mkadam68

Son (17yo) is looking into taking a 2-3 week trip to Belgium (Oudenarde). 1+ week of kermesse racing, followed by a 4-day stage race another week. His Mom told me I need to go with him (he's our "baby" after all).

So, since I race weekend crits here in SoCal (Master's 45+), anybody know if there are options for us older guys to race as well? Or would it be a 3-week vacation for me?

pdedes

If you haven't ever raced as a one, expect to be crushed; early and often.

dnuzzomueller

I always assumed that Europe was where US Pro's went to die, and in Belgium children are taught that they must learn cyclocross for the coming apocolypse.

gerundium

There should be masters categories, so that should work out decently.

You better check very carefully what gearing your son can ride with btw, i am not sure wether the junior restrictions are the same.

rkwaki

I'll chime in for just a sec regarding your son more than yourself. Let me use the disclaimer that I don't know you or your son (you can PM me some info if you would like) but I will caution your son that going to race as outlined could very easily break him (unless he is already a National Caliber Junior racing P/1 races including races like Cascade, Redlands, etc.) and really set back his development (unless he is in the USA Cycling Devo program).

Put me at ease on this one...

And yes you can race over there but get ready...

big john

I have ridden with the OP and his son and I think they will be fine, no matter how much soul crushing goes on over there. The kid is definitely not your average 17 year old.

rkwaki

Cool, that was my fear.
It's just different

garysol1 

PM CrimsonK on here and ask him. He went through a Training season in Belgium a few years back and he can help with your questions and concerns.

waterrockets 

If you can't <insert failing here>​, don't race in Europe

Racer Ex 

Socal open masters crits are pretty stacked with big guns and have 100-125 racers at times.

rkwaki

Then I take back my statement...

mkadam68

The trip itself is a team trip put together by a local junior development squad. This'll be their 4th-5th year. I have no doubts my Junior can race with the other kids who have gone over there already, and the organizers have said nothing about them being "in over their head". My only concern is as a parent: crashes & such... on cobbles no less.

Does anyone know the website that lists Belgian races? I remember seeing it once, but don't remember where.

Racer Ex 

Send him over to Claremont and Upland. There are a bunch of streets in the upper end of town that are lined with cobbles you can ride for practice. I did a few blocks of the stuff yesterday.