"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - First time and need as much advice

hello all,

im looking to participate in my first 'race' but im not sure what to expect except experience. im located in ny and there is a race coming up...i dont know what category i lay in but for sure im no cat 1-3... how can i find out? i dont have a race bike either, its a aluminum road bike with entry level shifters soras... i do bike as often as i can, during weekdays on the trainer and weekend about 100 miles if i have the time.

This is for price money but i was thinking 'what if someone is a cat 2 and enter as a cat 4 or 5? that would be unfair? not sure how everything works in this sport but any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

heres the link...im thinking about doing the brooklyn grand prix: http://www.kissenasports.com/nycs_competitor_info.htm

Start here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?380788-New-to-Racing-Here-s-a-tip-or-two

You're Cat 5. If you're "really Cat 2" you have to go prove it - start winning.

Go do the race.

The bike is perfectly fine.

First time and need as much advice

paying attention helps.

thanks for the input. i was reading how fast the cat 5s go compared to the 4 because of distance and what not. the speeds are faster than i usually go :P but reading on the draft seems to bring up the speed. i'm worried about this and i haven't even signed up!

but reading on the draft seems to bring up the speed.

This comment tells me that you likely have not done many, if any, group rides.

If this is correct, its a seriously bad idea to do the race, for your safety and the safety of others. Read the sticky thread, and follow the recommended progression.

You still have a month, So if you want to give it a go, go ahead and register, but find some group rides and get some experience between now and then.

What Merlin said, and also, please continue to select NYC races that are happening when I'm out of town.

hi, thanks for the reply. i had no idea what i was getting myself into so i really appreciate the advice. you are right, i've never done group rides before. i'll look into the link in depth.

is this because of how close and fast people ride in packs? and if i dont have the experience, things can go wrong? thanks!


This comment tells me that you likely have not done many, if any, group rides.

If this is correct, its a seriously bad idea to do the race, for your safety and the safety of others. Read the sticky thread, and follow the recommended progression.

You still have a month, So if you want to give it a go, go ahead and register, but find some group rides and get some experience between now and then.

hi, thanks for the reply. i had no idea what i was getting myself into so i really appreciate the advice. you are right, i've never done group rides before. i'll look into the link in depth.

is this because of how close and fast people ride in packs? and if i dont have the experience, things can go wrong? thanks!

Yes, very wrong. Experience won't prevent crashes, but does reduce the chances greatly.

http://frmarkdwhite.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/gibsonhamletyorick.jpg

http://frmarkdwhite.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/gibsonhamletyorick.jpg

gee thanks...haha i know its a serious issue!

hello all,

im looking to participate in my first 'race' but im not sure what to expect except experience. im located in ny and there is a race coming up...i dont know what category i lay in but for sure im no cat 1-3... how can i find out? i dont have a race bike either, its a aluminum road bike with entry level shifters soras... i do bike as often as i can, during weekdays on the trainer and weekend about 100 miles if i have the time.

Your bike doesn't matter. To start, you'll be racing Cat5. Even if you have the skill level of a pro, you have to start at 5. Yes, you can expect strong guys in the 5's who should have upgraded already. Disregard this, for it will only make you faster.

Start by going to BikeReg.com and picking a local race. Show up, stay in the back (unless you're actually comfortable in a tight pack) and race. Best of luck to you.

hi nickdavide,

is that the policy that everybody starts at cat5? i dont know the rules just yet. im no pro.

also, i saw you're from jersey? do you bike the 9w a lot? i'm wondering if there are group rides i could join there. i live in queens and want to join someone to go across GW and back, not sure how to get to 9W ...maybe you can help me there?



Your bike doesn't matter. To start, you'll be racing Cat5. Even if you have the skill level of a pro, you have to start at 5. Yes, you can expect strong guys in the 5's who should have upgraded already. Disregard this, for it will only make you faster.

