My first race. Look at The elevation chart
 

I'm planning on this being my first race. The 1.2 mile climb looks insane. I'm cat5 so I only have to do 20.3 miles. What do you think? Look at the elevation chart.


http://www.dicksonstreetcyclingclub....tchen%2007.pdf

That's a pretty ruthless looking climb... If you have it in you, attack over the top of that climb and ride it like ya stole it, because if you can open up a gap and haul down that descent you'll be in good shape. Much easier said than done (I'd be suffering OTB on that climb, methinks) though, and since it's your first race just try to stay with the pack. But if you do find yourself in a position to do it, take advantage of the cat 5 rest at the top of the climb and attack.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes!

I'd be all over that climb. I say go for it, because there will be a pile up toward the top of that hill.

The climb is a bit scary. I've been searching for a climb that would compare in my area to train on but the longest one I have found so far is .5 miles. Oh well you gotta start somewhere. Thanks, I will let you know how it goes.

that race in Cat 5 particularly will eseentially be a TT. Do whatever it takes to maintain contact with the pack until the last climb,and then ride that at your own pace.

+1. In the 5's or even 4's, there will probably be no moves made before that climb. If someone goes off the front, I'm not sure I would chase at all. Someone else definitely will, and it won't matter because that climb will more than likely bring everyone back together. Save your energy for the big climb.

9% for over a mile, That's no picnic. Enjoy, and good luck---

That made my thighs burn just reading it. Most of all have fun and as stated attack that climb like it took your lunch.

Get a 13-36 cassette and you're all set.

Like the previous posters said, I wouldn't worry about any attacks that go off before the climb. They will likely be caught on the climb. Try to get near the front of the pack before the climb starts and do your best to stay with the leaders up the climb. If you are suffering badly early in the climb, let them go and climb at your best pace. But if you get near the summit, know that you will get a break once you go over the top, so dig deep. It may come back together somewhat on the 6 mile descent into the finish, but it probably wont.

Good luck, stay upright, and have fun.

a couple of things could happen:

* a break could happen earlier on, which might be successful if everyone is concerned about saving energy for the hill.

* a few bigger and stronger guys will try to drive the pace up before the climb, putting the climbers in a weakened position. the bigger guys, if they can maintain a little contact, have a decent chance of regrouping if they're willing to hammer down the hill.

as with any race, try to identify the stronger riders. watch what they do, especially in the miles leading up to the hill. if you can't drop the bigger guys on the climb, then it'll be very hard to get away on the descent.

Thanks for all the help and support. Im looking forward to the race and many more to come hopefully I will get a new bike if I finish good. Thats up to the wife though.

if you don't do well, tell your wife it was because everyone had better bikes than you.

if you do well, tell your wife that you deserve a new bike.

I need to try that!

I like that idea. Thanks

All you have to worry about is kicking some ass... Good luck!

Thanks thats what I plan on doing. Thanks for all the encouragement.