New to road biking..what races?

Nick1978
Nick1978 Posts: 93
edited April 2011 in Amateur race
Hi everyone

Ive just bought a road bike and was thinking of entering some races but I have absolutey no idea which races i should be entering for a road cycling beginner. Im willing to travel and I do a bit of mountain biking so my fitness is ok. I cycle to work once a week which is a 52 mile round trip but i dont think im ready for much more than this. Ive bought a second hand decent bike which is up to the job I think, its just a matter of finding out what races to start with.

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

Nick

Comments

  • Wooliferkins
    Wooliferkins Posts: 2,060
    In your situation I'd be tempted to join a club and get advice from those in the know. British Cycling is a reasonable start for your search
    Neil
    Help I'm Being Oppressed
  • ju5t1n
    ju5t1n Posts: 2,028
    Hi Nick,

    This is a good one and not too far for you. 4th Cat's get their own race and it's on a closed circuit. Good Friday...

    http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events ... er-Classic
  • racingcondor
    racingcondor Posts: 1,434
    By the sounds of it I don't think you're ready for racing as a 4th Cat (it sounds from your post as though you rarely ride more than 30 miles in one go).

    I'd advise you to get comfortable riding 50-60 miles in one go (and close to 3 hours) before racing in a 3-4 crit.

    The best way to get there though is going to be finding a local cycling club and riding with them + signing yourself up for some sportives / charity rides. You may also be able to find some Go Race events near by which are good taster sessions.
  • JonathanWright
    JonathanWright Posts: 7
    I rode my first crits at castle combe few years back. Had not done any specific training (never heard of an interval) had just been riding my bike when I could.

    Was great fun, very fast but possible to sit in the bunch and try and hang on the back through the corners and chicane. I think I managed to hang on until the E/1/2 group caught us with about 4/3 laps to go before finally being shelled.

    You'll never know if you're fit enough to race unless you go an have a go :)
  • Bronzie
    Bronzie Posts: 4,927
    As well as bunch racing, don't forget there is "another side" to racing on the road, namely time-trialling (riding over a set course as fast as possible with riders started at 1 minute gaps). As a beginner you'd be best to try some local club events (usually held in the evening during the summer) at a club near to you.

    If you do decide to try bunch racing, get some experience riding with others in close formation first. Is there a club near to you that organises a local "chaingang" through the summer?
    It's a Lifestyle! -+-+- Coggan Training Levels
  • BeaconRuth
    BeaconRuth Posts: 2,086
    Hi Nick,

    Here's a race which is local to you and takes place at the end of this month: http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/open_races/lmtt/index.html. It's probably one of the best, most friendly and fun TTs in the area and if nothing else it will show you how you compare to a lot of the other local racing cyclists. We'll have riders of all abilities from complete novices to elite riders and you can be assured of a warm welcome. Ordinary road bikes are fine - there are even prizes for those riding road bikes with no aero-equipment. You'll need to get you entry sent in in the next few days though.

    Ruth

    ps. There are a few on this forum riding - NapD, SBezza, RichK, BexSlack, Peejay78, hopper1, Jeff Jones........... have I missed anyone?
    http://www.rutheyles.co.uk/
  • Herbsman
    Herbsman Posts: 2,029
    BeaconRuth wrote:
    http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/open_races/lmtt/index.html.
    Welcome to the Beacon website



    Sorry but the page you requested does not exist



    Please make a selection from the menu

    on the left or from our Site Map

    Argh!
    CAPTAIN BUCKFAST'S CYCLING TIPS - GUARANTEED TO WORK! 1 OUT OF 10 RACING CYCLISTS AGREE!
  • Herbsman
    Herbsman Posts: 2,029
    It must be the full stop at the end of the URL
    CAPTAIN BUCKFAST'S CYCLING TIPS - GUARANTEED TO WORK! 1 OUT OF 10 RACING CYCLISTS AGREE!
  • danowat
    danowat Posts: 2,877
    Either 4th cat / novice crits and/or club TT's

    Club TT's would be easier to start with, no need for any membership (club or BC)
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    BeaconRuth wrote:
    Hi Nick,

    Here's a race which is local to you and takes place at the end of this month: http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/open_races/lmtt/index.html It's probably one of the best, most friendly and fun TTs in the area and if nothing else it will show you how you compare to a lot of the other local racing cyclists. We'll have riders of all abilities from complete novices, to elite riders and even one Fat Poseur. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Ordinary road bikes are fine - there are even prizes for those riding road bikes with no aero-equipment. You'll need to get you entry sent in in the next few days though.

    Ruth

    ps. There are a few on this forum riding - NapD, SBezza, RichK, BexSlack, Peejay78, hopper1, Jeff Jones........... have I missed anyone?

    Edited for a more accurate description of entrants and a working link.

    The LMTT is my favourite ever event.

    Before thinking about racing I'd definitely join a club and have a do at the local chaingangs first.
  • Nick1978
    Nick1978 Posts: 93
    Nice one thanks for all your replies guys! very hopeful...i think ill contact cheltenham cycling club and try and get some practice in there!
  • dawebbo
    dawebbo Posts: 456
    Nick1978 wrote:
    Nice one thanks for all your replies guys! very hopeful...i think ill contact cheltenham cycling club and try and get some practice in there!

    This is what I would recommend. Then you'll get more experience in riding in a bunch and can get a bit of a benchmark for where your pace/fitness is versus members who race.
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 40,714
    Nick1978 wrote:
    Nice one thanks for all your replies guys! very hopeful...i think ill contact cheltenham cycling club and try and get some practice in there!

    Looking at your location, you do realise there's a club in Evesham don't you?
  • Nick1978
    Nick1978 Posts: 93
    ah its ok..ive moved near cheltenham a few weeks agobut havent changed my location yet!! thanks for the info though!
  • Nick1978
    Nick1978 Posts: 93
    ah its ok..ive moved near cheltenham a few weeks agobut havent changed my location yet!! thanks for the info though!
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 40,714
    No problem - I just know what a pain it can be to lug the bike to a club run a few miles away.

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