Making the Leap to Competative Cycling

I started seriously cycling this summer and ended up taking on a job as a messenger. I think riding agressively in traffic is a thrill and used to consider myself quite the B.A. for doing so, then I went and saw a crit and was blown away at how big of cojones it must take to ride in a mass of other cyclists at 25 plus miles per hour. Next summer I hope to do some races, but I'm wondering what it takes to not be embarrassed. What kind of rides do I need to be going on to be able to compete?

Views: 86

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on September 13, 2009 at 1:41pm
You need to go on rides where you're riding close together with other cyclists going 25 mph.
Permalink Reply by Jackie on September 13, 2009 at 1:56pm
Start doing some group training rides where they are at 22-27 mph, where you can learn group riding skills. Are you a good technical rider?
Permalink Reply by Natalie on September 13, 2009 at 3:34pm
Patrick, check out the xXx-Athletico website (www.xxxracing.org) for details on the team's Saturday morning team ride. That's a great place to get comfortable riding in a paceline at higher speeds. It's no-drop to Highland Park, so you can start out kind of easy, and then you have the option of going longer or returning back to the city at various paces. The team ride is open to everyone.

Joining a team is a great resource for learning about racing from experienced racers. Check out Luke Seeman's excellent chicagobikeracing.com. He has a list of local teams on there (under the tab Teams, appropriately enough).

And finally, there's no better learning experience than entering your first race. Of course it's good to get experience riding in groups at speed, but that doesn't really prepare you for an actual race. You just have to try it!
Permalink Reply by Patrick M on September 13, 2009 at 5:28pm
I think I'm a decent technical rider. I messenger for CMS.
Video_Drome said:
who you a messenger for?
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on September 13, 2009 at 7:48pm
Patrick,

Also check out the Chicago Cycling Club's training rides.

Looks like there's only 2 left in the season and both are this week.
Monday the 14th: Intro to Training Rides - 6:30PM Meeting at Dunkin' Donuts parking lot at Lincoln and California ~22 mph

Wednesday the 16th: Training Ride - 6:30PM Meeting at Dunkin' Donuts parking lot at Lincoln and California ~28 mph

Looks like there's nothing on the 21st, 24th, 28th or 30th. I'll talk with guys tomorrow night to see if anyone would be interested in rides on the 21st and 28th. ("Intro" rides, I don't have a light enough bike to lead a 28mph ride.)

And, yes, the ride schedule speed kind of lies - speed is determined by the group.
Permalink Reply by S on September 14, 2009 at 2:00am

Patrick,

There's a series of practice crits on tuesdays at matteson by the south chicago wheelman is a good place to get some practice in.

Just as important, I'd suggest getting a trainer or rollers and getting time in over the winter. It's a great way to stay in shape and get ahead start on prepping for the racing season.

RSS

Groups

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service