TheAvidCyclist

I started cycling about 3-4 weeks ago.. around the time of the atoc. I recently signed up for the Land Park Criterium in Sacramento on March 21. I signed up in the Juniors section. Im 5'5 and my weight is 95. I am wondering what I should do to get ready for this race. My main goal is to finish and not get dropped

BlastRadius

There's some good information here.
https://www.bikeforums.net/33-road-bike-racing/380788-new-racing-here-s-tip-two.html

Spiduhman

Have fun and be safe!

I've tagged along on some group rides, and competed with other solo riders, but never raced - until tonight!

Surely there are informal events like what Rodney does here in Chico in your area?

Google "Chico Cyclist" - great way to get into competition, eh?

Tapeworm21

A month of cycling? Give it more time, bro. I gave it a year before I gave it a shot. I found that I'm strong enough to finish in the lead group, but not strong enough to win. I'm giving it another year. Probably don't need to take my route, but at least a couple more months.

With just a month under your belt, I'd consider you a hazard. Can you ride in a pack? That should be your main concern.

kster

+1

OP, I would not want to race with you. Join your local cycling club, do some rides, and improve your pack riding (and pace line) skills.

BigSean

If your finishing in the lead group the best way to improve is race. Its hard to simulate race pace in a group or alone. I can always dig deeper in a race.

As for racing after 4 weeks of riding. I respect your enthusiam, and encourage you to give it a go. However I think it best that you hang out at the back for a bit. Get a feel of whats going on, observe how things unfold. Most likely you will be dropped. Join a club and start riding in a group, smaller groups to start.

pelikan

Too bad you missed the Early Birds, but I kinda think with the field size of the Juniors with the right attitude you could learn a lot. Go in, and be prepared to go easy on yourself just in case other people are more fit. Talk to people, try and find people your age with who are racing that you can get to know and train. Also, don't know if it's an option but the 'Dad' network among Juniors is a good way to get to know some people. Just by hanging on the sidelines cheering during the race, your parents might find you a good racing team.

3-4 is not a long time, maybe check out one of the Junior races beforehand and try to network and gauge the speed/skills needed beforehand?

velocycling

I would say try and hook up with Davis Bike Club. They have a pretty goood Jrs. program. If you are i the Sac area.

https://dbcraceteam.org/juniors

TheAvidCyclist

Thanks you guys. Im probably going sit this one out. When do you guys think i should give it a go?

Tapeworm21

January. Pay attention to this site for when the early bird crits are:

https://www.ncnca.org/road/

Just remember, everyone hops on a bike and thinks they're fast at some point. Few actually are, so just ride and ride.

velogirls

unless someone is transferring from another competitive/aerobic sport, I typically recommend that a cyclist rides consistently for at least a year before even considering bike racing. this isn't black + white, but it's a good guideline. in the interim, participate in some group rides, join a club, ride with the juniors team (Davis is great), spectate some races, participate in a skills clinic, and just enjoy riding your bike.

velocycling

Go and watch Land Park. In fact, like Lorri said if you want volunteer. Lorri just put on an awesome race in Menlo Park. But the organizers always need more hands and bodies at the events. You will have a lot of fun and meet ppl.
https://www.sgwracing.com/events.html

nasv

I'm kind of interested in riding in race development teams but I don't totally understand the cycling categories/levels. Is juniors a designation on age or ability? What level/category would a mid-20s newb start at? I'm also curious about local teams to learn and participate.

Thanks,
-Nico

velogirls

Juniors are younger than 18 years old. As a 20-something, you would being as a CAT5.

ifox

OP: do some group rides first before you race. some _serious_ group rides. you need to learn how to ride in the group (unless you already know how to do that).

1 year, as Lorri suggested, in my opinion, is a bit too much for junior, but some experience beforehand is required. otherwise, crash is very much possible. CAT5 are well-known for being "crash 5s" (also you do have to pass them in your cycling career.)