Your First CRCA Race
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This document provides information and advice for someone preparing for their first bicycle race with the Century Road Club Association (CRCA). It discusses the necessary paperwork, equipment, safety considerations, rules to follow, what to expect before and during the race, and what to do after the race. The key points are to be prepared, know the rules, focus on safety and having fun during your first race experience with CRCA.
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Your First CRCA Race
- 1. Your First CENTURY ROAD CLUB ASSOCIATION Bicycle Race Adapted from: “My First Bike Race” Kristen Dieffenbach, Ph.D., CCAASP West Virginia University Level 1 USA Cycling Licensed Coach
- 2. Before your first Race If you have never watched a race, don’t. Just enter. - Jacquie Phelen
- 3. Why Race? cardiovascular benefits enjoy the outdoors - low impact sport (well, kind brrrr.....(racing in March?) of...) great activity improve body composition improve mood enhance muscular power competition enhance endurance in order of priority (Bosh, I’m here to win!) increase energy
- 4. The Paperwork CRCA Membership http://www.crca.net/membership/new-members-getting-started/ USAC Racing License http://usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=6784 marshaling dates chosen
- 5. The Hardware well-maintained bike road bike with drop handlebars the bike fit helmet - new, well fitted, worn @ all times when at CRCA race events CRCA jersey and/or kit CRCA number shoes much, much more clothing for cold/wet races
- 6. The Boundaries know & follow the USAC Racing rules http://usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=4220 know & follow the CRCA & Central Park rules http://www.crca.net/racing/club/race-protocol/ ride the Central Park loop (know the course) train & eat for racing (are you fit to race, not just ride?) CRCA Coaching program schedule http://www.crca.net/coaching/coaching-schedule/
- 7. More Boundaries can you..... hold your line? hold a wheel safely? ride safely in a group? eat & drink safely in a group? do this when going FAST? corner safely at race speeds? learn Bike Racing Safety tips http://www.crca.net/ > Racing Tab > Drop down to Racing Safety have you considered a Racing skills course?
- 8. Your first Night Before.... check your bike pack your race bag what do I need? http://www.crca.net/racing/club/race-protocol/ individual checklists are recommended you will find you have your own necessary things eat & hydrate well
- 9. Your first Pre-Race! wake up on time eat a good breakfast (if your GI tract allows this) get to registration with time to warmup & pin your number on the correct side http://www.crca.net/membership/new-members-getting-started/ Number position listed on Race Schedule page exact change please
- 10. The Pre-Race check tire pressure wheels secure & centered water bottle cages & bottles secure brakes not rubbing monitoring devices working all non-essentials off the bike (pump, bag, etc.)
- 11. Key Rules AVOID THE RECREATION LANE all USAC race rules all Central Park rules listen to all pre-race announcements for possible changes know WHERE the finish is
- 12. Your First Race! go on the whistle keep your eyes up clip in fast hold a straight line stay with the pack hydrate ride smoothly, both hands on the handlebars if dropped, continue. But, be alert.
- 13. Your First Race! (cont.) listen for the bell - Last Lap To Go prepare for the finish decide on Tactics, Position, People to watch hold your line eyes up stay alert continue riding after the finish line avoid turning around and riding back to the line
- 14. What if....? I miss the start You can start and attempt to catch the pack, or watch, or go home. I flat? CRCA races are circuit races. You have to repair the flat and chase the pack. There is no repair pit, no free lap rule, and unless it is a teammate, you cannot accept assistance. I crash? Stay down initially. Standing up fast can endanger you more if racers are still passing. If you are not hurt, spin your wheels, check your bike, and attempt to chase. If you are hurt, wait until a marshal or help arrives. I see some inappropriate racing? Protests should be filed with the Race Director during the protest period after results are posted.
- 15. Post-race eat, drink, & cool down results take time There is a 15 minute protest period after results are posted lodge protests then & only with the Race Director review your race But, AVOID doing so in the recreation lane! use perspective, training diaries can be helpful
- 16. Remember..... it’s supposed to be FUN. CRCA 2012 Coaching Program © 2012