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Two years ago there was a criterium held about 4 miles from my front door. I knew nothing about it, and felt left out. last year I went and watched, but was too chicken to do it. This year I decided three weeks ago I was gonna do it.
Before REALLY deciding, I emailed the "contact us" and let the guy know I've never raced before, I was nervous about the close quarters, and what the avg speed might be. He said not to worry, and the avg speed was around 20-21 mph for the citizens/cat5 group. "You'll do fine. Looking forward to seeing you in the race."
Even though some people piled on this guy for not riding in groups much before his first race, I figured I should at least try it. Plus, as Grumpy points out, I will probably just be spit out the back anyway. I just wanna see what racing is like.
I have read to ride in the front 1/3 of the pack. I have heard to stay off the back since I am new. I have heard I will bleed out my eyeballs. I have also been reminded to take the saddle bag off the bike, but no word on the blinky light...
i registered today.
8:30 is the start for my group. i have ridden the course, but not at speed. im freaked.
So, what advice can I get from the racers here? What is advice you wished someone had told you before trying your first race?
Before REALLY deciding, I emailed the "contact us" and let the guy know I've never raced before, I was nervous about the close quarters, and what the avg speed might be. He said not to worry, and the avg speed was around 20-21 mph for the citizens/cat5 group. "You'll do fine. Looking forward to seeing you in the race."
Even though some people piled on this guy for not riding in groups much before his first race, I figured I should at least try it. Plus, as Grumpy points out, I will probably just be spit out the back anyway. I just wanna see what racing is like.
I have read to ride in the front 1/3 of the pack. I have heard to stay off the back since I am new. I have heard I will bleed out my eyeballs. I have also been reminded to take the saddle bag off the bike, but no word on the blinky light...
i registered today.
8:30 is the start for my group. i have ridden the course, but not at speed. im freaked.
So, what advice can I get from the racers here? What is advice you wished someone had told you before trying your first race?
