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What made you start racing?

  • 26-07-2013 11:45am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I've been riding (properly) for about 18 months or so now, and would rack up approx. 500km a month (more some months) and have relitively no problems with long distances - for example would regularly do 100 - 120km rides, usually at a pace of 26-28kmph (can push faster on shorter rides).

    I'd take part in quite a few sportive events, but as the 'next step' to take me forwards, was looking at races, but I know nothing about them - what the average pace would be, average distances, whether I'd even be able to keep up etc.

    I'm just wondering what made people 'take the plunge' and start racing? Would I be way out of my depth?

    Cheers
    Tagged:


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,142 ✭✭✭buffalo


    Beating commuters just wasn't enough any more.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,124 ✭✭✭daragh_


    I crave suffering, abuse, dark moments of the soul and the derision of my peers. Racing ticks all those boxes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,234 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Unless planning on racing time trials, riding around on your own isn't comparable.

    Find a local club with a racing league and get stuck in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    What kind of pace would they be at? Are there 'beginners' races so to speak?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 396 ✭✭ironkiwi


    Just started off with leisure cycling but I crave competition and once I get a few 100km + sportives out of the way, I'm also interested in racing.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 872 ✭✭✭smurphy29


    Just do it, is my advice. I had a similar learning curve to yourself, did a few of the sportives, decent average speeds, found in general that I was strong on climbs, and a friend who's on the racing scene encouraged me to race. I had designs on the etape, but he persuaded me to race instead, that it's more fun etc. Best decision I ever made.

    It's a good time to decide to race for next season, because you need a good winter's training in your legs to hit the ground running in feb/march next year. There's more to racing than riding at a decent pace, however; bike handling and bunch riding are crucial skills to obtain. Join a club and go out with their race training group and you'll develop these over the winter months. You can also chew the ear off experienced riders who in general will dispense all sorts of advice on what you need to work on etc.

    Commit to it, and you'll never look back. It's brilliant.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,923 ✭✭✭wav1


    I was fed up being left on the sideline at football.Great slogan that for recruiting kids ''Theres no bench in cycling''


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,969 ✭✭✭hardCopy


    wav1 wrote: »
    I was fed up being left on the sideline at football.Great slogan that for recruiting kids ''Theres no bench in cycling''

    ... but you can still get dropped


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 872 ✭✭✭smurphy29


    What kind of pace would they be at? Are there 'beginners' races so to speak?
    'Beginners' races are A4. They're generally hard enough and the average speed tends to be 36-39kph depending on the gradients. But as another poster said, riding in a bunch is a totally different experience to riding on your own, so it's not comparable.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭ht9zni1gs28crp


    I ended up being talked into our clubs league....best decision ever as it seems to have given a better focus to my cycling....

    Next year Ill go for the full licence and try some of the local weekend races....

    The competitiveness is brilliant and really gets you out of bed onto your bike when before it would have been....sod it!

    Does your local club run any league of sorts? Or maybe another club in your surrounds?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,124 ✭✭✭daragh_


    Join a club, do some club races and take it from there.

    I'm just pottering around in Club League and A4 racing but I love it. It's really great fun, you'll see a huge improvement in your ability and you'll spend lots of time faffing about with safety pins.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    I'm not a member of a club at the moment, but is that the only way to get in to it? How do you find out about local leagues etc? And what kind of distances would your 'normal' race be?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 872 ✭✭✭smurphy29


    I'm not a member of a club at the moment, but is that the only way to get in to it? How do you find out about local leagues etc? And what kind of distances would your 'normal' race be?

    A4 racing is 40-80k. Definitely, definitely join a club. I cannot stress it enough. Winter training is too awful to endure on your own and you'll need the experience of riding in a bunch.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭ht9zni1gs28crp


    Where are you based? Chances are someone on here is in a club near you and can help you in the right direction? Club membership is needed if I am thinking correct in order to get your racing licence?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    I'm in Dunshaughlin (Meath!)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 872 ✭✭✭smurphy29


    DID Dunboyne CC and Navan Road club spring immediately to mind; both have prominent racing teams.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    Cheers. I get the impression DID Dunbyone would be a bit above me - they seem to be VERY serious every time I see them around. Might get in touch with Navan though


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭ht9zni1gs28crp


    Im in Navan Road Club!!! Joined late last year and first season at it.... lads and lassies from Trim, Moynalty, DID Dunboyne, Swords all travel to the league..

