SilentShifter

I am looking to enter a few races this year, just for the fun of it. I haven't been able to find any here in Va and was wondering if you know of any that are regularly scheduled. Are there good places to look to find out where any will be this season?

I have done the large coordinated group rides in the past, but I want something a little more competitive - something that will challenge me just a bit more.

What are your thoughts or experiences?

cc_rider

Don't race, but I've watch a couple.

Contact PPTC or WABA. They should be able to direct you to someone.
There are racing clubs like Potomac Velo and National Capitol Velo. Check their events links.
In May there is a race in Arlington, used to be called the "Clarendon Cup" Might be an invitational.
Also some races in Baltimore. The ones I remember were at Paterson Park.

jfmckenna

In NOVA / DC / Maryland you should be able to find at least two races every weekend during the season and the competition will be tough. Check out your LBS and they will point you in the right direction. Here is some info:

https://www.waba.org/new/clubs/raceva.php

btw the racing forum link above is a good place to post racing related stuff.

SilentShifter

I checked waba links but most of them just have descriptions with no further information or anyone to contact.

I guess its still to early for them to post much more information than that?

joshdcu

You can also check for race listings (and there are already a lot listed...) at:

www.mabra.org (Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association site)

and

www.bikereg.com (this is also where you'll need to register for most races, check the listings under "Road Races," then under "Mid-Atlantic")

SilentShifter

Thanks for those links. After looking them over I am rather confused, so excuse me for a second.

I thought I could just enter any race (based on class of course) and be done with it. It now seems there is much more than that.

How do I get started? Do I need to register with USCF, or MABRA, or anything like that? Is there some racing license I need to get?

Essentially what do I do to get into these?

Also, MABRA had many races but no places, distances, etc associated with those races. Help!

Thanks.

joshdcu

No worries... It can be a bit confusing at first, but basically:

Yes, you'll need to get a license, which you can do online through the USCF/USA Cycling: www.usacycling.org ---If you're new to racing, you'll be a Cat. 5, and you'll sign up as a Cat. 5 for any events for which you'll register.

Then you should sign-up online (and create a profile) with BikeReg (www.bikereg.com), so that you can register for races there. Most races around here use BikeReg for registration, and the races fill up quickly. The race listings in BikeReg are pretty detailed if you click on each event in the listing (Category, start time, length, course description), and there will be links to event or promoters' websites which often have maps and directions.

You can use the MABRA site to get a general idea of the racing calendar, then go to BikeReg to get more specifics and registration information.

You may also want to look into joining a local racing club/team, and there are quite a few in this area. MABRA and USA Cycling should have listings of local clubs, and possibly website links for them.

SilentShifter

Ok, that helps and gives me somewhere to start. Thanks!

joshdcu

No problem, and good luck getting started!