Great Lakes - Racing out at my 'lake base' July 5th and 6th!

Here is the flyer... (http://www.wicycling.org/WisconsinCup/raceflyers08/whitewater%20Race%20Days.pdf)

Road race in Palmyra on Saturday and a TT in La Grange on Sunday!

Oh boy!

Now, I'm wondering first if I could squeeze this into my schedule that day (other stuff going on)....but...if I could, then hey, now taking names of riders that might be interested in riding slow enough with me to form a groupetto to ride longer enough for JDub to take some cool pictures of us in action!

Early forecast looks great too.

Hmmmm....

Yes!

Which RR are you entering? Masters 4/5?

Hmmm.... I've never raced before, though.

I'm sure I'd have pack fodder written all over my jersey.

Yes!

Which RR are you entering? Masters 4/5?

Yes, I think so.
What the hell....why not give it a shot?

Hmmm.... I've never raced before, though.

I'm sure I'd have pack fodder written all over my jersey.

Well, if it's written on the BACK of your jersey then I'll be able to read it as it gets smaller and smaller out ahead of me.

So is this road race 8 laps of the course? And would I be a Cat 5, or a Masters Cat 5? I'm getting kind of long in tooth, yet I don't think I'm the master of anything. More a jack of few trades.

So is this road race 8 laps of the course? And would I be a Cat 5, or a Masters Cat 5? I'm getting kind of long in tooth, yet I don't think I'm the master of anything. More a jack of few trades.

yes, i think 8 laps sounds right (8*5.5=42). and i'm not sure, but i think you could race either cat 5 or masters cat 5, or both. of course if you don't have an annual license you will have to buy a day license.

-edit-
sorry for the misinformation - i guess you can't do both in this race b/c they start 5 minutes apart from each other.

yes, i think 8 laps sounds right (8*5.5=42). and i'm not sure, but i think you could race either cat 5 or masters cat 5, or both. of course if you don't have an annual license you will have to buy a day license.

I don't think you need a license to enter a WCA event....at least I did in the past without one.
recursive..fill us in.

I was under the impression you just sign up and pay the man your money, which is a bit odd too....25 bucks for suffering and humiliation...:p

You can race as a 5/masters 5 on a one day license, which is going for $5 these days.

You can race as a 5/masters 5 on a one day license, which is going for $5 these days.

...and how much did the license to wear those socks cost you?

...and how much did the license to wear those socks cost you?

To get that one, you have to know someone.

You can race as a 5/masters 5 on a one day license, which is going for $5 these days.

Learn me this, capitan: The flyer has Masters 4/5 starting at high 12:00 and 4/5 starting at 12:05.

Sounds like one category would have to be picked over another, or if not one could be crafty and get a five minute jump on the rest of the field.

Would it be smart for an aging rookie like yours truly to start off in the Masters 4/5 knowing that if I got dropped there would be a pack along soon that I could latch on to? Or is that some sort of wishful thinking?

And I'm guessing "Masters" means 35 and up, right? That would be me. The 35, not the up.

Learn me this, capitan: The flyer has Masters 4/5 starting at high 12:00 and 4/5 starting at 12:05.

Sounds like one category would have to be picked over another, or if not one could be crafty and get a five minute jump on the rest of the field.

Would it be smart for an aging rookie like yours truly to start off in the Masters 4/5 knowing that if I got dropped there would be a pack along soon that I could latch on to? Or is that some sort of wishful thinking?

And I'm guessing "Masters" means 35 and up, right? That would be me. The 35, not the up.

Working together between different race fields is discouraged if not illegal. Although if you're out of contention, you may be able to slip something through. I would pick the field you'd rather be in, and just go with it. Masters are said to be more experienced and less crashy. And possibly faster. Although all of those things can vary.

I think the age cutoff is 30.

Now I'm confused!
Masters 4/5 or just plain old 4/5?

Is the Masters thing mostly an age thing then?
'Cause THAT I have going for me at 49.

Ok guys. Pay close attention.

The Facts:

A one-day license is considered a cat 5 license.
A one-day license costs $5.
Any rider with a current cat 4 or cat 5 license can ride in a "cat 4/5" event.
Unless otherwise specified, any rider with a current cat4 or cat5 license at least 30 years of age as of December 31 can race a "masters 4/5" event.
Two years ago, I got beat by a >=65 year old in a TT.


BAM! Learninations!

