Starting Road Racing
08-25-08, 08:55 PM
#1
Rode Off Into The Woods
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Starting Road Racing
I'm looking to start racing my bike. There is a training crit every wed. night at a nearby state park and I'm thinking of going next week. I'm looking for any advice/things not to do/things you with people had told you when you started racing. Thanks!
08-25-08, 09:04 PM
#5
CPM M4
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Ride as fast as you can for 30 minutes.
If you can do it again the next day, you need to do it faster.
If you can do it again the next day, you need to do it faster.
__________________
Ten tenths.
Ten tenths.
08-25-08, 09:49 PM
#8
carbon is too light
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Stay towards the front 10% of the group. You'll avoid less crashes and have a better chance of getting split the group in case the speed picks way up.
Don't hit your brakes near a corner unless everyone in front of you is doing it.
Don't cross wheels in a corner.
Stay in your 'lane' in the corners.
Don't take a pull unless you are WELL into the crit, and think you can recover well enough after to have a shot at a top finish.
When coming out of the corners, try a higher than normal cadence. Using a low cadence to accelerate out of a corner is a good way to blow up real quick.
The drops are your friend... lower center of gravity makes cornering much easier, not to mention the position is much more aerodynamic.
Stay out of the head/cross wind. Figure out which way the wind is blowing, and try to always get someone to block you.
Some of this sounds a bit elementary, some a bit vague, some a bit overwhelming, but you'll see what I'm talking about when you get there.
Don't hit your brakes near a corner unless everyone in front of you is doing it.
Don't cross wheels in a corner.
Stay in your 'lane' in the corners.
Don't take a pull unless you are WELL into the crit, and think you can recover well enough after to have a shot at a top finish.
When coming out of the corners, try a higher than normal cadence. Using a low cadence to accelerate out of a corner is a good way to blow up real quick.
The drops are your friend... lower center of gravity makes cornering much easier, not to mention the position is much more aerodynamic.
Stay out of the head/cross wind. Figure out which way the wind is blowing, and try to always get someone to block you.
Some of this sounds a bit elementary, some a bit vague, some a bit overwhelming, but you'll see what I'm talking about when you get there.
08-27-08, 09:47 AM
#10
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First, develop an attitude of superiority to other riders- even parents towing kids in trailers. They are all silly and only you are significant. Learn to cut in front of other riders, ignore traffic signs and signals and yell rude comments frequently. In general, set a bad example. It's fun!
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
08-27-08, 10:24 AM
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First, develop an attitude of superiority to other riders- even parents towing kids in trailers. They are all silly and only you are significant. Learn to cut in front of other riders, ignore traffic signs and signals and yell rude comments frequently. In general, set a bad example. It's fun!
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
08-27-08, 10:52 AM
#12
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Read Event Service's book.
08-27-08, 11:40 AM
#13
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First, develop an attitude of superiority to other riders- even parents towing kids in trailers. They are all silly and only you are significant. Learn to cut in front of other riders, ignore traffic signs and signals and yell rude comments frequently. In general, set a bad example. It's fun!
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
__________________
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
"Unless he was racing there was no way he could match my speed."
08-27-08, 11:40 AM
#14
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i think this forum might suit you better.
08-27-08, 12:11 PM
#15
King of the Plukers
Do all disgruntled racer-wanna-bes have bongs for avatars?
OP: My advice, based on my inexperience, is to find out who the helpful types are at this crit, pick their brains for a little info about the course and generally how to approach this first race. Then, when it's over, find them again and tell them what happened so they can advise you on what happened and why.
OP: My advice, based on my inexperience, is to find out who the helpful types are at this crit, pick their brains for a little info about the course and generally how to approach this first race. Then, when it's over, find them again and tell them what happened so they can advise you on what happened and why.
08-27-08, 12:27 PM
#18
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Do all disgruntled racer-wanna-bes have bongs for avatars?
OP: My advice, based on my inexperience, is to find out who the helpful types are at this crit, pick their brains for a little info about the course and generally how to approach this first race. Then, when it's over, find them again and tell them what happened so they can advise you on what happened and why.
OP: My advice, based on my inexperience, is to find out who the helpful types are at this crit, pick their brains for a little info about the course and generally how to approach this first race. Then, when it's over, find them again and tell them what happened so they can advise you on what happened and why.
08-27-08, 12:40 PM
#19
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08-27-08, 12:48 PM
#21
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First, develop an attitude of superiority to other riders- even parents towing kids in trailers. They are all silly and only you are significant. Learn to cut in front of other riders, ignore traffic signs and signals and yell rude comments frequently. In general, set a bad example. It's fun!
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
Next, shave your legs and develop a strange tan line that attracts attention and points out that you're a racer without you even mentioning it. Of course, bragging that you "race" at the office and parties is encouraged.
Then, buy a bike based not on your practical needs but on what other racers deem acceptable. Look for brands like Thomson, Cervelo, Speedplay, Sidi, Pinnarello, ZIpp, Oakley and Vittorio. Price is no consideration, it's all about impressing people. Avoid aero bars and arm rests or people may think that you're a triathlete or a century rider.
You'll also want a second bike to ride around town and pose with but it has to be a fixed-gear bike with no brakes and completely unfunctional bull horn handlebars or really short straight bars that barely accept a grip.
Buy loads of ineffective and expensive vitamin, protein and recovery supplements. The worse they taste, the better they are.
Clothing needs to be issued from your local team (no stock Pearl Izumi for you) and should have as many logos and loud, bright areas of color on it as possible. White shoes are a real plus because that's what the pros are wearing. A slight tear in the leg of your shorts will convince people you went down in a race, which is a badge of courage and separates you from sport or fitness riders. Do not, by any circumstance, wear a sleeveless jersey.
Finally, you'll have to selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day and traveling around the state to attend races. Ride hard every day with no recovery to avoid feeling guilty about not suffering enough. Being well-rounded and social is a real detriment to playing the role of a racer.
08-27-08, 12:55 PM
#22
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08-27-08, 02:27 PM
#25
Announcer
I'll go against the grain here and say that I found Molto's rant kinda funny in a there's-a-grain-of-truth-in-all-humor kind of way.
He may have gone a little far with it, but I'm laughing at it because it describes me (except for the fixie part) pretty well. Especially the white shoes and the "selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day".
That's me, and I ain't changin'.
And I think it's a lantern rouge.
He may have gone a little far with it, but I'm laughing at it because it describes me (except for the fixie part) pretty well. Especially the white shoes and the "selfishly ignore your friends and family by training for 4 hours a day".
That's me, and I ain't changin'.
And I think it's a lantern rouge.
