"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Pittsburgh Washington Blvd Cycling Oval Criterium Weekly Series

Hello,

I have to move to Pittsburgh to go to school for work until August.

I was wondering if anyone here had information on the Allegheny Cycling Association weekly criterium series at the Washington Blvd. Cycling Oval. (http://www.acaracing.com/schcr09t.html) (I linked to the Tuesday series as I am a woman).

I have never raced and have limited experience riding with groups. My main question is is it friendly for beginners, or if it would be more appropriate for me to get more experience riding with groups first (I have read the sticky on starting to race, FWIW)? I see that there is a new rider training, but I am curious on what that is focused on.

I'm not sure I will be even able to make it over in time, as it will be dependent on my workload, but if it is a viable option for someone looking to get their feet wet, I will do my best to make it work.

Thanks ahead of time for the input.

It's a good starting point, no tight corners or anything. Good luck.

Hello,

I have to move to Pittsburgh to go to school for work until August.


I feel for you.

I don't know about the racing there, other than the Tour de 'Toona is running a stage from Seven Springs(which should provide for some good racing). The burgh's really not a bad place to be though...they do a GREAT free music festival in the summer at the park at the confluence of the rivers.

The mountain bike scene is pretty good there too, with some good riding right in town.

To echo above, yeah, that's a great place to start racing. Do the beginners thing, talk to some other new people, have a good time.

I got my start with those races a long time ago.

Is it not an issue that I have limited group ride experience?

It's hard to say. What do you mean by limited? Are you comfortable riding with 20-100 people in a pack? Have you ever ridden on a banked turn before?

I assume you'll be fine if you show up and let the people in charge, and the ones who you're racing with know that you've never done this before. As a good rule of thumb, the old guys in the faded club team jerseys are probably good people to talk to about this stuff. Many of them have been racing for decades and 9 out of 10 cyclists I know are happy to talk to you and help out.

So you'll never know until you try. Show up early, and warm up a little. Have fun!

Another good point to mention. The oval has free access daily, so you can check it out, and take a few laps to get a feel for the turns. They'll be happy to have you come out & race. Anyone who has ever raced, had to start somewhere. Just get out there & enjoy it! :)

Denny