NeoGeek

Is there any advice you guys can give regarding how I can tell when I'm ready to go from Cat5 to Cat4? I know that I'm supposed to have completed 10 race competitions, but how do I know if I'm ready to ride against Cat4 riders, or Cat3 for that matter?

CharlieWoo

You should ask the guys on the Road Racing sub-forum. We're just Freds here.

eskimo85

what kind of results have you seen in the 5s? if you have done 10 races and can finish with the pack you should be fine in the 4s.

NeoGeek

Gah! I didn't realize there was a sub-forum. I haven't ahhh, ohhhh, ummm... really seen any results yet, it was more of a jump the gun sort of question, Eskimo

eskimo85

heh, no problem. try to get a race or two in this fall, it should give you good motivation for training this winter.

waterrockets 

Yeah, do some races. By the time you get to 10, you'll know if you're ready or not. A lot of people find that 4s are actually a little easier to stay with the pack, while still being harder to win.

If you get your upgrade points in 4s, you're qualified to race 3s.

merlinextraligh

By the time you come to the end of your 10 races, if you're finishing in the pack, and contesting for placement in the sprints, you're ready to move up.

If you haven't had any high placings, depending on circumstances you might consider staying a 5 for a few more races to see if you can win one,or at least be in contention to win, and get the experience of learning how to win. A lot of folks will differ on this and say move up immediately after number 10.

urbanknight

If you stayed with the pack for 10 races, move up. Cat 4 riders are just safer to be around, even if you're still not up there at the final sprint.

Stray Cat

*Awaits arguement*

tfro

I found last nights 4/5/junior/women's race to be the worst yet. Had a few close calls. Nearly got put into the curb a few times. It's like, if I'm next to you going through the turn what makes you think I won't be next to you at the exit?

Stray Cat

Same here (same race for those who don't know)

I had an A racer warming up run wide on me in a corner. If I had someone on my left it would of been a wreck without a doubt.

With about 7 laps to go, I saw a big like rubber band thing fly up onto a guys chainline and RD, looked to get wrapped up, and he didn't do anything to move out of the way.

I saw plenty of people swaying back and forth and almost rubbing on each other.

I felt in that back 90 degree corner that someone was going to run wide and take out my rear wheel everytime. I made sure to speed up tho so it wouldn't happen.

I think that green pick up truck on the course was a 4 racer too!

caloso

Every category is safe if you're off the front. (Or the back....)

urbanknight

Point well taken. Which do you recommend?