Just begining road biking and am feeling overwhelmed.?

Question

Hi I am 17 and am trying to figure out how to get into road biking races without any help because I dont know anybody who road bikes currently.
1st question- I heard you age counts 1 year up, what I mean is that if you are 17, usa cycling rules apply you as 18
2nd- I dont understand the Jr gear rules completely? For any experienced riders in CAT 5 races, Is the Jr gear rule a big rule?
3rd- Im having trouble joining a group in my area, but am anexious to start competitions including circuts. Should I just sign up for a few and hang out in the back and stay out of the pack?
4th- How much are AMB chips usually, and why are they necessary
you can probably see why I am overwhelmed.
thanks

Answer 1

1st question- I heard you age counts 1 year up, what I mean is that if you are 17, usa cycling rules apply you as 18

Answer: Your racing age is based on how old you will be Dec. 31 of the current year.



2nd- I don't understand the Jr gear rules completely? For any experienced riders in CAT 5 races, Is the Jr gear rule a big rule?

Answer: What the rule is for is to limit the highest overall effective gear ratio. If you have a 52t and then using the limiting screws adjust the screw so you can not use a rear gear higher than the 14t.

here are the limits for other gear combos: 52/14, 48/13, 45/12

http://www.usacycling.org/forms/rules/JUNIOR_GEAR_ADJUSTMENTS.pdf



3rd- Im having trouble joining a group in my area, but am anxious to start competitions including circuits. Should I just sign up for a few and hang out in the back and stay out of the pack?

Answer: Being new to racing hanging back will help learn how others conduct themselves during a race and will also help with learning tactics.



4th- How much are AMB chips usually, and why are they necessary

you can probably see why I am overwhelmed.

Answer: Timing chips are used to keep track of where riders are, when a large group comes through it is near impossible to keep track of every rider if you rely on the eyes of scorers.



https://www.usacycling.org/juniors/

Answer 2

Its not as complicated as you might think.

have you ever tried ridding with a team before?it's not easy.

You're 17? I'm gonna say in a little friendly sorta way...you should have started earlier, but you can make it. I'm 16 and I started ridding road when I was 13 it's one of the hardest endurance sports.I have trained with a team that is near me; almost raced a few times(not in US) but many of the races conflicted with my schedule, another time the race was cancelled. It was an end of season race and was pretty big; we were all dissapointed, I mean bummed to the max.



Take a month or 2, get in shape((6 days aweek 45-60mile rides in the on flat terrain try to get up to 30-35 MPH also ride up hill try to get up to 16 MPH about 23 mile distance)) and then join a team.

Don't get discouraged it's hard work-------Remember jusk keep riding!!!!

Answer 3

Just my own viewpoint, but forget racing. Just get out and ride!