It sure is nice having some races on the holiday weekend I tell 'ya. This weekend is gonna be jam packed with fun!! :ride:

It sure is nice having some races on the holiday weekend I tell 'ya. This weekend is gonna be jam packed with fun!! :ride:

Heck, half the reason I'll attempt this race is just so that you can take some of those cool 'recursive-like' photos of me in action there to hang in my cycling room!

What about if you have never entered a road race (have done a triathlon) and are 26 years old? I would like to enter a race at some point this summer to see how I compare to others, but do not know which category would be right.

Cat. 5 baby! Plenty of strong dudes out there that just haven't raced before. This is a lower key event (as compared to doing your first during Superweek), perfect to get your feet wet.

I'll be there Hip ... looking for that Rebel Yell. :roflmao2:

http://www.uptownmag.com/archive/feature/05sept01.jpg

Ok guys. Pay close attention.

The Facts:

A one-day license is considered a cat 5 license.
A one-day license costs $5.
Any rider with a current cat 4 or cat 5 license can ride in a "cat 4/5" event.
Unless otherwise specified, any rider with a current cat4 or cat5 license at least 30 years of age as of December 31 can race a "masters 4/5" event.
Two years ago, I got beat by a >=65 year old in a TT.


BAM! Learninations!

Got it...but that still doesn't answer my question....IYNSHO (in your not so humble opinion) which should I enter....masters or regular?

Post if you are going to enter CyLowe...perhaps a special post-race beer run will be needed to have some on hand for the private, invite-only "A-List" group at Chateau Hip on the lake.

It's not so much a matter of speed ... it's: who do you want to bump elbows with?

The college crowd? or 'older' guys?

What about if you have never entered a road race (have done a triathlon) and are 26 years old? I would like to enter a race at some point this summer to see how I compare to others, but do not know which category would be right.

You'll be in cat 5. You don't get a choice. If you haven't done a bike race before, you may be underestimating the speed of a cat 5 field.

Got it...but that still doesn't answer my question....IYNSHO (in your not so humble opinion) which should I enter....masters or regular?

Really totally up to you. I hear there are fewer stupid maneuvers in the masters fields, so I'd go with that in the absence of any other information about what you want.

....I like that...positive thinking....because if I'm bumping arms that means I'm still in the pack and not off the back all by myself.

And by the way, when you see me back there like that, please know that that's my plan, just to make sure you get some nice clean shots of me with that fancy camera of yours!

It's all about the sneer baby.

Really totally up to you. I hear there are fewer stupid maneuvers in the masters fields, so I'd go with that in the absence of any other information about what you want.

Thanks recursive...I think I'll go 4/5 Masters.

Now, are you gonna be there racing in the 3's?

Thanks recursive...I think I'll go 4/5 Masters.

Now, are you gonna be there racing in the 3's?

Whitewater RR and TT both on the schedule. That's a yes.

4/5 masters is faster than 4/5 - FYI. Also in Masters they list results by age group as well as overall. More of a chance of doing mediocre.

I'm drunk and I didn't read the whole thread, but basically if I was going to be back from vacation by then I would be rocking the Cat 45 apprentices....whatever you would be racing.

...just so I could box you into the cones on the first turn....

4/5 masters is faster than 4/5 - FYI.

How much faster? What types of average speeds are these guys doing?

How much faster? What types of average speeds are these guys doing?

If you have never raced then it is faster than you can go. Period. No exceptions.

There is no way to prepare for racing outside of racing. If you've raced then you know and you wouldn't have asked.

Speed schmeed.

More important question: Do I go for the full on Rock Racing kit, or do I have to go logo-less as an unattached rider? Pretty much every jersey I own is an advertisement, whether for a beer, a coffee/bike shop, or some loser sub-regional forum on the intarwebs.

Plain jersey. Period.

You may get through without, but the only things I have ever seen USCF officials nag people about are jerseys and number placement/condition.

No pro jerseys in a race.

Unless you actually are on that team.

You're not.

Speed schmeed.

More important question: Do I go for the full on Rock Racing kit, or do I have to go logo-less as an unattached rider? Pretty much every jersey I own is an advertisement, whether for a beer, a coffee/bike shop, or some loser sub-regional forum on the intarwebs.

Now HERE'S a guy who has it right....

Lets see now...
Going with an ad jersey is fine, just not a pro team jersey.

That's the route to take.
Pick one that's one of your favorite bike shops...no 'Plain Jane' here please. This is your time to shine, not stand out like a Nashbar Newbie.

Besides CyLowe, think about it....Do you really wanna go with a drunken Psimet's advice?
I didn't think so.
;)

If you have never raced then it is faster than you can go. Period. No exceptions.

