Bell Lap- Road/Crit and other mass start racing

Comment

Comment by Eric Fletcher on March 24, 2010 at 1:27pm

Congrats!

Comment by Tobias Whaley on March 24, 2010 at 12:28pm

Some race news. I competed in my very first Crit on the 21st and it was harder than expected! I did accomplish everything I set out to do, which was to finish and not come in last place, so for me I would say it was a success! I had fun while doing it and I am already registered for a local road race and then another Crit as well!

Comment by Tobias Whaley on January 12, 2010 at 3:28pm

Thanks for the advice! I have been training with a co-worker who raced for UC Santa Barbra and we will be doing the races together too. It's been a while since he raced so he says he will have to start at cat 5 again. I think it will be good going out there for my first crit with a friend. Thank you again for the advice!

Comment by Eric Fletcher on January 12, 2010 at 2:13pm

Yeah a few. Get as many fast group rides under your belt as possible. The speed usually isn't the problem, it is getting used to riding and cornering in big groups that takes time. As a Cat 5, everyone is pretty cautious but there are a few measures for success: 1. Get to the front- stay in the first 10 riders. This will take work. 2. Stay out of the wind unless you have a purpose (moving up, taking a pull in a break ect). 3. Don't over-react. Rubbing wheels or banging bars won't crash you- overreacting will. 4. Look were you want the wheels to go, don't look at things you don't want to hit. 5. Join a local race club. 6. Everyone is as nervous and tired in the pack as you. 7. Pack the night before, double check everything in the car before you pull out of the driveway. 8. Try to get to the race an hour early- between warming up, registration and bathroom runs- pre-race time flies. 9. The result is not as important as the effort: leave it all out on the course.

Comment by Tobias Whaley on January 12, 2010 at 2:01pm

I'm going to be doing my first series of crits and road races this season. Any tips?

Comment by Eric Fletcher on December 29, 2009 at 1:16pm

Looking for a mass start race or TT- try checking out Bikereg.com Prereg.com or active.com for your local area. Also it is likely your local racing clubs can clue you in on the races that are worth the entry fee.