wsuhoops1000

At the group ride last night I did really well at the group ride. On the way back during recovery a cat 1 rider told me I was doing really well and improving quickly. I was flattered. Then he asked me if I wanted to race with him and his team in 4 days of racing in Dallas area. May 24,25,26,27. Its around 6 hours drive and my mom would have to go with me or I could stay with other juniors from Texas.

Should I do it?

Pretty sure I'd get crushed but it might be a fun learning experience.

rkwaki

Do it.
My mom used to travel with me a lot. She was also badass in the feed zone.

waterrockets 

+1 do it if you're comfortable in a group. Get that first race monkey off your back so you can decide if you might like racing and start learning.

Jandro 

+2

rkwaki

Like I have told so many new riders, the more racing you can do the better you will progress. The bigger the stage the faster the progression. You want to race fast? Race more often...

Homebrew01

There's not much of a downside, so go for it. Generally it's better to take the opportunities that life gives you. Some come with agonizing decisions and risks, but this is good practice at taking a chance.

I have more regrets about not doing or trying something than I do for trying too much.

wsuhoops1000

Thanks I've done 2 races so far and feel comfortable in the group. I guess it seems I should do it!

johnybutts

I'll be up there sunday night/monday for the skill based crit championship. Come say hi. I'm racing 3s.

island rider

I'll let the real racers talk about racing.

If I were you I would do it. I would consider staying with the other juniors. Understand here that I have no idea what that would mean for you in terms of your mom, your comfort level with strangers (or with this Cat 1 guy), the logistics etc. But you might consider it. This could really be a chance to meet some people in your situation and could turn into a really great time.

That said, there is nothing wrong with having your mom drive you and be there with you, and you may even prefer it. I am much older than you, and one of my regrets is that I did not start racing until after my father died. I would have loved for him to see me pin on a number, even if it was to get shelled.

mattm

Good luck!

hammy56

is this his "team" van?

rkwaki

Hey isn't that your van?

hammy56

I sold it...shackles included.

rkwaki

Correct and man did you give me a good deal. Thanks...

MDcatV

lol. that's kind of what i was thinking when i read this.

wshoopster, how old are you? joining this team is probably a good thing to do first, and having Mom go is probably a good idea even if you camp out with the juniors squad.

caloso

Do it!

saratoga

My 70 yo mom still goes to some of my races and helps out if someone doesn't have anyone to feed them. I was very fortunate she was there when I crashed in 2007 at a RR that I was going to do alone. Now if only my GF gave two ****s about bike racing.

OP: Do it. Racing aside, you'll probably go away from it with a bunch of new connections, good experience and great memories.

island rider

Yeah, this is kind of where I was headed with the "comfort level with the Cat 1 guy" thing. I've got about 10 years until this could be an issue, but I personally would probably drive my son, but let him decide if he wanted to stay with the other juniors, while I stayed in the room down the hall.

BTW - Congrats, it's got to feel good to have someone recognize that you are doing well.

island rider

+ a bunch

revchuck 

OP - Do it. As mentioned above, take your Mom if she's willing, even if you do camp out with the other juniors. Shoot, Taylor Phinney still brings his Mom to races, and it hasn't messed him up.

rkwaki

Our juniors often travelled with us. There were many times when there were 8 of us in a room. 4 on the beds and the juniors on the floor. We mentored them and let them learn the ropes. The were responsible for feed zone, water, etc. - all the ***** work and for that they got to learn how things worked. We all paid our dues but we were all like brothers.

wsuhoops1000

Okay thanks so much guys! I just turned 16 and I really hope she will agree to go. And about the candy van, that is EXACTLY what my sister was saying except the van is more g rated.

hammy56

sin bin.

Silvercivic27

Bro, you'll go pro in <1 year! "33" celebrity status!

rkwaki

Sarcasm is recourse for the mentally weak...