Your First Bike Race!

It has been a very long time since I lined up for my first bicycle race, but I can still remember it like was yesterday. The nervousness, the excitement, the unknown, they were all there. For me being 14, it was a whopping 3 miles where I rode away from my small group and won the race solo which got me eternally hooked to the sport of bicycle racing. There is nothing quite like a bike race, it is a ball of kinetic energy ready to explode with the strategy of a well played chess match. If you ride a bike, I fully recommend you trying a race. I will admit up front, it is a very intimidating experience, but if you dive head first into the deep end you will either love the feeling of the speed and competition, or a life guard will jump in and pull you to the side, either way you will survive. Here are my tips to make your first race as fun and as little nerve racking as possible.

1. Make sure the bike you are racing on is in top mechanical shape, best bet is to bring it to the shop about a week before the race for a tune-up. Chain should be lubed, shifting should be precise, wheels should be true, and tires free of any slices or cuts.
2. Make sure you are in your best shape possible or at least feel good that you can comfortable finish the distance the race is going to be.
3. Get a good night sleep 2 days before the race. If you are racing on Sunday, make sure you sleep well on Friday. It is actually more beneficial and important to get a good nights sleep 2 days before the event than the actual night before.
4. Don’t skimp on eating the week before the race to reach some weight goal. You don’t want to run out of fuel during your event, but only eat high quality food that your body is familiar with.
5. Clean your bike the day before the race, a clean bike is a fast bike.
6. Pack a cycling bag the day before the race, you will need the following: matching jersey and bibs, socks, cycling shoes, gloves, helmet, sunglasses, water bottles, towel, and a change of clothes to wear after the race.
7. Pack your car with your bike, bag, pump, and extra wheels if you have them the night before your race.
8. Print the flyer out with directions the night before the race and figure out how long it will take to get there.
9. Morning of race, wake up early enough to have a small but familiar breakfast. If you race is later, this is not as important, but make sure you hydrate and do not drink or eat anything unfamiliar to your body.
10. Try to arrive at the race at least 90 minutes before your start.
11. When arriving go to the registration table and sign up for your event, don’t forget to pick up pins.
12. After you receive your number, head back to your car and pin your number on your jersey and get dressed.
13. Take your bike out of your car and pump up your tires and place full water bottles on your bike.
14. Hydrate, you want to be sipping on water or sports drink all morning.
15. Make sure you know where the start of the race is, but find an area to ride around and loosen up your legs, you will see others doing the same.
16. Arrive at the start about 15 minutes before your race. It is always best to try and start near the front.
17. Time will go by fast, but try to relax and take it all in. It is going to be fun.
18. Once the race lines up and the whistle is blown, clip into your pedals and go. Try to stay near the front of the race, it is usually the safest place to be. This could be the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

Footnote: Your goal for your first race should be to finish and not crash. I know these are not lofty goals, but you can shoot for the win on your second race, but most of all HAVE FUN!