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Running to Riding

Started by Jelwell1982 · · Last activity · 6 posts · 818 views

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01 / Original postRunning to RidingJelwell1982 · 25 Mar 2011 02 / This pagePosts 1–6Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #6LiveStrongBOI · 26 Mar 2011

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Original section
Road Cycling
Published
25 March 2011
Last activity
26 March 2011
Original author
Jelwell1982
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6
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Public discussion
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818
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Crit racingTime trials

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  1. Original post
    Jelwell1982
    Archived post
    #1

    Hello everyone.
    This is my first post to this forum. So far I am impressed with what I have seen.
    I have a few questions that hopefully I can get some advice on.

    I am a ultra-marathon runner (www.crazyaboutultras.com). Lately I have been pretty burned out on running. I have turned to cycling to fill the void. I do a pretty even mix of road and mountain. The more I get into it the more fun I have. The one thing I am confused on is the racing part. With runs you simply go online, find a race that looks interesting, sign up, packet pickup, and run. Some people are there for fun others are there to win. I have a competitive edge I like to keep satisfied🙂 I have done the MS150 once, and a short duathlon. They were both fairly straight forward. I was disappointed that no results were posted for the MS150 though. How exactly do you get into "racing". I am by no means expecting to compete at a pro level, but want to have some fun putting it all out on the line.
    I would guess I need a USAC license. Does this work for Mountain biking and triathlons?
    Do I need to be a part of a team, or can i simply show up and ride solo? I have seen some local criteriums(Dallas area) that seem to be just show up and ride kind of deals.
    Are there any distance races? As a ultra marathoner I think I have the lung capacity to give some endurace races a shot, but i havent seen anything of the sort online. I have seen several "tours" but those seem more like fun rides with no competition.

    Also, what would be considered extreme distance in cycling? In running(ultras), 50 miles and 100 miles are the most common, with 50k and 100k thrown in the mix frequently, and the occasional 150-200 mile races can be found.

    Thanks for any help!

    Jeremy

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  2. coneofsilence
    Archived post
    #2

    I would try to find a local bike club, they would either hold races or know more about your local races. Maybe do a quick search on cycling clubs in your area or head on down to a bike shop and they might be able to point you in the right direction from the get go.
    As for how many races and what kind of racing, that would really depend on your locale. If you're in an area that has a cycling society well established, you will have a more of a chance of finding local races.

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  3. ambal
    Archived post
    #3

    It's quite simple;

    Ride
    Ride some more
    And ride more again
    If you still like it, join a club
    and ride more, this time with some new mates you met at the club
    if you still like riding with your new mates, then ride more
    If you can drop a few of your mates on hills, get a license and race
    racing hurts
    if you like hurting during racing, then keep racing and hurting
    one day you might win, or you wont
    but it'll be fun because you like racing and hurting with your mates on the bike

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  4. Jelwell1982
    Archived post
    #4

    So best bet...find a club?
    Not a good idea to just show up to races and ride solo?
    Should I assume any club I choose will know what races are around?

    I am quite interested in endurance races. I have found a few in the 50 and 100 mile ranges for mountain bikers. On road bikes these seem to be more like fun rides and tours?
    Any races that we can enter as amateurs of some distance on the road?

    Thanks again
    -J-

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  5. 64Paramount
    Archived post
    #5

    In my experience most bike clubs have multiple events throughout the year so that riders of all experience/ability levels will have events that they can enjoy.

    For example the last club I belonged to had a group that rode just about every weekend that was kind of a slow riding, socializing, stop at every cafe and eat things type ride. [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG]

    They also had several weekly groups of diffferent ability levels that were more focused on the riding, but still wanted to have fun type ride. [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG]

    Then there was the grit your teeth, hardcore, shutup and pedal racing bunch..... [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/nonono2.gif[/IMG]

    They usually had Spring and Fall century events if you like the long rides, and monthly time trials if you're into the fast stuff.

    Anyway, just check around. Bike shops often have bulletin boards where clubs will post their schedules, and as coneofsilence recommended, you can search on-line for club information for your locale.

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  6. LiveStrongBOI
    Archived post
    #6

    Most bike shops have weekly rides. Just ask one of the guys that work there, and they can give you a lot of info on their rides, as well as any other shop rides in town. They'll let you know what skill levels usually ride, and most shops have 2-3 groups of different levels that meet up, and ride their seperate ways once the ride begins.

    From there you can just get to know the other riders, and ask any questions...they usually know about upcomming races/events.

    A lot of groups/shop rides are different with a different mix of people. It is always best to ride with a few different shops just to find the group that suits you best.

    You are bound to run in to snobby riders or a-holes along the way..just dont let that be your perception of all riders. Most are willing to help and offer advice!

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