the race is fun. that's why there are randomized teams, to help make it fun. people not racing because they are worried they won't perform works against the fun-ness. also -- it is more fun when more people race.

I've been on teams that come in last and first, I've gone faster than I thought I could and pushed super hard the whole way only to find that I went slow. that's not the point, I think. Will you ride insanely hard? Probably. Will you get bummed out and get depressed if you don't go super fast? Evidence points to no. There is always a really good vibe before and after the races and lots of smiles and shop talk. You know, fun.

The only people that I've seen get frustrated in the races are people that show in a super-short gear. They tend to be frustrated with their equipment. So I'd say the only thing to maybe be concerned about is having a gear in the mid-70s or higher. Most people seem to ride something like 48/16 or 48/15. That said though, even people who spin the hell out on 70" seem to have a blast too.

As for fitness: since I started racing mon+thu nights in June I've lost 40lbs. I've also done the Nyack ride 5-10 times in that range. Previously I was riding approx 125miles a week and lost no weight for almost two years. The races are a real fitness boost.... riding two laps in the red zone really seems to help.