Originally Posted by
mike868y
i'm not saying a coach would be bad, i just think there's a time and a place for a formal coach and a structured plan and a time and a place for trying to ride an race as much as possible, talk to more experienced members of your club/the fast guys on the group rides, etc.
that being said, both g and mdcatv are far better bike racers than me sooo...
You seem to be saying that flailing about enthusiastically is a good way to go for a new racer.
I think you've set up a false dichotomy above. One can have a coach and a formal training plan AND race a lot and benefit from the advice of local experienced racers. I know that I'd be farther behind the power curve if I didn't have a coach providing direction, experience and accountability. I also feel that the less one is gifted, the more one benefits from having a coach.