    5 groups of ability in the league makes for fair racing across the board, everyone in with a chance of a placed top 15 finish...

    http://navanroadclub.ie/http://navanroadclub.ie/

    or Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/43456118653/https://www.facebook.com/groups/43456118653/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    Cheers. I get the impression DID Dunbyone would be a bit above me - they seem to be VERY serious every time I see them around. Might get in touch with Navan though

    I thought the same when I joined Lucan but they are a great club and everyone is pretty friendly. Started with the beginners and found that too slow so ended up with the intermediates and then took out a club license and finally upgraded to an A4 so I could race open races.

    It's a great buzz being in a peleton, trying to jump off the front and sprinting at the finish. Not sure in retrospect if I should have jumped into A4's straight away as I get dropped on the hills too easy. But definitely try the club racing!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    average pace would be, average distances,
    Be more worried about the peaks and troughs than the average speeds. Most of the time racing is pretty easy. But there are these 30 sec to 2 min surges of pace where it can be very taxing. These surges last longer and are more frequent the higher you go up the grades (or so I hear).

    You can limit the exertion with good positioning and drafting. On hills there is nowhere to hide.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭ROK ON


    I would love to race.

    I have signed on at races and pedalled the bike when the racers started, but I would still love to actually race. ;-)


  • Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,444 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    I started commuting a few years ago, then was dragged out by some of the guys from the local club (who had seen me posting here) for some winter training spins

    I thought I would maybe try some TTs with the IVCA and fancied the idea of a bit of pursuiting on the track

    Anyway, I managed to crash as a result of heading out training when it was icy and broke my wrist. While recovering I thought sod it and signed up to the local club and IVCA, again with the main intention of trying TTs.

    Within a couple of weeks of getting the all clear to start cycling again (having spent the best part of 6 weeks on the turbo) I started the club league and never looked back. I won't get anywhere near it this year, but last year I ended up racing 40 times - a combination of track meets, IVCA, Club and Open races and TTs and still try to get out racing whenever I can


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 203 ✭✭ptogher14


    Hey Kevinleeowen. I'm living in the dunshaughlin area as well. DID are a great club to cycle with if you're thinking of goin cycling. They're very much aimed at racing. They'll definitely bring you on. They meet on a Saturday and Sunday at ten. Navan run a good club league. It's great for beginners and they cater for all categories. It's ran on a Tuesday evening.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 628 ✭✭✭emtroche


    Hi,

    I'm just wondering what made people 'take the plunge' and start racing? Would I be way out of my depth?

    Cheers

    I went to see the finish of the Ras on O'Connell street in 1998 and thought to myself i wouldn't mind having a go at this. Didn't even have a bike. Two years later i was riding the Ras.

    Granted that was the "old" Ras and things have changed now but i was still racing 10 months after getting a bike. If you soak up as much info as you can and focus on what you want, you won't be out of your depth. The main thing is don't let people put you off. There's a lot of negativity sometimes so just keep the eye on the ball and you'll be grand. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    ptogher14 wrote: »
    Hey Kevinleeowen. I'm living in the dunshaughlin area as well. DID are a great club to cycle with if you're thinking of goin cycling. They're very much aimed at racing. They'll definitely bring you on. They meet on a Saturday and Sunday at ten. Navan run a good club league. It's great for beginners and they cater for all categories. It's ran on a Tuesday evening.

    Hey ptogher14, thanks for that. Are you a member of either? Just wondering which would be more suited to a beginner racer like myself? I'd rather be going to Dunbyone as it's that little bit closer, but I've always had the impression they weren't too interested in people just starting out in racing - but I may be way off the mark there?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭ht9zni1gs28crp


    Everyone started somewhere, I would be very surprised if Dunboyne didn't welcome you warmly. If not your more than welcome down in Navan.....pop down for a look anyways...Tuesday nights at 7.30 our League sets out from Navan Retail Park (Halfords)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 203 ✭✭ptogher14


    I'm a member of dunboyne. They are very racing oriented but would certainly welcome beginners. I only started cycling last year and joined them the winter gone by. I also take part in the navan club league on a Tuesday night. I found it a great place start. It caters for everybody. Everybody has to start somewhere so just jump in and go for a club race and see what you make of it


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,505 ✭✭✭colm_gti


    Everyone started somewhere, I would be very surprised if Dunboyne didn't welcome you warmly. If not your more than welcome down in Navan.....pop down for a look anyways...Tuesday nights at 7.30 our League sets out from Navan Retail Park (Halfords)

    Can anybody with a competition licence rock up and take part?

