Bear Creek Crit

[Crash]

Hey anyone interested in doing the Bear Creek Crit (Mo, Alex) this Sun.?  Cat 5 goes off at 2ish.  Eric and I are already in. 

[FitAlex]

I won't be able to make. I'm supposed to take the day off on Sunday.

[ThePrez]

skip another day, actual race experience is much more important than the trainer.  i think we all need a little more of this.

[cyclingmo]

Where is it, I need some more info. But i'm interested.

[dannynguyen]

do the crit

info here:
http://www.txbra.org/db/events/05%20Bear%20Creek%20Criterium.doc

I'll be there to take photos probably.  Here's your chance to pose for the camera and show your mom that youre not the only weirdo who likes riding bicycles while wearing skin tight clothing.

[ThePrez]

ya, it took until this year's TdF to convince my mom of that.  I dont even want to bring up Chamois butter yet.

[Crash]

So, who else is in?

[FitAlex]

Sorry, I want to be fully rested when I start my new training program on Monday.

I need be in better shape before I start racing every month.

[cyclingmo]

Damn, the just checked the flyer. 25 bucks for a crit!!! I dont know, that sounds like a bit too much for a crit, dont you think so. Besides, my sister is leaving the country on monday and I really want to get her a nice goodbye present, so I'm saving all my money for that. Also, Cat 5 takes off at 2:10, it's gonna be hotter than hell at that time. But yeah, I think i'll sit this one out too, especially because my legs aren't going to be ready in time anyways. My only focus right now is to train in my zone one and get it as big as possible for our actual races. I hate getting dropped off from the peloton.

[Crash]

Ha, well it looks like it will just be me and Eric.  Yall should be trying to get more races in before the semester starts.  the more you do now the better you will be then, not only from a fitness stand point, but also from a race skill standpoint as well.  No matter how hard you train and try to simulate race day in your hard workouts it will never be the same.  You will not have to deal with the adrenaline, the speeds, the strategy and the other racers like you will in a race.  (a group ride does not simulate a race in the same way).  Just some food for thought for those who are sitting out as to not feel embarassed.  There is nothing wrong with getting dropped from the pack.  And nothing will show you where you need to improve as honestly as a race will.  "I need to work on accelerating out of corners...I need to work on holding my line in a pack...I need to work on drafting...I need to learn how to calm my nerves...I need to work on chasing down a group...I need to ......"  All things you can assess from racing.  Also by going to the event and watching the Pro/1/2.  Notice how they enter and exit corners.  How they breath as they ride.  How they attack and chase down attacks.  Participating in and at the least watching live races can be more benefitial than most people think.  If you are not going to ride it you sould try to plan on at least watching some of it if you are off and in town.  Sooner or later you will be in certain situations and will be able to recall how to handle them by remembering how people better than you did it.  Don't be embarassed to be dropped.  We have all been dropped before and as we cat up it is only a matter of time until we get dropped again, it is just a part of racing (just like crashes (ha)).  I would much rather be dropped in a USCF race where I did not know anyone than in a race next semester especially if I knew I could have learned something to keep me in the pack had I stuck it out and done some races.  Sure racing will cost you $25 but it will be the cheapest riding lesson you will ever get (or try free if you are just going to watch).  I don't mean to lecture I just wanted to shed a different perspective on the issue that you might not have thought about.

[cyclingmo]

Thanks for the advice. And yeah, all the things you said are true, but I have my summer school final on monday also (aside from the sister leaving for good issue which already has me depressed). But you make an excellent point about watching the pro's, and actually I think that might be better than even racing. Because when i'm racing i'm pushing myself so hard that a lot of the time I cant think straight, but i'm sure watching something like a crit, where the riders go round and round in front of you will be an awesome learning experience. So i'll come out there for a few hours to watch the Cat1/2 and also cheer you guys on, how about that.
Alex, if you want you can also join me. It's your rest day and all, so it's not like you're going against your plan either.

[Crash]

ouch

[ThePrez]

how did the crit go?

[cyclingmo]

Some incidents, but overall a good experience for most of us (learning wise).