Start by going to BikeReg.com and picking a local race. Show up, stay in the back (unless you're actually comfortable in a tight pack) and race. Best of luck to you.

hi nickdavide,

is that the policy that everybody starts at cat5? i dont know the rules just yet. im no pro.

also, i saw you're from jersey? do you bike the 9w a lot? i'm wondering if there are group rides i could join there. i live in queens and want to join someone to go across GW and back, not sure how to get to 9W ...maybe you can help me there?

Yes, with a few exceptions for retired racers getting back into racing.

+1 to getting in some group riding experience.

Here's a short series of articles (http://thecblog.familyloftus.com/2010/04/14/racing-primer/) I did for the new racer. You may find it useful.

hi nickdavide,

is that the policy that everybody starts at cat5? i dont know the rules just yet. im no pro.

also, i saw you're from jersey? do you bike the 9w a lot? i'm wondering if there are group rides i could join there. i live in queens and want to join someone to go across GW and back, not sure how to get to 9W ...maybe you can help me there?

Yes, Cat5 is mandatory. You can show up to race without a USA Cycling license, but will pay an extra $5-$10 for this. I recommend going this route to see if you enjoy racing. Then, get yourself a license at USACyling.org. I recall the price being $60.

As for 9W. Yes, I train on 9W regularly, like many others on this board. To get there, use Google Maps and find Strictly Bicycles in NJ. They are just off 9W. There are tons of regulars who meet at the GWB and ride 9W. My recommendation is to find out the route, make your way to 9W and head to Piermont, NY (on the water). Once you're there, turn around and ride home. You'll meet people just by riding along those roads.

We've held your hand enough. Now hit the road, Skippy.

Yes, Cat5 is mandatory. You can show up to race without a USA Cycling license, but will pay an extra $5-$10 for this. I recommend going this route to see if you enjoy racing. Then, get yourself a license at USACyling.org. I recall the price being $60.

As for 9W. Yes, I train on 9W regularly, like many others on this board. To get there, use Google Maps and find Strictly Bicycles in NJ. They are just off 9W. There are tons of regulars who meet at the GWB and ride 9W. My recommendation is to find out the route, make your way to 9W and head to Piermont, NY (on the water). Once you're there, turn around and ride home. You'll meet people just by riding along those roads.

We've held your hand enough. Now hit the road, Skippy.

+1

and don't forget to do your cornering drills. there's a parking lot right under the GW bridge, off of Henry Hudson drive that's perfect for this type of thing. if you can nail down cornering, you should have no problem dealing with most cat 4/5's

im looking to participate in my first 'race' but im not sure what to expect except experience. im located in ny and there is a race coming up...i dont know what category i lay in

If you've never raced and you're not a woman, you are a cat 5.


This is for price money but i was thinking 'what if someone is a cat 2 and enter as a cat 4 or 5? that would be unfair? not sure how everything works in this sport but any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

There is no prize money for cat 5. A higher-cat person could theoretically enter with a fake name on a one day license, but what would be the point?

hi nickdavide,

is that the policy that everybody starts at cat5? i dont know the rules just yet. im no pro.

also, i saw you're from jersey? do you bike the 9w a lot? i'm wondering if there are group rides i could join there. i live in queens and want to join someone to go across GW and back, not sure how to get to 9W ...maybe you can help me there?

Discover: Gimbel's and Nyack. PCad will show you the way. oh, and know how to get home on your own. You will need it.

Make a romantic dinner, get a friend who's of age to get you a bottle of wine, don't drink too much of said bottle of wine, use protection...oh wait, not that first time?

My bad.

how are cat working in canada?

how are cat working in canada?

huh?

how are cat working in canada?

Translation: How does the racer 'Category' system work in Canada?

(i guess)

how are cat working in canada?

Start in Cat 5, win a bunch, move up to 4, win a bunch, move up to 3 etc.

Here in Alberta there are no automatic upgrades just from starts - you gotta earn them all.

UCI license codes are discipline, gender, nat'l category, ability

so a code of

RME.2 = road, men's, elite, cat 2

or

RMMA.1 = road, men's, master A (30-39), cat 1

and so on.