There is no way to prepare for racing outside of racing. If you've raced then you know and you wouldn't have asked.

Having never raced, what would be an average speed for the cat 5 race?

To win? To finish in the pack? To just finish? :p

Others please advise, but I would say for most of the race, the lead pack will roll along at 18 to 22 mph. Top speeds reaching 30+. I guarantee that the lead pack will break up into smaller groups, with one or more that you'll find comfortable to ride in (unless you're off the front on your way to VICTORY!! :D )

That's the fun thing about racing ... you just don't know until you toe the line and GO!

Going with an ad jersey is fine, just not a pro team jersey.

That's the route to take.
Pick one that's one of your favorite bike shops...no 'Plain Jane' here please. This is your time to shine, not stand out like a Nashbar Newbie.

Besides CyLowe, think about it....Do you really wanna go with a drunken Psimet's advice?


Apparently he knows his business, even when he's full of Seagram's Peach Flavored Wine Coolers:

From the USA Cycling rule book (http://www.usacycling.org/forms/RdTrkCx_rulebook.pdf):

1L2. Rider uniform advertising.
Advertising may appear only on the uniform, including caps,
shoes, and helmet of riders who are racing members of
sponsored clubs [disqualification for other advertising]. The
club's name must appear on the front and back or two sides
of the jersey. The name may be abbreviated.

1L4. Club Jerseys. In competition, no rider shall wear the
emblem, inscription, or uniform of any club or team which the
rider is not eligible to represent [Offending rider may not be
permitted to start if noted before the race; otherwise,
warning for first offense].

I sense there are some newbies thinking of trying this race....

Here's my best prediction to try and explain what may happen in this race:

--There is a long, nagging climb early in the lap if they go counter-clockwise as I expect. This climb is going to blow apart the peloton in a hurry.

--First lap will probably be faster than middle laps...crazy fast...like mid-20's easily...plus throw in the climb and you'll be spiking your usual HR in no time.

--Things should settle in around the low 20's maybe.

--If you're blown out the back early due to the hot start and the climb, then, according to the brain of my coach which I picked about this before he headed off to vacation this afternoon...he thinks if I hang on for at least that first lap, there should be a slower group to ride with at about 20 mph...meaning I won't be all alone out there....which would be nice.

--They may or may not pull you if you get lapped. Lots of factors go into that decision I guess.

He's worried, as usual, about the fact that it can be dangerous out there, and my job #1 is protect the hip and stay safe.

Look, you'll never know unless you hop into the pool and try to swim. What's the worst that can happen? You do an expensive lap and die and pull off course after a couple of laps? Big deal...ya went for it...you were a racer that day. That's how I see it.

Plus, JDub will still have a chance to work his awesome photographic magic on you!
And, you can say you actually rode on the same course as "His Awesomeness" recursive, and I mean, how awesome is that?!

--There is a long, nagging climb early in the lap if they go counter-clockwise as I expect. This climb is going to blow apart the peloton in a hurry.


guess i will ride some hills tonight after all - although i don't really know a route w/out hills around here...

also don't listen to whoever said that race pace is faster than your pace no matter what... it wasn't for me on my first race - plus it is a lot easier to go fast in a pack/paceline. although there will most likely be surges where you struggle to keep up, there will also be times where you can draft and rest... probably.

guess i will ride some hills tonight after all - although i don't really know a route w/out hills around here...

also don't listen to whoever said that race pace is faster than your pace no matter what... it wasn't for me on my first race - plus it is a lot easier to go fast in a pack/paceline. although there will most likely be surges where you struggle to keep up, there will also be times where you can draft and rest... probably.

I very much agree, from the limited racing experience I have.
For newbies, I guess the best advice is to try to settle in on a wheel that's about your tempo pace if you can do that.

I try not to do the: "Yeah, back in MY day ..." speech, but my first ever race (age 19) was a citizens race in which I just simply rode away from everybody. A few weeks later, I did my first USCF 4's race and got lapped FOUR times. :cry: The very next day I finished solidly in the lead pack. From there I was hooked and had a long career (12 years).

Get a number, line up, and have fun out there. :thumb:

To win? To finish in the pack? To just finish? :p

Others please advise, but I would say for most of the race, the lead pack will roll along at 18 to 22 mph. Top speeds reaching 30+. I guarantee that the lead pack will break up into smaller groups, with one or more that you'll find comfortable to ride in (unless you're off the front on your way to VICTORY!! :D )

That's the fun thing about racing ... you just don't know until you toe the line and GO!

