mx_599

...or have raced.

i just signed up at uscycling.org for my membership to be able to race. i have read quite a bit of that site and others trying to learn about racing, but i have a few questions that it is just easier to post here. if i missed the obvious in my searches, than no need to reply.

1) i was all set to race next weekend at my very first race but the promoter told me the class is full . is this common for races to "fill-up"? i am still going to go with my friend who is racing so i can help him out if he needs any and so i can get a feel for what the atmosphere is like.

2) when i actively raced motocross, i would go to 30+ races a year sometimes. what kind of numbers do racers hit per year for road racing? more specifically, i guess what i am asking is what is considered a moderate amount? how about the prolific racer? (assuming climate friendly place...i will be in AZ and apparently they skip the hot season )

3) if someone is willing to enter quite a few races and take training relatively serious, how fast can you go from CAT 5 to CAT 3 or 2? just roughly...

*short, sweet answers are perfectly acceptable*

thanks!

Snuffleupagus

1. Yes

2. 30 is a lot, but fairly common.

3. A year or two.

DrPete 

1. Yes. Find the most common place to register for races, or check if your USCF district has a listserv so you can stay on top of when races come up. Many have filled up in minutes around here...

2. You could race once or twice every weekend all summer.

3. It takes 10 races to cat up to 4. For the 4-3 upgrade, you need 20 points in 12 months. Win 3 races and you're there. So I guess 13 races is it...

mx_599

thanks guys.

that is a good idea about the listserv...i wouldn't be surprised if the AZ area fills up fast.

sounds like a pain. it's not so bad that you feel like you got lucky for an entry...is it??

i don't think i would take first. however, i am in okay shape and i think if i took things seriously i might do decent. pure speculation, i like to speculate

Savagewolf

The best way to go is to find out when all of the races are going to be held in the racing season. Find out which ones you know you can attend and are planning to, and then try to pre-register if there is that option. If there is not, be at the race early to sign up. Aka...if registration is from 8am - 10am for the race, be there ready to sign in at 8am rather than at 9:55am hoping there is still a spot.

NomadVW 

Racing forum here

https://www.bikeforums.net/33-road-bike-racing/

mx_599

thanks, i'll try that next time. i thought i would get better exposure here.