treat it as a group ride, not a race, and be mindful of my surroundings, obey traffic signals/right of way of motorists, etc. Better to p!ss someone off for mucking up a paceline by slowing down at an intersection/turn/traffic/etc. than to become a hood ornament.

Have fun, ride safely.
af2nr
10-10-07, 04:52 PM
bamaflyfish,
Have you done the TdC, how is the course overall? It sounds like it could be pretty fun if you have your climbing legs.

MDCatV,
Not exactly a group ride but sort of. Here is a link to the ride with some info on it as well, http://cullmancycling.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the replies!