Introductions - new rider from va/dc/md area

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sijray21
06-24-09, 02:01 PM
hey everyone,

just poking around the forums, reading while i get into this new obsession of mine. i initially got into the idea of cycling as a fun way of getting fit. i'm 25 and not in bad shape, but i find it boring to go lifting all the time and i don't really like the idea of running a lot since i have a bad history with my knees. now as i got more into riding the past couple months i'm getting more interested in racing (TTs and Crits) - possibly joining a team/club. i have friends that either currently race, used to race, do mtb stuff, do triathlons, or just ride around socially so i've been getting a lot of advice from them. i've started to read the Cyclists Training Bible and i'm contemplating getting a bike computer for more accurate training.

i live near tysons corner and usually hop on the WO&D trail for the popular bike routes inside the beltway as well as head west on the WO&D. i try to avoid the roads for the most part as i don't feel i'm fast enough to not become a hazard (averaging between 15 and 18mph for the longer rides).

a question for any crit racers that happen to see this: how long should i plan on training (or at what level) before i enter my first race?

see you on the threads,
J

StanSeven
06-24-09, 02:16 PM
a question for any crit racers that happen to see this: how long should i plan on training (or at what level) before i enter my first race?

see you on the threads,
J

Welcome. The important thing in doing your first crit is get experience riding in groups, especially in tight situations with other riders. Riders don't like to be taken down or get in pileups from someone inexperienced. You need to know how to hold a line and not panic in turns if someone bumps you.

What you should do is keep riding, build up your endurance and speed, and do some club rides. Many clubs have training sessions for riders that want to race. Also several of the teams have instructional sessions as well.
hendrick81
06-24-09, 09:13 PM
Welcome to bike forums...

sijray21
06-25-09, 08:14 AM
Welcome. The important thing in doing your first crit is get experience riding in groups, especially in tight situations with other riders. Riders don't like to be taken down or get in pileups from someone inexperienced. You need to know how to hold a line and not panic in turns if someone bumps you.
What you should do is keep riding, build up your endurance and speed, and do some club rides. Many clubs have training sessions for riders that want to race. Also several of the teams have instructional sessions as well.



thanks for the advice. after reading a few posts about new crit riders i will definitely go on a lot of group rides and train before i even sign up for one. i don't want to cause a crash and from what i read, the crashes in Cat 5 and 4 happen fairly frequently.