Road Bike Racing - Another First Race Thread

O.K. folks. I entered my first race, which is scheduled for Saturday. The closer to race day it gets, the more nervous I’m getting. It’s a citizen’s race that is 7 laps totaling 22 miles. There is one hill, which will kill me, as I’m heavy for a cyclist, and one 90-degree turn. What kind of speeds can I expect? And my big fear is being boxed in the middle of the group going into that turn. Any advice? At 37 should I even be doing this? I did some searching, but haven’t found much.

I wouldn't worry about the turn just hold your line where ever that might be on the outside inside or smack dab in the middle, no sudden movements and you should be fine. Don't worry if you fall off the back of the pack on the hill or on the flats. My suggestion is to try to work your way up towards the front before the hill that way when you blow up you might be towards the back of the pack and can still grab a wheel. Most important thing is have fun!

Cipo is 37 :D

O.K. folks. I entered my first race, which is scheduled for Saturday. The closer to race day it gets, the more nervous I’m getting. It’s a citizen’s race that is 7 laps totaling 22 miles. There is one hill, which will kill me, as I’m heavy for a cyclist, and one 90-degree turn. What kind of speeds can I expect? And my big fear is being boxed in the middle of the group going into that turn. Any advice? At 37 should I even be doing this? I did some searching, but haven’t found much.

Where are you racing? In Indiana someplace?

O.K. folks. I entered my first race, which is scheduled for Saturday. The closer to race day it gets, the more nervous I’m getting. It’s a citizen’s race that is 7 laps totaling 22 miles. There is one hill, which will kill me, as I’m heavy for a cyclist, and one 90-degree turn. What kind of speeds can I expect? And my big fear is being boxed in the middle of the group going into that turn. Any advice? At 37 should I even be doing this? I did some searching, but haven’t found much.

If you have practised riding in groups before, you won't have any problems. I even find local group rides faster than some races! Relax, don't use the rear brake, and you'll be fine. Finish time in 40-60 minutes?

Where are you racing? In Indiana someplace?

Thanks guys. The race is in Tippecanoe River State Park in Northern Indiana.

Warm up well......many new racers get blown off the back in the first few miles because they are not prepared for the initial intensity. Don't be afraid to get your HR up there for a short period in the warm up.

Even after racing for a couple years, I was always amazed at the intensity of the start. You'd look around before the race and not think much about the people who'd shown up. Sure enough, as soon as the flag dropped, someone would be up front pulling the pack along at 29mph and I be sitting towards the back trying to keep my breakfast down and praying that I wouldn't be dropped. The idiots starting a road race at those speeds eventually got dropped and things would settle down.

I be sitting towards the back trying to keep my breakfast down and praying that I wouldn't be dropped.


That’s what I figure it will be like. I don’t harbor any illusions about winning; I just want to finish with the group.

good luck, you should be fine :) enjoy yourself!

good luck, you should be fine :) enjoy yourself!
Thanks for all of the advice. I had so much fun; I’m looking for other races to attend. I finished 6th or 7th I think. They hadn’t posted the results by the time that I had to leave. I just wish I had better positioning after the last turn.

I just wish I had better positioning after the last turn.

I raced there too and you really needed to be in good position going into the turn, things got pretty fast after the turn and to the finish. Check their website for final results. (not up yet) www.ambikerace.com