Starting road racing

[hi565]

So, i have been think ing about road racing. Im thinking that i may want to start. My scien ce teacher from 8th grade races also and i may be able to get trained from hiim. Now how do you start? Do you need a certain bike (i have a bianchi Brava, not the best out there ;) ) what bout sponsorship? and whats a cat? is it the level of the racing? I think i have asked all teh questions i need. If there is any thing im missing please tell me.

Thanks abunch all

[ed073]

Contact the USCF, they'll give you the details of a club in your area you can start racing with.

[pearcem]

you osund like you are under 18, so you would racce the junior category. it is only for those eighteen and under and there is a gearing restriction to limit maximum speeds. you don't need a certain bike, as long as it is a road bike(not familiar with your bike). i would get a good helmet, some biking shorts, some clipless pedals/shoes(not necccessary, but they help a lot), some sort of sunglasses to keep debris and wind out of your eyes, and water bottles. you should just try to ride on a regular basis, and gradually increase your speed and distance. an experienced rider like your science teacher would be really great to train with. also, try to find a local club to ride with; learning how to ride in a group is extremely important for racing. you really don't need to be sponsored, just try to make some riding friends, set reachable goals, and have fun. category wise, 5 is beginner,1 is pro. you normally start at cat 5, or juniors if you are young enough, and move up categories as you win, or do well, in races. you can buy one day licenses at most events for like $5, but if you stick with it, i would buy a licscense from www.usacycling.org . Also, make sure you eat and drink enough while you ride, especially in the summer. let me know if you need anything else

[pinky]

Talk to the guys at minutemanroadclub.com they're a club in your area that will be more than happy to help you on your way. Otherwise Berlin Bikes has a team I think, those are two teams I'd call close. Then you have the Boston Road Club (bostonroadclub.org) and the New England Bike Club (operates out of Burlington) the NEBC is probably the best program for young riders (forgive me if you aren't) though I hate their shop with a passion. My best tip would be go to the Wells Ave training crit that starts in late March. All things considered its probably the best race in the area to start racing and not get killed in, plus you'll see most of the local clubs.

[hi565]

Thanks all, i am 14, i am under 18. MY bike is a 24 spd bike with a triple up front. I have ultegra pedals on my bike, got the shoes, yes to shorts but need new ones, needs to get better sunglasses (oakley minutes are ok but fog up too easily) and i should contact the Uscf, or the minuteman cycling club? (related to the school?) what would be my best bet to get my self on my my way (other than getting into better shape than i am know). thanks

[pinky]

Talk to clubs like the ones I listed, the USCF will only point you towards the same ones. As a 14 year old the best beginner junior program is NEBC http://www.northeastbicycleclub.org/, Minuteman Road Club's youngest rider is 24 and they don't have a junior director so you might not find them too helpful.
For now just ride, if you can find a group ride with them but simply ride your ass off, then when you join the club listen and learn. Your bike and equipment won't matter, save your pennies for the various fees and replacements that racing will require.
Finally, should you ever see a guy in Brandeis jersey in Wayland, wave hi, because that would be me.

[hi565]

What color is the jersey?

ride by the high school next week, ill be there. I live by there.