astonv0l

I was thinking of joining the USCF and ride some races this year. I will be 40 in May and I will be training hard (I signed up with Carmichael Training Systems) My problem is I dont understand the USCF guidlines. Their web page is not very well laid out. I think I will start as a CAT5 but do I cycle against riders my own age? or will I get "spanked" by a 18 year old

I really want to do something this year that will push me and I think this is it. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

Thanks

sjjone

I'm a girl, so what I have to say is based on my observations of my male team, not personal experience. Yes, you'll start out in CAT 5. There are masters races, 40+, 50+ etc. but they are usually MUCH harder/faster than the Cat 5 race will be since many of the masters guys have been racing hard for years. I would suggest hooking up with a local team. There's a really big one in Greensboro that puts on the Carolina Cup every year.

galen_52657

Like she said...

You can ride unattached (no club) but will usually pay a small additional fee for race registration. If you join a club first, than you can put your club affiliation on your racing license.

Since I am assuming you have never raced before, when you buy your license you will be assigned Category 5. In some districts you will be allowed to race masters also (not here thankfully!!!). Newbies belong in Cat 5 regardless of age. Fast 18 year-olds will move up very quickly so I would not worry about them.

You have to crawl before you can run so aim for finishing a race before placing.....

2Rodies

As a 43 year old last year I raced as a C5. Most of the 35+masters racers were ex 1-2 so I stayed in the 5's. This season changed the rules a bit as they want more masters classes and now you will see more 4/5 combined fields. Once you start getting consistant top 10's in the 5's cat up the 4's races aren't any faster just longer. I plan on racing as a 4 this season with the goal of making it to the 3's before years end. Next season it will be all aged base cat racing or 45+masters.

merlinextraligh

Take a look at the Cat 5, or masters thread in the racing sub forum.

As for advice, just get out and give it a go. Do some group rides with the fast guys in your area, and that will start to give you an idea of what to expect, and get your bike handling skills ready.
I do CTS also, their program will help get you where you need to be from a fitness point of view. It may not be as helpful with the tactics, handling side of things. Pick your coache's brain for those things. I think the CTS program is really pretty good. Ask your coach to mix in some group rides if your program doesn't include them. Both for the intensity, and for the bike handling experience.

You'll be surprised that the Cat 5 18-25 year olds are going to be much slower than MAsters 35, which is your age group. Unfortuantely, they are also more dangerous.

Best advice is find a club (they're listed on the USCF web site) and join, and get their help.

astonv0l

Thanks everyone. I'll look for the NC club and take it from there.

bvfrompc

See my race report under My First Crit in the Road Racing forum, in short, about the 18yr olds, yes.

FunkyTang

USCF? United States Chess Federation? See https://www.uschess.org/