I took up bicycling last summer and I ride several times a week, primarily for fitness. I have been in two organized rides. There's a 13-mile race here in Denver later this month (the Superior Morgul Classic) that sounds interesting. It's an actual race, not just a ride or tour. I don't care about trying to win it or anything like that; I just thought it might be a fun experience, and if I like it maybe I'll get into racing.

Obviously I'm a total rookie and I have no idea how to race. Would I just get in the way of serious racers and make them mad? Or worse, would I pose a danger to them somehow? Finally, assuming I do this, is there anything I need to do to prepare in terms of learning about racing etiquette and the like?

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...s-a-tip-or-two

It's a 13.1 lap but unless you're a junior, you'll do 3 laps. So it's a 39.3 mile race.

Fortunately they think of this kind of thing and separate the rookies from the "serious racers", somewhat. Generally it's a good idea to have some experience riding with fast-paced groups. Read the link posted above.

And that's only 13-14. 15-18 do 2 laps.

"Riders falling outside of published time cut (TBD) will be pulled and given a pro-rated finish time."

I'm not sure how they work this, but on the crit in downtown Dallas, they have guys on motor scooters following and ahead of the peloton, and if you get too far back, they pull you out of the race (ie, you can't get lapped). It sounds like they're doing something like that here. They may just flag you out. Anyway, if you were slow, sounds like you wouldn't get to ride much, either.

My suggestion: Go out there and watch some of the race this year. They're pretty neat, usually free for spectators, and you can see how some of it works and sort of what the level of competition is. Take your camera and bring us back some pictures. (That "wall" mentioned in the descriptions sounds like a good photo spot to me!) If you can go ride the course at your convenience, you can see how you stack up against them, too.