    How much is sign on? And what time does sign on close at?

    What route are the races held on?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭ht9zni1gs28crp


    Its limited to club members and adjacent clubs by invite am afraid. Hence keeping first timer racers safe and secure within their own ranks


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    Thanks everyone for the advice - think I'll take the plunge!

    I'll be purchasing a new bike in the next few weeks/months, and had been hoping to get a Compact 50/34 groupset but with 22 gears (such as the SRAM force 22), but if I'm going to be racing, would I be better off going with a standard double as opposed to a compact?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 215 ✭✭dermo1990


    Thanks everyone for the advice - think I'll take the plunge!

    I'll be purchasing a new bike in the next few weeks/months, and had been hoping to get a Compact 50/34 groupset but with 22 gears (such as the SRAM force 22), but if I'm going to be racing, would I be better off going with a standard double as opposed to a compact?

    I've been racing on a compact since the start of this season and haven't had any issues with it, even managed to get a couple of results. The only thing I did in my groupset build to give me the equivalent highest gear to a standard double was to fit an 11-28 cassette, found this to be a bit gappy in a few races, 11-25 next time. In most races, you won't be using the inner ring, and in those few races where you may need to use it, it'll only be for no more than a minute


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 872 ✭✭✭smurphy29


    Thanks everyone for the advice - think I'll take the plunge!

    I'll be purchasing a new bike in the next few weeks/months, and had been hoping to get a Compact 50/34 groupset but with 22 gears (such as the SRAM force 22), but if I'm going to be racing, would I be better off going with a standard double as opposed to a compact?

    I'd go 53-39. You'll need the big 53-tooth ring when it's lined out with a tailwind behind you more than you'll need the small ring to get up climbs. Most drags you'll take in the big ring. I hopped down to the small ring for a couple of minutes in Wexford recently, and it may have been the only time I did it all season.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,450 ✭✭✭Harrybelafonte


    Cadence is king. I used a 50/39 x 11-25 all year racing and I had no problems at all, just spin faster. I have been tempted to move to a double but am reminded by a few people that I had no problems so far so why change (I did have problems, but they weren't related to gearing).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,666 ✭✭✭ericzeking


    Originally had a compact but switched to standard before I started racing (and I wouldn't go back)...if you were planning on using the compact I'd advise a 11-23 cassette. Once you get training and eventually strong enough to race you will have no need for 34x28 or 34x25. As mentioned above racing in Ireland is generally a big ring affair.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    A standard double is not necessary but is preferable. You can win in A4 without one.

    If you have to rely on the compact in a race you will be dropped. But if you can spin out a 50x11 on a flat road in a bunch sprint you should probably be ringing up David Brailsford.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    If you have to rely on the compact in a race you will be dropped. .
    I'm going to be dropped anyway!
    So by the sounds of it a standard is the obvious choice, but maybe a bit more thought in to what I need for the rear cassette?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,266 ✭✭✭✭billyhead


    Hi,

    I've been riding (properly) for about 18 months or so now, and would rack up approx. 500km a month (more some months) and have relitively no problems with long distances - for example would regularly do 100 - 120km rides, usually at a pace of 26-28kmph (can push faster on shorter rides).

    I'd take part in quite a few sportive events, but as the 'next step' to take me forwards, was looking at races, but I know nothing about them - what the average pace would be, average distances, whether I'd even be able to keep up etc.

    I'm just wondering what made people 'take the plunge' and start racing? Would I be way out of my depth?

    Cheers

    OP,

    You might want to increase the weekly mileage to compete at A4 level. 500 per month might not be enough. I was told you really need to be getting 200km a week minimum into your legs a week


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 604 ✭✭✭Pawlie


    its not about how many kms you get into the legs per month/week,
    its the type/standard training you do,
    threshold,interval training etc are key when you are racing


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭Plastik


    If you're worried about the gearing then just go with the compact. There's certainly no requirement to be on a 53/39 to race. But get a nice tight cassette - I'd go (and did go) with an 11-23 when I was on compacts.

