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First Road Race Questions

January 14, 2009 · 6 Comments

As many of you know this Saturday is my first road race, 2009 TBi Copperas Cove Classic Road Race. As can be expected I have many questions rolling through my head, hear are a few that I could use some help answering:

  1. Should I even bother with my saddle bag? Will I look like a first timer with it on?
  2. If I do get a flat what's the protocal? If I have the saddle bag I can at least change it and finish the race.
  3. Wheels in / Wheels out. What does that mean?
  4. All USA Cycling rules apply. I'll read through the rules, but are there common ones that I should be aware of? Ones that a noob should be aware of?
  5. It looks like the cat 4/5's run together, can a 5er join a paceline of 4s?


I might come in last but at the start I want to look like I won't be coming in last, so any other insights and suggestions are welcome.

First Road Race Questions

Tags: Tips

6 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Jared // Jan 14, 2009 at 6:12 AM

    I don't have any answers for you...just wanted to wish you good luck!

    Jared

  • 2 joeyTWOwheels // Jan 14, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    1. Leave it off - if you flat you're done (unless you have wheels in the pit/car).
    2. See above.
    3. If you have wheels, you can leave them IN the pit/car and take them OUT if you have a flat. Some places also allow racers to use other racer's wheels - sharing, if you will.
    4. If there is a center line, don't cross it. They will throw you out. Know that your race official will talk to you before the race - listen intently for specifics.
    5. Yessir. The only time this is frowned upon is if you're a 4/5 and you catch the 3s. They don't want you to be a part of them.

    A couple more:

    • keep your line in corners. That means, don't swing outward, stay the course all the way through your turn and into the next straightaway. Most accidents happen here, when people go "off course".

    • if someone touches your wheel, it's more likely that they will fall than you. Just continue on as if nothing happened, and don't be the wheel toucher.

    • stay on the inside when cornering in a pack, it's the safest place to be.

    Good luck, you'll be great. You're strong. And stay inside as often as you can in corners. It's safest. Trust me.

  • 3 Shawn // Jan 14, 2009 at 7:07 AM

    No tips, but I wanted to wish you good luck!

  • 4 MikeO // Jan 14, 2009 at 8:25 AM

    It's been more than 15 yrs since my last race, but it joeyTWOwheels pretty much nailed it. The only thing I have to add is on #4. They used to be pretty strict about helmets - if you are on your bike w/out a helmet anytime from registration through the end of awards, you can be DQ'ed.

    Good luck, and enjoy the race!

  • 5 Arlyn // Jan 15, 2009 at 7:58 PM

    You got all your answers. Good luck and remember that the strongest cyclist rarely wins. It's the smartest one that you'll find on the podium. Never be in front unless you have to.

  • 6 Mike // Jan 16, 2009 at 4:15 AM

    Thanks for the words of encouragement and advice everyone.

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