Bunyanderman

Hello,
I was wondering if I should start getting involved in racing, here is some background information. I am 16 years old, and I recently did a timed ride, and thought I did pretty well. Being a 37 mile ride, I finished in just over 2 hours, I averaged 17.9 mph with a total of 2000 feet elevation gain (finish/start in same place). I finished 5th from about 200, 2 seconds behind 3rd. I really like the ride, the top 10 took it more like a calm race but I really enjoyed competing. I ride on a hybrid bike that I feel slowed me down, weighs 31 pounds I did put on 28mm tires and TT bars which really helped, but I lacked clip-ins for the hills. Top 10 all had sub 20 pound road bikes, half being carbon-framed.
With this being said where do I go from here? Clearly upgrade to a real road bike, (I don't really have the money). I live in California if that changes anything. How should I go along to real racing, and I know i'm not ready but suggestions really help.

(I calculated a little more than 200w through out the ride, I'm 5' 8" and weigh about 140. Putting me at about 3.25 w/kg average for the 2 hours, and I really don't know if that is good/bad.)

mkadam68

Don't worry about the numbers. And certainly don't compare yourself to others. Racing is about so much more than pure numbers, and there's ALWAYS somebody faster than you.

As a 16-year old, you're at a great age to start, if not just a year or two late to the game. As a beginning racer, you'd be classified "Category 5". Sign up for a race and give one a try. You'd be in the Junior Boys' 15-16 group (it allows all category racers: 1--5).

You'll need:

• A road bike (hybrids/MTBs not allowed in road racing),
• A good helmet,
• Shorts & jersey with sleeves, short or long--that's up to you, but tank-tops aren't allowed in USAC sanctioned road races.

A couple months prior to the race, I'd recommend you visit a local bike shop (LBS) and find out where some local training rides are. Tell them you're looking to try out racing and want to:

• Improve your ability to ride fast & recover from hard efforts "at speed"
• Improve your group riding skills (you don't want to be a danger to yourself or--especially--riders around you)

On the day of the race, you'll need

• A day license. You can usually get that at the registration table (contact the race promoter prior to signing up to make sure they offer "Day Of" licenses--not all do),
• A parent/guardian who can sign the registration form/waiver.

Out of curiosity, where in California are you? Big state. North? South? San Fran? LA? San Diego? If we know where, we can recommend some good, first-time races that aren't too intense.

grolby

I suggest the road racing forum for more useful advice: "The 33"-Road Bike Racing.

Some quick thoughts:

1. Yes, you will need a road bike. It does not need to be new, high-tech, expensive or particularly light. Used is the way to go. I strongly recommend finding a local club and start going to rides and/or general body meetings. You will find people who will be interested in helping you find a good deal on a used bike.

2. Don't read too much into your performance on this ride. Bike racing isn't really about average speed. That you were able to finish with the front group of riders on this event is encouraging, but it wasn't a race and you said yourself that they weren't really competing. Bike racing is HARD. Really hard. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't go as well as you expect at first.

3. Calculating your power output through any means other than an actual power meter mounted on the bike will not give you remotely accurate results.

4. Seriously, come to the road racing forum. You will find it much more helpful.

Bunyanderman

Wow thanks for the help and suggestions, Im in socal, near the Bakersfield area.

mkadam68

Oohh.... hot & dusty.

I'm down in the San Fernando Valley. I know Bakersfield does have an active bicycling culture, but I know nothing else (size of, # of activities, etc...).

Definitely hook up with a LBS, one where they have some expensive "racing" bikes. Those are the guys who will know the info you need.

That said, if you do get bit by the racing bug, you will have to come south at some point (north to San Fran is a farther drive). The junior racers down here are fortunate to race just about every weekend, and the depth of racing talent here in SoCal is extensive.

But, baby steps. Get a road bike first and start a network of cycling friends who know the answers to the questions you ask. In fact, I would suggest start the network first: they'll be able to help you get the road bike. There are many Master squads & ex-racers who love to help out younger racers, many times with equipment. I know my son and I (former junior racer himself, turning 19 January 1, 2015) are always very willing to help where we can.