Your First Race
- Toolish
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:38 pm
- Location: Mildura, Victoria
Your First Race
Postby Toolish » Tue Jul 02, 2013 1:10 pm
The problem is my bike leg is the weakest link in tri's and I am pretty sure I am going to get spat out the back straight up and end up riding solo for most of the races I do anyway...so, to help me get past that, tell me about your first race experiences. I am sure there are some good stories out there!
-
- Posts: 1545
- Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:05 pm
- Location: West Gippy
Re: Your First Race
Postby macca33 » Tue Jul 02, 2013 1:33 pm
As you can see, I'm a crap cyclist / racer, but it is FUN and I have improved on each occasion. My advice - watch what others are doing, draft as much as you can letting others do the work until you're up to speed and finally, just get out there and do it!
cheers
- DoogleDave
- Posts: 519
- Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:56 pm
- Location: Taylors Hill, Victoria
Re: Your First Race
Postby DoogleDave » Tue Jul 02, 2013 1:45 pm
I thought I had a reasonable fitness level and could handle the bike OK so decided to jump in and try out a crit race.
Being the lowest grade I thought it wouldn't be too bad and I'd have a reasonable chance at being there at the end.
The first 30mins were controlled and we had some A graders rolling with us showing us what to do (and not to do) and slowly but surely the pace began to increase.
I was feeling quite comfortable with the pace and thought I was doing well. We were rolling turns off the front and everything seemed to be going good.
Then the call for 3 laps to go went out and everything became MUCH more serious.
The A graders told us all earlier that when they called 3 laps to go we would roll the first two at a controlled (faster) pace and then they'd unleash us for the final lap.
I rolled off the front and joined back onto the rear of the pack just as we approached the final turn. Half way down the straight the bell sounded to signify 3 lap to go and everyone just took off.
I smashed myself to try and gain ground on the leaders and very quickly learned that I wasn't as fit as I thought I was.
I managed to pass a few riders but couldn't make any ground on the leading few riders.
Coming into the final lap they really took off and I was in about 5th place and stuck in no mans land - riding solo behind the leaders but in front of the tailing riders.
Down the back straight I gave it my all (or what I could summon up) and almost caught the riders in front of me as they approached the last turn.
I rolled through the bend as fast as I could and was on the back wheel of the rider in front of me, but then everyone stood and sprinted for the line and my legs just laughed at me and after maybe 30m I realised I had no chance and powered to the line seated.
A few things I learned that day:
(1) no matter how ready you think you are for racing, you're NOT
(2) tactics and positioning are as important (if not more so) than strength and speed
(3) to improve on no.1, you must improve on no. 2
(4) the best training for racing, is RACING
(5) don't think too much about it, just get in there and do it.
Chances are, the first few times you get out there you'll get spat out of the bunch but as you learn from the experiences you will pick up where and when to conserve your energy, where and when to use your energy and at what level your fitness and riding skills are at (and what the difference is between the stronger riders and yourself).
From there you can work towards growing your strengths and minimising your weaknesses - both physically and tactically.
Then you will be one of the guys dictating the race and not watching it happen up the road ahead of you.
Dave
-
- Posts: 985
- Joined: Thu Feb 25, 2010 10:31 pm
- Location: Sydney
Re: Your First Race
Postby rogan » Tue Jul 02, 2013 2:17 pm
In January 1989 Dr Jones and I (both 17) rocked up at Heffron Park in Sydney in shorts and sneakers with rat trap pedals and got put in E Grade for our first race.
We got first and second and went up to C Grade. That was the end of both of our E (and D) Grade careers.
Dr Jones? This Dr Jones:
http://www.rstsport.com/event-riders-rider-jeff.htm
http://teamdrag2zero.co.uk/riders/jeff-jones/
Everyone has to start somewhere. We were young and reasonably fit, but seriously, nothing special (unfortunately, I'm still nothing special!). We certainly didn't wade through C Grade the next week; rather we started learning.
- ldrcycles
- Posts: 9594
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:19 pm
- Location: Kin Kin, Queensland
Re: Your First Race
Postby ldrcycles » Tue Jul 02, 2013 4:57 pm
Sounds about right to me .DoogleDave wrote:
A few things I learned that day:
(1) no matter how ready you think you are for racing, you're NOT
(2) tactics and positioning are as important (if not more so) than strength and speed
(3) to improve on no.1, you must improve on no. 2
(4) the best training for racing, is RACING
(5) don't think too much about it, just get in there and do it.
From my experiences I would say bunch riding skill is significantly more important than outright strength, there is a bloke in the local bunch who has at least 30 years on me and I know i'm stronger than him, but when it comes to a bunch situation, his experience at holding a wheel wins out every time.
