"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Does anyone feel like road bike racing has become too complicated?

... actually racing, not the forum :D


In all seriousness though I want to start racing the Crits held here as well as some of the usa cycling events in the state but can't for the life of me figure out how to register for all of it. There's a usa cycling license, then theres registration for individual events as well as linceses you have to purchase for those. Some events don't allow individual riders ... Maybe I'm just being a pansy about all this but I can't wade through the amount of information necessary to actually figure out how I can start racing :o

It is not all that bad once you get going with the processes.

1. Buy your USA cycling licence (or get a one day at the race)
2. Pay your race fees (the actual fee for each catagory, like 18 dollars)
3. Race

Most races you should be able to race without a team (i.e. unattached) and you may or may not have to pay an "unattached fee", usually 5 dollars. Being part of a team depends on the team itself, generally you pay the yearly fee, buy your uniform and possibly do a number of training rides with the team. You also possibly have to participate in putting on a race each year.

As you gain experience you will be moved up blah blah... but to just race it is realitlvly cheep if you buy a licence.

Here in Oz, for club racing we simply turn up and register, pay your race fee and race. You do need to have your ICU licence but that can usually be arranged on the day also.

Do you seriously find this simple process complicated?

Do you seriously find this simple process complicated?

Try to remember the time when all of this was new to you. Did it seem so simple back then? In retrospect it doesn't seem that hard, but I remember when all of this was new to me, and it really was a lot of information to deal with.

Think of the time in math class when you first learned to divide. That was some hard stuff back then, but now it doesn't seem so bad because you have lots of experience doing it.

This is a problem lots of my professors have. They've been dealing with their subject for their whole lives and know a ton about it, and they forget how hard it used to be when they were first learning. Ask them a question and they look at you like you're stupid and should know in 5 months what they have come to know over 10 years.

See you at the races!

I think this is the benefit of being with a club. They can help you get started and share some experience. Maybe ask at your LBS of some good clubs in your area.

Hey,

Don't get discouraged. The USA Cycling license gives you (minimal) insurance and makes sure you
are placed in the correct catagory. Race day registration is stressful cause it's the first thing you
have to do and if you are running late... Then you gotta get your number pinned on.
Girlfriends and wives are good for this unless they are mad at you.

For cits, you need to warm up for at least 30 minutes. Consider bringing a trainer.
Less stress cause you don't have to ride around in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

There is usually a local publication for the racing community. Entry forms can be found therein and/or
can be downloaded on line. Consider pre-registration for those races you know you want to do. A lot of times, the entry fee is discounted if sent in early enough. Always have your license with you, cause you
can't race without it. Insurance issue again.

Finally, multiply by 100 the stress level for registration versus actually putting on a race.
Sanctioned clubs pay a fee to USA Cycling are expected to do put on a race at least once per season. Thus the unattached rider's fee in many places.

Never heard of an unattached rider not being allowed to race - as long as he/she pays,
signs the release and has a license.

Good luck with your races. Nothing in this world feels as good as being in the kind of shape
required to compete in a bike race.

sun