Originally Posted by mgwilder

Yes, you should just do it. It would have been easier to do a Wednesday World's/mid-week practice session, but many are ending now because of lack of daylight.

More than likely you'll be going off early in the day. Here are some things to keep in mind to make your first race a memorable one. This is a combination of book knowledge, shared knowledge and personal experience and is in no particular order:

a. Be completely packed and prepared the night before. This way you're not running around the house trying to find something you need instead of on your way to the venue. This also includes knowing where you're going and how to get there.

b. Your race is 35-40 minutes long. Pack like you're going away for a long weekend. Bring 2 of everything. At least. If you get wet, muddy or sweaty on your pre-ride, it's nice to change into something fresh for your race. Bring old towels as well.

c. Bring a piece of carpet or rug. It's great for when you step out of the car with no shoes on and you're parked in a paved or dirt lot.

d. Bring a lawn or camping folding chair. There are times it's better to be sitting outside than in your car.

e. Have a nice breakfast about 3 hours before your race and don't eat anything solid until after your race. I once made the mistake of downing a Vega bar before a race and had "cross gut" the entire 40 minutes. A gel with water is about it.

f. Get to the venue early. I try to grab a spot just before registration and the course opens. This way I'm settled in and ready to get as much pre-ride as possible.

g. Leave yourself enough time to pin your number and get prepared. They start the assembly of your race 10-15 minutes before the actual start time, depending on the size of the field.

h. Make sure you pin your number on the correct side of your jersey, right side up. The officials check and they'll make you redo it if it's wrong. They'll tell you at reg. what side to pin it on and this is so the officials can count your lap times and place in the field.

i. If you have a water bottle cage on your bike, remove it. It makes it very hard to shoulder your bike and there's no real time to actually drink. The race is short enough that you won't need water. That being said, bring a bottle to the start line and toss it to the side just before the race. after the race go back and get it. Nobody messes with the racers stuff at the start line.

j. Get a good night's sleep.

Enjoy yourself, and report back on your experience. Everyone likes a good race report.