6 replies to this topic

[cosmicdebris]

Hey guys/gals.  I'm a 26 year old guy who just got into road biking last summer and really enjoy it.  I like having goals to shoot for so next year I'm hoping to try some races. (and it looks like a blast)   I realize I'm way behind in terms of experience in comparison to those have been doing it since they were teenagers.  I live near Carondelet park so I'm planning on watching a couple races there to get a feel for it first.  I'm in good shape and plan on training hard for the next few months so I hope to be at least marginally competitive.  One specific question I have is whether I would be better off trying to find a team to join or should I try it solo first?  More than anything I want to have fun and gain the respect of the fellow competitors.  Thanks...

[S&M]

Dogfish has a weekly training ride on Sat at 9am, starting at Creve Coeur Lake, botom of Marine Hill. Ride splits up by experience, but starts and finishes as a group. Focus is on riding and racing techniques, including how to handle yourself (and your bike, your accelerade, your bladder, your....) in a pack of other riders without causing crashes or doing other things that would make you feel unworthy of partaking in this noble athletic effort. No need to join.

No go below 20 or in snow. Or later start if weather looks better then. There have been some recent threads about this - so check this board for stuff from a few weeks back, if it's still available.

Email me via board if interested.

M

[king furby]

It seems like most of us racers didn't race as teenagers because bicycling is just not considered a cool activity by most teens.  My high school had about a thousand students and I only remember two people (including me) who rode their road racing bikes to school.  In other words most guys don't get serious about racing until they are in their 20's and 30's and stop giving a damn about what other people think about them and how stupid fully grown people look on bikes.     But in my opinion nobody looks more ridiculous (out on the roads) than the paramilitary types driving the local freeways in pristinely detailed SUV's with all-inclusive off-road packages going to complete waste, though you can't actually see them through the darkly tinted windows.     But the ladies seem to like these little dictators and their impressive firepower, so what do I know?

But anyway, join a club and make alliances.  You won't accomplish much toiling away by yourself.

[cosmicdebris]

Thanks guys.  I'll definitely check out that Sat. AM ride once all this holiday stuff is over.  Can you give me a general overview of how a team/club works and the best way to join one?

Scott

[S&M]

cosmicdebris, on Dec 14 2005, 09:33 AM, said:

Thanks guys.  I'll definitely check out that Sat. AM ride once all this holiday stuff is over.  Can you give me a general overview of how a team/club works and the best way to join one?

Scott

Find a group of people you like to ride w/, with rides that are accessible to you. For ex. Dogfish does Sat rides from CC lake in winter, and in Spring-SUmmer-Fall it's the Alpine shop ride on thursday eves.

Just hang around for a while and see which team "fits" by riding w/ them on weekends etc. It's a really just a personal preference that's based on what you are looking for. Joining a team is really not something that involves a huge commitment one way or another, unless you're looking to go pro in next 2 years....

M

[markrosen]

Look for the MOBRA 06' Road Development Clinic starting in Feb. This a free clinic that will have three sessions. First session held in Feb. will be conducted by Jim Schneider (Kevin Livingston's & the Spirits of STL Jr Coach) as a classroom setting. This will be followed by two road sessions in March & April conducted by Chris Hulse & myself (and hopefully some add'l Cat. 1 riders). Look for the posting in late January.
Mark

[cosmicdebris]

Cool Mark, sounds like some useful clinics.  I'll definitely check back for the posting.