"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Race Preperation Crash Course

So I just picked up a legit road bike(picture thread coming soon) and a bunch of my friends that race are urging me to compete in a race in two weeks (this one: http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2011-913). 28 mile rr and 30minute crit. I have read through all of the stickies I think.

I am pretty athletic, but have never done a road race or crit before. I have done a little bit of unorganized track racing, but havent ridden hard at all this summer. All I've done recently is the 6 mile(one way) commute to and from work and one or two 20-30mile rides a week.

I go to a lot of the races because my gf and several friends race, so I know what level of riders I will be competing against. I understand that I will not do well no matter what.

What I want to know is: in the next two weeks, what should I be doing in order to do the best I possibly can at this event.

I'm very excited and can't wait to start racing, though I wasn't planning to start until collegiates.

EDIT: I'm planning on doing some group rides with people that are going to hopefully give me some pointers.

Yes, just do group rides. You should be comfortable riding close to others, in the front and back as well as to your sides. Racing is just a big group ride with a winner. Get used to riding with others, because chances are, if it's your first time, you'll lock up your arms and cause a crash.

Good luck, and have fun!

How often and how hard should I ride? Should I try to ride 6 days a week, or more or less?

Honestly, not much fitness change is going to happen in the next 2 weeks. Ride as hard as you can, but make sure you're well rested by race day. People will have different ideas of "rested," but i'd suggest 2 days completely off the bike or painfully easy.

and don't use the word crash.

I think comfort with riding in a pack is the most important thing for you to focus on given your situation. If you are not feeling comfortable riding with a pack in 2 weeks, think about delaying your first race for a bit. It's not just your safety that is an issue, but also the safety of others in the race.

Worst thread title ever

Worst thread title ever
Haha ya. It definitely is. I didn't think it through.

Get used to riding with others, because chances are, if it's your first time, you'll lock up your arms and cause a crash.
Showing my ignorance here - what do you mean by "lock up your arms"?

I don't think you should race 2 weeks into having a road bike.

You need more group riding experience...

Did a training race this weekend that ended with a trip in an ambulance for one of the competitors...Right from the getgo I could tell that this person was in over their head...Went into a corner way too fast and ended up in the ditch...

Racing is dangerous and takes way more then just fitness to compete...

Going in without proper group riding experience can have dangerous consequences...

take a look at the sticky thread on new to raicing at the top of this forum.

I think comfort with riding in a pack is the most important thing for you to focus on given your situation. If you are not feeling comfortable riding with a pack in 2 weeks, think about delaying your first race for a bit. It's not just your safety that is an issue, but also the safety of others in the race.


I don't think you should race 2 weeks into having a road bike.

Agreed

I don't think you should race 2 weeks into having a road bike.
What if I skip the crit and just do the road race?

What if I skip the crit and just do the road race?

Both types of races are a large group of people riding quickly, elbow to elbow (someimes bumping) around corners, curves, avoiding obstacles etc...
You might be fine, or you might be that squirelly menace to society ... I don't know.
Do a few rides with your friends, have them bump your elbows a bit as they ride next to you without you freaking out .... can you corner at speed ? Then see what they say.

Homebrew brings up a good point about cornering at speed...

I thought I could corner at speed, then I raced :)

cornering at speed alone is one thing, but doing it 4-5 wide is another....You must learn to pick a line and stick to it! No cutting to the apex of the corner...

It's all skill you gain over time and not something you will pick up in 2 weeks...

I'm in my second season of racing and am finally starting to get comfy in the pack...

What if I skip the crit and just do the road race?

Go for it if you want to get a crash course in getting yelled at and possible crashing.

If the latter, just make sure you don't take anyone else out.

A guy near my parents just got killed in a road race this past week. He slid out on a decent and went under a car. This is serious business (even if most of us are weekend warriors) and the last thing you or others in your race want are to be seriously injured due to your lack of experience.

Please, please, please (please) spend a year or so just riding your bike and doing group rides. When you crush the B group ride at your LBS, enter a race and have fun.

^ I totally agree with the sentiment that you need group riding expereince before you race. However, I'm not sure you have to wait a whole year to start racing.

Follow the progression in the sticky thread and you should be good to go. Basically, if you can finsih the local fast training ride without being sketchy you're ready to race.