-
- Posts: 998
- Joined: Tue Aug 10, 2010 10:08 am
- Location: West Gippsland, Victoria
Re: Your First Race
Postby toppity » Tue Jul 02, 2013 5:47 pm
- nickobec
- Posts: 2271
- Joined: Fri Mar 27, 2009 12:51 am
- Location: Perth or 42km south as the singlespeed flies
- Contact:
Re: Your First Race
Postby nickobec » Tue Jul 02, 2013 7:38 pm
Rocked up my local club, 1st race of the season as a 51 year old on beta blockers with limited group riding experience and a 25 year old steel bike with 5 year old 105 running gear.
Entered E grade, spent most the race sitting on the back, missed the two making a breakaway, not that I could of hung on. Each corner felt like my last, still did a long turn at the front with a lap to go that sent a fellow newcomer off the back. Rounded the final corner in last place with 3km to go, and then just chased riders down, missed out in the sprint for 3rd. But elated at my performance and 4th.
3 races later beat the guy I dropped for my first win.
- Derny Driver
- Posts: 3039
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2012 12:18 pm
- Location: Wollongong
Re: Your First Race
Postby Derny Driver » Tue Jul 02, 2013 8:35 pm
- Toolish
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:38 pm
- Location: Mildura, Victoria
Re: Your First Race
Postby Toolish » Tue Jul 02, 2013 8:51 pm
Went to sign up for a licence as this page says the 6 month license is available : http://www.cycling.org.au/default.asp?P ... 13%2F43895" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
On following it through I am not sure if the membership fees are a reduced rate or are the full years values. Anyone know what a 12 month golf masters 1 membership was worth? If I sign up now it says $132, is that the 6 month rate or the full year rate? Have emailed cycling Australia but probably more likely to get an answer here first!!
-
- Posts: 1346
- Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 12:35 am
- Location: Earlwood
- Contact:
Re: Your First Race
Postby vander » Tue Jul 02, 2013 9:02 pm
- Toolish
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:38 pm
- Location: Mildura, Victoria
Re: Your First Race
Postby Toolish » Tue Jul 02, 2013 9:15 pm
-
- Posts: 1046
- Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:41 pm
Re: Your First Race
Postby march83 » Tue Jul 02, 2013 10:18 pm
- Derny Driver
- Posts: 3039
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2012 12:18 pm
- Location: Wollongong
Re: Your First Race
Postby Derny Driver » Tue Jul 02, 2013 11:19 pm
Yeah, wait till October 1st and buy your 2014 licence, get 3 months free ...march83 wrote:192 elite or 132 masters is 6 month pricing. If you want to wait, 15 month licenses start October 1st...
-
- Posts: 998
- Joined: Tue Aug 10, 2010 10:08 am
- Location: West Gippsland, Victoria
Re: Your First Race
Postby toppity » Wed Jul 03, 2013 8:39 am
- rheicel
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 5:01 pm
- Location: Sydney
- Contact:
Re: Your First Race
Postby rheicel » Wed Jul 03, 2013 9:17 am
Is it right to assume that racing license includes insurance as well?Derny Driver wrote:Yeah, wait till October 1st and buy your 2014 licence, get 3 months free ...march83 wrote:192 elite or 132 masters is 6 month pricing. If you want to wait, 15 month licenses start October 1st...
Rheicel
-
- Posts: 985
- Joined: Thu Feb 25, 2010 10:31 pm
- Location: Sydney
Re: Your First Race
Postby rogan » Wed Jul 03, 2013 11:04 am
Pretty average insurance in terms of personal injury to yourself and possible time off work, but yes, some insurance.rheicel wrote:Is it right to assume that racing license includes insurance as well?
Rheicel
I think the main purpose of licence insurance is public liability to protect you against claims by other riders for your stupid/negligent/careless actions. I have seen such actions, but not heard of such a claim ever being brought. Not sure if it applies just in racing and affiliated club training events, or more broadly.
- rheicel
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 5:01 pm
- Location: Sydney
- Contact:
Re: Your First Race
Postby rheicel » Wed Jul 03, 2013 12:11 pm
I want to try racing but scared of all involved insurance premiums. Life insurance also ask questions related to racing and sports, same goes with medical insurance. I am sure that premium on all these personal insurance will also go up if I start racing even though Racing License will come with some sort of insurance cover as well. Are my assumptions right or I am just dumb?rogan wrote:Pretty average insurance in terms of personal injury to yourself and possible time off work, but yes, some insurance.rheicel wrote:Is it right to assume that racing license includes insurance as well?
Rheicel
I think the main purpose of licence insurance is public liability to protect you against claims by other riders for your stupid/negligent/careless actions. I have seen such actions, but not heard of such a claim ever being brought. Not sure if it applies just in racing and affiliated club training events, or more broadly.
