"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - first race...what should i bring?

ok...so i've been cycling since last fall...have gone on several group rides...was on the trainer during the winter...and i really enjoy it! my favorite thing actually is just going on a solo ride at a casual pace...just enjoy the scenery, serenity, the feel of the wind wooshing past me...

but i think, at the end of this month, i'm gonna try something new and enter a roadrace! :) cat 5...31 mile road race. i've never done this so i don't know what to do!!!!!! for group rides, i just bring my bike...one or two water bottles...cycling shoes...helmet...cycling shorts...and my jersey...extra tube...and that's pretty much it!

is that all i need? what can i expect in a cat 5 race? will i get smoked? btw...i'll be using a bone stock 2007 specialized roubaix expert compact rival. i might upgrade some stuff...i'm not sure...i've really had the upgrading wind taken out of my sales after several stalled/failed attempts at upgrading exactly how i wanted.

anyway...all input will be greatly appreciated!!!!!

I'd recommend bringing a stationary trainer or rollers if you have them. You'll want to arrive at the start line already warm. Good and sweaty, actually.

And bring your good legs.

Off the top of my head - pump, spare tube/tire, minimal set of tools in case something goes wrong while warming up (although this is kind of optional), water, food, sports drink if you usually ride with one, riding clothes including helmet, shoes, gloves, spare cloths to change into afterwards, towel, money, a handful of safety pins (I've seen them run out at a race). Rest a couple days before the race and maybe do a short "opener" ride the day before. Warm up well before the race on the road or a trainer. Try to stay relaxed during the race, don't make any erratic moves and have fun.

Bring whatever you need to ride like hell for 31 miles. Since it's a RR, consider if you'll need any spares (you may be un-supported), or how much water. Otherwise, bring the waiver pre-filled out and your entry fee. Yeah, getting shelled first time out is pretty common.

If this guy (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=408411&highlight=) can race just fine, you can too.

Bring more food than you think you will need. Sometimes race times get changed. Bring more than enough food and drink for the drive there and back.

Bring riding clothes to deal with warmer and colder conditions than you expect. I bring a big toolbox with a bunch of stuff in it, and a floor pump. I usually don't bring a trainer because I hate them and don't warm up well on them. If you don't bring the trainer, scope out the roads around the start to find good places to warm up.

Don't worry about upgrading the bike. It won't make you any faster.

I always pack my gear bag the night before. I print out the directions and put that in a pocket on the bag. I get up early enough to eat a decent breakfast and drive to the race with at least an hour to spare before my start time. I prefer more so I can get ready without rushing. Double check the gear bag as you're leaving to make sure you didn't forget helmet and shoes. If you ever do forget your shoes, volunteer to course marshal the race instead of just going home.

i was just reading the thread on compact gearing...and i have a question since i really have no idea on what gearing is good for what conditions...i just mash and try to keep my rpm's up! lol

my 2007 specialized roubaix expert compact rival came with a 11-26 cassette and a 50x43 chain ring...is that bad for roadracing?

don't forget some bandages and first aid cream ^_^

i was just reading the thread on compact gearing...and i have a question since i really have no idea on what gearing is good for what conditions...i just mash and try to keep my rpm's up! lol

my 2007 specialized roubaix expert compact rival came with a 11-26 cassette and a 50x43 chain ring...is that bad for roadracing?

It's probably a 50x34, and no it's not bad for road racing.

It's your first race, don't worry about how you do. Just go out there and learn and stay safe.

balls.

big ones.

Oh, and a racing license.

:D

Go have fun.

It's probably a 50x34, and no it's not bad for road racing.

It's your first race, don't worry about how you do. Just go out there and learn and stay safe.

oops! sorry...yeah, it's 50x34!

Beer. It doesnt matter if you win, lose, crash, get dropped and finish DFL or DNF. Beer makes it all better.

Bring your "A" game

Beer. It doesnt matter if you win, lose, crash, get dropped and finish DFL or DNF. Beer makes it all better.

Does USAC ban consumption while underway?

Everything you need to know can be found here:

http://www.velogear.com/images/vp_road.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Roadie-Misunderstood-World-Bike-Racer/dp/1934030171)

Everything you need to know can be found here:

http://www.velogear.com/images/vp_road.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Roadie-Misunderstood-World-Bike-Racer/dp/1934030171)

Shill

(I really want that book)

Shill

(I really want that book)

http://www.amazon.com/Roadie-Misunderstood-World-Bike-Racer/dp/1934030171

Does USAC ban consumption while underway?

Not that I know of.

However, most states have an open container law that you'd fall under should any authority be present.

Doesn't stop "Duff Man" (of The Simpson's fame) from handing out MGD's at the top of the KOH every year at a local race, and dudes from accepting them.

Bring some humility.

CDR, can you link that blog post on what's in YOUR race bag?