Where to start?

Andy_Craddock · Post by **Andy_Craddock** » 17 May 2013 09:29

After a little advice please.

I want to start getting into racing, there is a lot I need to do before I get to be any good (lose weight) but got to start somewhere.

Im hoping to get to the TT on Wednesday night but have noticed there is a cat 3/4 race at tudor grange Saturday 25th. Will I be completely out of my depth or shoul I just give it a go and see how I get on?

I understand you get so many points a race depending on where you finish so hopefully will be able to be at a decent level in a few years (well better than now).

I have my bike insured and is covered for any damage during racing, I just presume I now need join British Cycling? As I have personal accident insurance through my work would it be beneficial if I just got the silver membership?

Thank

Patch · Post by **Patch** » 17 May 2013 18:41

Why not do both. Try the time trial. That's easy just turn up and we will do the rest. Tudor grange is different but you don't know which type of racing you like yet. Silver BC membership will be fine you will just need to purchase temp racing licence on the day. Racing in a bunch is a bit of an aquired skill though have you done plenty of club runs so you have some idea of bunch riding?

If you have an inkling that you want to race then I would say don't delay just jump in there. The time trial is pobably the easiest way to start. So see you on Wednesday night.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 17 May 2013 22:00

Andy, see my post under "no frills...". Circuit racing is full on high intensity speed intervals but it is a case of give it a go and sink or swim or swim for as long as you can and chances are there will be others that go off the back first. You do need to be able to average a certain pace though otherwise you will be out the back fairly early. The weds night 9miler tt is a totally different type of competition and pain! Give both a go!

As much high intensity/shorter group rides (20-50miles/1-3hours) as pos will help massively. The 7am-9am Saturday BCC south ride is a good option to see if you are as fast as other 2-4th cat riders. It's kind of like a race but free. For the circuit or short tts you need to be fast for 25-60mins.

Also get along to the Tuesday night & weds night training rides.

I'm signed up for 4 more races in next 5weeks and hope to get up to pace with experience.

I'm also in 2minds about whether to give Tudor Grange no frills another go on weds to see if I can hang on for longer than 3laps! or do tt again. Both are great fun.

laurence_cooley · Post by **laurence_cooley** » 17 May 2013 22:30

I've been thinking about starting to do some circuit races too, Andy. I haven't taken the plunge yet for one reason or another but can second Tim's suggestions about the different training rides. If you're free on Tuesday nights, a few of us do circuits of Bartley Reservoir (if it's dry) - details here. It's a good way of finding out how you shape up against people who race regularly.

andrew clayton · Post by **andrew clayton** » 18 May 2013 08:01

I agree with the other post, it's literally a case of getting in there and having a go! Having never raced on bikes before early April i was very anxious that i would be shelled out the back, wouldn't handle the pace and would find bunch racing too technically demanding. I have managed to surprise myself beyond all expectations.... No reason why you cannot find yourself in a similar position. Perhaps .... Don't treat the races as significant events in which you want to achieve something, moreover go into them with the perspective that you sit back, observe, get a feel for it and above all enjoy! You can also use the race as a quality training session. I plan to race in Solihull on wed evening... Perhaps s few of us to get together for it.

Andy_Craddock · Post by **Andy_Craddock** » 18 May 2013 12:00

Hi all

Thank for the responses.

Chris I think I am going to just give both a try. I have done a couple of club rides and understand it can be quite different in a group, its just the concentration thing, however after 70 miles on rollers the other day my concentration isnt that bad!

Tim yea I had a look at your thread, well done on the result. Im not the best climber (although is improving ride on ride) and prefer the sprinting, so the intervals sounds fun. I think I could maintain a decent pace, however prob best indication is just give it a go. I recent covered 20 miles on rollers at an average over 25mph which hopefully should be decent enough. I think id rather do the saturday one where it is just cat 3 and 4 to just get used to things, I like TT's although im not great. I have looked at average laps from people on Strava and think I should be ok.

Laurence, I like the sound of the bartley green reservoir ride, cant do this Tuesday but more than likely can the following week. Will be doing the Wednesday night TT this week. Im not expecting to be any good however I need to have a base to work from and can only improve.