- nickobec
- Posts: 2271
- Joined: Fri Mar 27, 2009 12:51 am
- Location: Perth or 42km south as the singlespeed flies
- Contact:
Re: Your First Race
Postby nickobec » Wed Jul 03, 2013 5:10 pm
I think you may not be covered by some life and medical insurance if you race professionally.
But which health/medical/life insurance company would encourage sedentary life style (and all the risks that involves) over racing (risk broken collarbone). They know the healthier and more active you are, the better for them in the long term.
The Cycling Australia licence
but you need to read the policy for the fine details, but public liability got me.will cover you 24/7 on the bike and includes personal accident, public liability & loss of income benefits.
If your bike is insured, you will need to see if that is covered for damage during racing (that may require an additional premium) or just race a bike you can afford to replace, I do.
I would recommend that you have ambulance cover either stand alone or via health insurance. The two short trips I had, neither cycling related where not cheap $1k+
-
- Posts: 182
- Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:07 pm
- Location: Botany, Sydney.
Re: Your First Race
Postby Pedaling » Wed Jul 03, 2013 8:56 pm
Hey DD,Derny Driver wrote:Yeah, wait till October 1st and buy your 2014 licence, get 3 months free ...march83 wrote:192 elite or 132 masters is 6 month pricing. If you want to wait, 15 month licenses start October 1st...
Can you purchase a race license for 2014 after the first of Oct, in NSW?
Does your club also give you three months free membership in that case?
Reason I ask is because I have been training with Randwick Botany for a few weeks (getting my arse handed to me), and want to join that club.
I suppose I should ask the guys tomorrow.
Cheers,
Darrin.
2012 C59 Colnago
2013 Giant TCR
- Derny Driver
- Posts: 3039
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2012 12:18 pm
- Location: Wollongong
Re: Your First Race
Postby Derny Driver » Wed Jul 03, 2013 9:51 pm
Yes mate that's my understanding. If you are a new member and haven't held a CA licence before.Pedaling wrote:Hey DD,Derny Driver wrote:Yeah, wait till October 1st and buy your 2014 licence, get 3 months free ...march83 wrote:192 elite or 132 masters is 6 month pricing. If you want to wait, 15 month licenses start October 1st...
Can you purchase a race license for 2014 after the first of Oct, in NSW?
Does your club also give you three months free membership in that case?
Reason I ask is because I have been training with Randwick Botany for a few weeks (getting my arse handed to me), and want to join that club.
I suppose I should ask the guys tomorrow.
Cheers,
Darrin.
- Derny Driver
- Posts: 3039
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2012 12:18 pm
- Location: Wollongong
Re: Your First Race
Postby Derny Driver » Wed Jul 03, 2013 9:54 pm
There will be no change to your medical or life insurances just because you hold a CA licence. Cycling is not defined as a high risk activity.rheicel wrote: I want to try racing but scared of all involved insurance premiums. Life insurance also ask questions related to racing and sports, same goes with medical insurance. I am sure that premium on all these personal insurance will also go up if I start racing even though Racing License will come with some sort of insurance cover as well. Are my assumptions right or I am just dumb?
Nico is on the ball, a healthier lifestyle will be applauded not penalised.
- rheicel
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 5:01 pm
- Location: Sydney
- Contact:
Re: Your First Race
Postby rheicel » Fri Jul 05, 2013 8:10 pm
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
- kirky92au
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2012 3:26 pm
- Location: Lake Macquarie
Re: Your First Race
Postby kirky92au » Sat Jul 06, 2013 11:38 am
Exactly what I did last October, bought my bike in July started racing in October. Since then I've moved up from E to D grade, and hoping to get to C by the end of the year.Derny Driver wrote:Yes mate that's my understanding. If you are a new member and haven't held a CA licence before.Pedaling wrote:Hey DD,Derny Driver wrote: Yeah, wait till October 1st and buy your 2014 licence, get 3 months free ...
Can you purchase a race license for 2014 after the first of Oct, in NSW?
Does your club also give you three months free membership in that case?
Cheers.
Here's my report of my first race:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=23454&start=1775#p862878" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- ldrcycles
- Posts: 9594
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:19 pm
- Location: Kin Kin, Queensland
Re: Your First Race
Postby ldrcycles » Sat Jul 06, 2013 7:33 pm
183 average HR, nice work!kirky92au wrote:
Exactly what I did last October, bought my bike in July started racing in October. Since then I've moved up from E to D grade, and hoping to get to C by the end of the year.
Here's my report of my first race:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=23454&start=1775#p862878" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Toolish
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:38 pm
- Location: Mildura, Victoria
Re: Your First Race
Postby Toolish » Fri Oct 04, 2013 11:14 am
Either way, slightly nervous but pretty excited.
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- MTB
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross and Gravel Grinding
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Cargo Bikes and Utility Cycling
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+10:00
- Top
- Delete cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The Australian Cycling Forums is a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.
Bicycles Network Australia
Forum Information
Connect with BNA
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.