Training & Nutrition - Ready to try racing?

I thought I have read somewhere that if one can maintain a 20 mph average while riding solo that they might be ready to try racing. Well... I usually average around 19 mph. With a tailwind that goes up to 22~23 mph and into a direct headwind about 15~16 mph. However, on a non-windy day 19 mph (after warming up of course). Do you think that I could somewhat be competitive in racing, say a beginning Cat 5, 45 year old group? I understand that riding in packs and drafting can really bring the speed up. Unfortunately I live in a pretty remote area and the only cycling club training rides are when I work (I work an off shift). Is there any hope for me and racing? Thanks.

I thought I have read somewhere that if one can maintain a 20 mph average while riding solo that they might be ready to try racing. Well... I usually average around 19 mph. With a tailwind that goes up to 22~23 mph and into a direct headwind about 15~16 mph. However, on a non-windy day 19 mph (after warming up of course). Do you think that I could somewhat be competitive in racing, say a beginning Cat 5, 45 year old group? I understand that riding in packs and drafting can really bring the speed up. Unfortunately I live in a pretty remote area and the only cycling club training rides are when I work (I work an off shift). Is there any hope for me and racing? Thanks.
If you have never ridden in a pack with others at the limit of exhaustion, you probably don't have the skills to keep yourself and others around you safe. Sorry, but there are many more skills involved in racing then just pedaling fast. Usually, there are group rides scheduled a thboute same time as races on the off-days. I'd suggest making the effort to do a few of those before jumping into a race.

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

Originally Posted by botto http://www.bikeforums.net/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=6015286#post6015286)

1. Find some group rides, fast group rides. Sit in the back.
2. Don't get discouraged if/when you get dropped from those group rides.
3. Go back the following week and do the fast group ride again.
4. If you're dropped a 2nd time, repeat steps 2 & 3
5. Once you're comfortable with the group and pace (and vice versa), take some pulls.
6. Once you're comfortable taking pulls, try some attacks (if it's that kind of group ride).
7. Once you're comfortable with steps 5 & 6, it's time to enter a race.
8. At your first race, repeat steps 1-6, but substitute 'race' for 'group ride'.

Thanks for the info!!