Racing. What's it all about ?
The idea of racing is new to me, but somewhat appealing, but is 45 ( years old ) to old to start ?
I live in the Northern Suburbs, and am thinking about trying my hand at this game, so I'm looking for a suitable club.
Not having raced before, I have no idea whats involved, so can someone explain an average race day, how often races are organised ? Are they flat, hilly or a mix, do you race in age / weight / speed categories etc. ???
Tags: Racing
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on -
I'm toying with joining the southern vets and was thinking it would be good to know another member (I have met a few at KnS) Baron joining might just be the deciding factor in signing up.
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Permalink Reply by Paul King on -
Sorry, wasn't meant to be condesending, all grades are all racing hard. That is the beauty of graded racing. What i meant was that the higher up the grades you go, the more people you will find that will take a chance/risk to win a race.
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Permalink Reply by Belinda Hoare on -
Hi Gareth - I do (although not this year yet - hopefully wednesday night). Turn up at 5pm, chat to the Handicapper (or Raey deRoss), and depending on your fitness/racing experience, you'll most likely be put in E grade, D if you're lucky. E grade races 30mins+2laps (starts at 5:45pm), D is 35+2laps. $110 for an annual licence, $10 per race, and generous prize money. You can have one 'free ride' before you have to take out a licence, but you won't be eligible for any prize money in that ride. As long as your bike is road worthy and you have an AS/NZ 2063 sticker (we WILL check it), you can race.
We do have a wet/hot weather policy too - if its raining, no racing, and if forecast for Wednesday (issued by BOM at 6pm on Tuesday) is for the max temp to be 37 or above, no racing either. Club website will issue cancellation notices by 3:30pm each Wednesday (http://www.vlcc.org.au).
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Permalink Reply by Dahondude on -
Hi Gareth
I race B grade vets on a wed night and agree with everything that Belinda has said. I find that racing Vets is far less aggressive ( ie you don't get yelled at nearly as much) and riders do a lot less risky stuff compared to Open racing. Probably a reflection of age... Most vets racers have families and mortgages and understand their own mortality better than younger riders.
Last week I don't think we passed C or D grade at all but later on in the race there were some frustrating moments when pretty much all the higher grade bunches were strung out over half the circuit. I've never seen any dangerous overtaking and you always get plenty of notice. The critical thing is to be able to hold your line through corners.
Anyway Vets racing is fun and challenging and you will certainly see an improvement in fitness. There's no training like racing!
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on -
Yeah, I sux at all forms of bike racing which is a real good excuse for doing it....any improvement no matter how slight is rewarding. Racing bikes would suc badly if there were no competitors to beat therefore Ima very valueable opponent who will push the other participants as hard as I can to make the eventual winner earn their win and hopefully make them spu (vomit)....
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Permalink Reply by Dahondude on
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And some excellent advice here if you decide to start racing
http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2011/10/golden-rules-of-crit-racing/
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Permalink Reply by Cerveza on -
hey guys was not sure if to start a new thread or if this would also help this existing one for us newcomers but i was wondering about the different clubs . i have seen alot posted about the vets but as i am 30 yrs old that does not apply to me just yet lol .i live in the central districts cycling club area and am not quite sure what each different club offers . can i race in all races or does each club have their own ? its just i come from a soccer background and am not quite sure that cycling clubs operate the same way
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Permalink Reply by Gemma K on -
Hi, If you're 30 in Cycling Australia membership realm that makes you a Masters 1 Category.
Each club has a different culture, social scene etc but almost without exception (some club championships) it doesn't matter which club you're in you can race with any other CA club in Australia.
Port Adelaide CC has just updated its members handbook which might take some of the mystery out of membership and racing (and the types of races you can do).
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on
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I've just revisited and re-read this thread. First race tomorrow with the Southern Vets, Come N Try as I didn't get my paperwork in on time. I'm looking forward to it and packing it, all at the same time. Fortunately I have a mate doing it tomorrow for the first time too, all I have to do is beat him and I can claim some bragging rights.
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on
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Hey Pat you are going to love it....dont just focus on your place getting in the race....it will push you to your limits and then make you push harder...a few races and you will have improved more than you could do with 50 trips up and down the veloway....you will become a hard competitor and love the like minded company who share a passion for bikes....you will be able to pick off young fit looking triathetes after 80 km and watch them squirm as you pass them on a long incline....best of all is the friends :)
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Permalink Reply by Pete (repeats ?) Roberts on -
+1
Good to hear that you have taken the plunge Pat !
From my vast experience in racing ( one race ), you will love it.
Im looking forward to having another go soon too : I lost a lot of fitness when my back went out in Dec, but my backs better, & I'm running out of excuses not to race again.
PS. Did I tell you that I have never lost a race yet ? !!! :)
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on
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That's putting the pressure on Pete. :)
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