BenWA said:
Thanks for the input so far. So what about cat 3's? Can you survive as a solo cat 3(particularly if they combine cat's 1/2/3), or is it generally time to get on a team once you are cat 3? How does this change depending on the type of race (longer single RRs versus short circuit race series)?
While I sorta agree with the naysayers that teamwork is rare among the amateur ranks, I'll also be one to defend it as a special thing. It takes some work to seek out a team that is going to have racers who are committed to one another and who put the team above individual results. For a lot of people, sacrificing the possibility of personal results (even when the reality of the quality of the field makes that possibility pretty unlikely) is very difficult. However, when that rare group comes together, it makes racing REALLY fun.
Also, dunno about you, but in my own personal case, I'm gonna top out as a cat 3. I picked the wrong profession and the wrong parents and the wrong children to give me the time to train more and the genetic predisposition to make significant use of additional training time even if I had it. So in my case, the likelihood of a podium spot is slim. But if I can play a part for a team, however small, it makes going to the races worthwhile because I can live vicariously through the victories of my teammates.
Finally, outside of the races, a team gives you a group of people to carpool with too and from the races and to train with and share a beer with. Good stuff all.
YMMV.