    I've long since changed to 53/39 11speed with an 11-25. The one thing with the compact is that the 34 is practically redundant. If you're in the 34, you've probably been dropped. So you're limiting yourself to racing on 10 gears. On the other hand you can actually use the 39 on occasions.

    Racing is only a small part of the year for a lot of people and you have to use the bike year round. Go compact. You can always change it later.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,450 ✭✭✭Harrybelafonte


    Plastik wrote: »
    If you're worried about the gearing then just go with the compact. There's certainly no requirement to be on a 53/39 to race. But get a nice tight cassette - I'd go (and did go) with an 11-23 when I was on compacts.

    I've long since changed to 53/39 11speed with an 11-25. The one thing with the compact is that the 34 is practically redundant. If you're in the 34, you've probably been dropped. So you're limiting yourself to racing on 10 gears. On the other hand you can actually use the 39 on occasions.

    Racing is only a small part of the year for a lot of people and you have to use the bike year round. Go compact. You can always change it later.

    Not to be contrary, but I used the 34 to good effect in a few races with longer drags in A4.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,306 ✭✭✭dave_o_brien


    Not to be contrary, but I used the 34 to good effect in a few races with longer drags in A4.

    Contrary git...

    50-11 is bigger than 53-12. I raced with a compact and 11-23 on one bike and a double with 11-25 on the other. I never ran out of gears on either. The 34 didn't see much use. But neither did the 53-11.

    In summary, get an 11-23 and go race.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    Just to throw a spanner in the works, would a compact with 22 gears change anything? I'm guessing not as it would still be 11x23 or 25 at the back, but assume it just gives less 'gaps' in between?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 199 ✭✭torturedsoul


    Stephen Roche, Sean Kelly and the belief that I was going to be as good as them... Never materialised, 35 now and still hold on to the dream....LOL


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    A few questions,

    you already own a training bike, yes?

    What bike is it?

    Does it have a compact or a triple on it?

    You will be keeping your training bike when you buy this new bike?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    A few questions,

    you already own a training bike, yes?

    What bike is it?

    Does it have a compact or a triple on it?

    You will be keeping your training bike when you buy this new bike?
    'Training' bike - well, it's just my bike! Not a very good one at that - Kross, Tiagra groupset - standard double. Will be getting rid once I get my new one (probably a Canyon)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 76 ✭✭GoTilUBlow


    To throw a spanner into the compact / standard debate, I use a 52/36 on a 110 bcd. Find it's ideal for most conditions. Used it in the marmotte and in A2/3 races. The chances of running out of gears with a 52x11 are rare unless you are on a downhill section of a time trial with a tailwind!! Most riders (there are exceptions) rarely use the small ring in irish road races.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    'Training' bike - well, it's just my bike! Not a very good one at that - Kross, Tiagra groupset - standard double. Will be getting rid once I get my new one (probably a Canyon)

    Oh right I was gonna suggest, keeping the training bike and sticking a cheap compact on it. And then getting the racing bike with a standard double.

    But if you only want one bike I'd go for a compact, unless you are a pretty good climber.



    Conundrum's like these are why we all end up with multiple bikes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Welshkev


    Cheers- just gets more expensive by the day!
    Suppose I'm going to have to decide asap, but compacts seem to be becoming more and more common I'm noticing, especially looking at the 2014 bikes.
    As I like to do a lot of sportives etc too, I think the compact makes more overall sense.
    I've never changed a rear cassette before, but assume it's easy enough to do? Am thinking of going with the Compact + the 11-25 on everyone's advice


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    I've never changed a rear cassette before, but assume it's easy enough to do?
    It's an easy enough job but you need a cassette removal tool and a chain whip. More money.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 514 ✭✭✭jinkypolly


    You should probably get yourself a basic tool kit that will allow you to complete most tasks yourself, like changing a cassette. You don't need to get a ridiculously expensive one, something like this should cover the bases; http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/x-tools-bike-tool-kit-18-piece/rp-prod40997


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