Originally Posted by FatguyRacer
Considering its cat 5 to cat 4, i dont think it makes a difference if you went 10 or 20 or 30 races. Cat 4 is still a novice class too. There are so many combined 4/5 races nowadays that its almost a moot point. Based on my expierience, Cat 4 isnt any safer, just a little faster and just as insane, but you do have to show results in Cat 4 to move to 3. Do your 10 and move up.
Exactly, that is my point. Around here if you can win a cat 5 you can almost win a cat 4, the speeds are maybe 1 MPH different. There is no benefit to staying in cat 5 after 10 races, win, drop or not. It is my choice to upgrade and at the beginning of the season I said I would do this win, lose or not. No one can say upgrade or not but yourself and USCF (or CBR).
Jit2 - You are a jack ASS! I am tired of your trolling comments. Why do you not go and cry to someone who cares. I want you to come out one day with near no sleep, not excuses - REALITY.
If I want to upgrade to three by the end of next season I need to start getting results. Results come with a good off season training, weight room, etc. Take a minute and step in my shoes... actually wait a minute you could never really know. No actually think of it this way, remember the first time you EVER rode a bike. Try that and start racing maybe a week later and try and keep up. Even better, delete about half you muscle mass and do that... and see how quick you get dropped.
I have made great gains this season, more than I ever have though that I could make. No one can take that away from me. Some may say that I should stay in cat 5, if that is the case I would not be here next year - literally - there is a reason for cat 5, to get experience and to me it is the most demoralizing thing to have to start cat 5 over again... it is like failing a grade in school. Why do you think that USCF does not all cat 4 to 5 downgrades? Going to a five would defeat the entire purpose of catagory 5.
What have I done this year...
1. Go from getting dropped in the first lap of a crit to executing a long solo break, finishing in the top 30 in a crit, finishing a 26+ MPH average race, finishing the last 4 of 6 races including Saturday, wining a prime, etc.
2. Learned the essential bike handling skills to be safe in a crit situation.
3. Be involved in ZERO crashes in catagory 5
4. Six pack finishes, a few finishes on the lead lap and several finishes with the cards out.
Should I be CAT 4 now... yes! It is my decision and what happens next season is in my hands. None of you were there or will be there as I suffer through hill repeats, 20 minute LT intervals, sessions in the gym, etc. I am riding stronger now than I ever have, and I am seeing improvment all the time. Well this is it, one more fun race this season and it is over, until next season. Then we will see what my potential is then...
Until then have a good ride... I certainly will...