Andrew I think I am just going to give it a go, not expecting anything great but just to get a feel. The saturday 25th race is easier for me to get to and also looking forward to the Wednesday TT. I just want to give it a go this year, see where im at. Im trying to convice my mate to do the saturday ride, you fancy that one as im going to sign up today? Be good to have someone else there!

Thanks for all your comments and advice

So its Wednesday TT, Solihull on Saturday and 100 in 8 hours on Sunday. Maybe that will give me the miles I need to complete the Castelli's Battaglia in Montagna on Strava. My main problem is im quite competitive so need to go into this expecting to be dropped early and anything else is a bonus!

andrew clayton · Post by **andrew clayton** » 18 May 2013 14:35

Andy, sadly, as much as I'd love to i can't do next Saturday at Solihull as it's my oldest childs 13th birthday and we have a day of paintball action planned. I will however be racing there on Wednesday night and then probably Shrewsbury on Thursday. I do however think the whole experience is more enjoyable and less daunting if there are a few of you in it together so am more than happy to coordinate future races. I can fully understand about your competitive side...just get a feel for the first few races, sit in there, take it easy, stay upright, soak it all in ..no pressure! As your confidence improves you'll find yourself wanting to dig a little deeper and push it harder. If you're out on the clubrun tomorrow come and say hello.... I'll be the tall chap on a baby pink bike!!!!! If not... Then enjoy next weekend and don't forget to let us know how how you get on.

Andy_Craddock · Post by **Andy_Craddock** » 18 May 2013 18:40

No worries. I do like the idea of trying to co ordinate rides though, what others are you planned to do in the next month?

Unfortunately I cant do tomorrow as im looking after my barmy little bro whilst my mom is away. Im going to be doing the 100 miles in 8 hours ride next week, although I am going to have to catch up as cant make the start time. Baby pink bike? sounds interesting, I like things a little different, hence loving riding a steel frame condor.

My plan is to just see how I go, if by half way im feeling comfortable then I might push a little harder if not then ill just enjoy myself. Im the sort of person who likes to give things a go. Bought a fixed gear without ever riding one, good job I love it!

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 19 May 2013 19:03

Here's what I'm gonna do/entered in next month:

Weds 22nd. No frills Tudor Grange Solihull. 2/3/4
Weds 29th. No frills Tudor Grange Solihull. 2/3/4
Sat 1st. Lichfield. 4thcat only.
Weds 5th. Concorde CC. no 1. 3/4cat. This and no2 now sold out.
Weds 12th club 9mile tt.
Weds 19th. Concorde CC no3. 3/4cat. Couple of places left as of last wk.
Sat 22nd. Solihull no3. Tudor Grange. 3/4th

Sure there are others who do Mallory and Stourport regularly but at moment I can't do Tuesdays or Thursdays.

See you weds at Solihull Andrew

HAZBRO · Post by **HAZBRO** » 20 May 2013 15:28

Hi Andy, not sure what rollers are exactly but I have a turbo so I don't really know what speed i'm going at when training, all I know about rollers is that they are used to keep dopers alive when doping first started according to gmac, 25 mph over 20 miles thats fast, but i'm not sure how it all works really, normally id just follow a training bible like what im doing at the mo, saves the disappointment when it comes to race day ,also it gets you fitter fast, the clubs pirated the black book and you can have it for FREE and not pay the £10 fee to Pete Reed! 72 PAGES OF CYCLING TRAINING INFORMATION, ALL FOR FREE! Christmas has come early!

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 20 May 2013 20:59

Rollers are particularly good for low resistance training, balance/core strength and pedalling technique: turbo is particularly good for leg strength and resistance work. Bear in mind that the absence of wind resistance on both makes the training speeds a little misleading!

George · Post by **George** » 21 May 2013 20:13

Andy, from the glimpse I had of your riding ability the other week, I'm sure you can go a long way. A lot of the basics are explained here:
http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/other_activ ... index.html

Andy_Craddock · Post by **Andy_Craddock** » 22 May 2013 14:43

Tim I may struggle to make most of them due to other commitments but I will try.

I know the rollers give a false sense of speed, however worked wonders for my handling when nearly had an off on a slippy drain cover Yesterday!!

Thanks George, I will see how I get on.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 22 May 2013 16:59

No worries Andy. I'm struggling to make 1st tonight, sick baby is ruining my race diary before its started!