Thanks for the helpful advice. My goal would be to finish the race, no illusions of being in the lead pack.

Yo hip: (or anyone else)

Do you have a map or profile of the course? Thanks.

I'm trying to figure out what chain lube to use.

Read the flyer, click the link, get learned.

UPDATE:
Leaving town to head out there today, with grass cutting calling. I'm taking my Klein though, and will recon the course this afternoon for a couple of laps. I'll post here this evening from out there.

I'll be honest with you, I'm doing this race for two reasons only, since again, it's a $30.00 ticket to humiliation.

1) Because I must...
2) Because I want some of those awesome JDub pictures of me in a bike race. This is my only chance. Remember JDub, shoot me early and often, because I ain't gonna be around for long with these boys! :)

Oh, and since this event is being held on the opening day of Le Tour, in honor of the 95th I will be wearing my blue and black Paris kit....Cycles Laurent bike shop.

UPDATE:
Leaving town to head out there today, with grass cutting calling. I'm taking my Klein though, and will recon the course this afternoon for a couple of laps. I'll post here this evening from out there.

I'll be honest with you, I'm doing this race for two reasons only, since again, it's a $30.00 ticket to humiliation.

1) Because I must...
2) Because I want some of those awesome JDub pictures of me in a bike race. This is my only chance. Remember JDub, shoot me early and often, because I ain't gonna be around for long with these boys! :)
Oh, and since this event is being held on the opening day of Le Tour, in honor of the 95th I will be wearing my blue and black Paris kit....Cycles Laurent bike shop.

Again....that's a no-no hip. Go through your jerseys and pick the one that's in the back and makes you say, "yeah...that one is the suck."

From the USA Cycling rule book (http://www.usacycling.org/forms/RdTrkCx_rulebook.pdf):

1L2. Rider uniform advertising.
Advertising may appear only on the uniform, including caps,
shoes, and helmet of riders who are racing members of
sponsored clubs [disqualification for other advertising]. The
club's name must appear on the front and back or two sides
of the jersey. The name may be abbreviated.

1L4. Club Jerseys. In competition, no rider shall wear the
emblem, inscription, or uniform of any club or team which the
rider is not eligible to represent [Offending rider may not be
permitted to start if noted before the race; otherwise,
warning for first offense].

1L4. Club Jerseys. In competition, no rider shall wear the
emblem, inscription, or uniform of any club or team which the
rider is not eligible to represent

.......not doing that....not a club or a team


1L2. Rider uniform advertising.
Advertising may appear only on the uniform, including caps,
shoes, and helmet of riders who are racing members of
sponsored clubs [disqualification for other advertising].

....not a sponsored club....doesn't qualify
And as for THIS...

[disqualification for other advertising].

...not a chance. What, I'm advertising a bike shop in Paris, France? Pa-leez. If that's a hard and fast rule then I better not see any Voler emblems on any jerseys or bibs either....Pearl Izumi....EVERYTHING has advertising logos on it.

Hip...I've seen the kit. You show up in it and you aren't registered to ride for "Cycles Laurent" then they'll give you a hard time. Seriously it's one of the only things they really harp on.

You're not a racer(yet)....don't try to look like one.

Pick a plain jersey like the rest of us unattached pack fodder....then hold on.

There's a decent chance they might let it slide. I once raced in an Aeroflot team jersey. I wasn't on it. But they do call people on it sometimes.

If you do decide to wear a "controversial" jersey, at least just bring a backup so you don't end up racing in a cotton tshirt.

There. Everyone happy?

There's a decent chance they might let it slide. I once raced in an Aeroflot team jersey. I wasn't on it. But they do call people on it sometimes.

If you do decide to wear a "controversial" jersey, at least just bring a backup so you don't end up racing in a cotton tshirt.

There. Everyone happy?

NO.

I glad you checked in on this Sir Awesomeness, because it is upon your word that all that is righteous in cycling in my world hinges.

OK....seriously....these people need to lighten up.
Yes indeed, oh the horror of some guy who is just trying to support their sport a little bit shows up, pays his money to play in their playpen and then tries to wreak outrageous havoc by having the balls to show up in this....

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w194/Hipcycler67/Cycling/Cycling052.jpg
....thereby tainting the entire experience of the fans as they stare at him wondering if indeed he rides for the Cycles Laurent Paris team or not?! :eek: Oh the horror of it all I tell ya.