Ok, where do i start?

[andycarter]

After last weeks poor attempt at getting to CP (was seriously put off by the rain storm) it now looks like I'll just have to jump in at the deep end to try this racing stuff.
Spoke to a few people on Saturday's ride about getting started and they were saying I needed a licence and things like that. But now I can't remember where I get these things from.
Could someone also recommend somewhere to start, in terms of which races to enter. I don't own a car or know those that race so it would be good to hook up with some others at these races who could be on hand for advice and stuff.

[siwickm]

I think there are races at Hillingdon on Friday nights when you do not need any type of licence etc. I would recommend going to try one of these out before spending a load of money on licences etc. You never know you may not enjoy it. Check out Londoncyclesport.com for information of up and coming novice races. I think they may do them at Eastway as well.

Cheers

Marek..

p.s. Once you realise how great it is etc, then you can hook up with me and a few others who race regularly, we can give you a lift.

[JayneToyne]

you can get a licence from the BCF, ideally go for silver or gold. this will also give you insurance and other british cycling benefits. ( you automatically start as a 4th cat when you get your BCF racing licence)

[url]http://www.britishcycling.org.uk[/url]

Surrey league is also something you should think about joining. Surrey league run races throughout this locality ( surrey funnily enough) and they have every kind of race for every kind of racer. total novice races and experts too.

[url]http://www.surreyleague.co.uk[/url]

you will find a calendar of races on both the surrey league website and the bcf website. pick races that are 4th category. ( or 3rds and 4ths)
you might also be able to try out a local handicap race as they can be a good way for beginners to get into it and feel a part of the race.

Crystal palace will be running handicap races on tuesday nights from now onwards through summer.

It is also worth turning up at either Hillingdon or crystal palace, and get a day licence rather than shell out fortunes for BFC membership and licence and Surrey league membership, only to discover you dont really like road racing. Time trials are also a good way to start getting competitive, contact dave palmer for info on the evening 10's as they are a great way to get started and its all friendly and easy going on those kind of races. ( you wont get barged into a ditch on a tt by a rampaging peleton)

hope that helps

[JayneToyne]

you can get a licence from the BCF, ideally go for silver or gold. this will also give you insurance and other british cycling benefits. ( you automatically start as a 4th cat when you get your BCF racing licence)

[url]http://www.britishcycling.org.uk[/url]

Surrey league is also something you should think about joining. Surrey league run races throughout this locality ( surrey funnily enough) and they have every kind of race for every kind of racer. total novice races and experts too.

[url]http://www.surreyleague.co.uk[/url]

you will find a calendar of races on both the surrey league website and the bcf website. pick races that are 4th category. ( or 3rds and 4ths)
you might also be able to try out a local handicap race as they can be a good way for beginners to get into it and feel a part of the race.

Crystal palace will be running handicap races on tuesday nights from now onwards through summer.

It is also worth turning up at either Hillingdon or crystal palace, and get a day licence rather than shell out fortunes for BFC membership and licence and Surrey league membership, only to discover you dont really like road racing. Time trials are also a good way to start getting competitive, contact dave palmer for info on the evening 10's as they are a great way to get started and its all friendly and easy going on those kind of races. ( you wont get barged into a ditch on a tt by a rampaging peleton)

hope that helps

[JayneToyne]

you can get a licence from the BCF, ideally go for silver or gold. this will also give you insurance and other british cycling benefits. ( you automatically start as a 4th cat when you get your BCF racing licence)

[url]http://www.britishcycling.org.uk[/url]

Surrey league is also something you should think about joining. Surrey league run races throughout this locality ( surrey funnily enough) and they have every kind of race for every kind of racer. total novice races and experts too.

[url]http://www.surreyleague.co.uk[/url]

you will find a calendar of races on both the surrey league website and the bcf website. pick races that are 4th category. ( or 3rds and 4ths)
you might also be able to try out a local handicap race as they can be a good way for beginners to get into it and feel a part of the race.

Crystal palace will be running handicap races on tuesday nights from now onwards through summer.

It is also worth turning up at either Hillingdon or crystal palace, and get a day licence rather than shell out fortunes for BFC membership and licence and Surrey league membership, only to discover you dont really like road racing. Time trials are also a good way to start getting competitive, contact dave palmer for info on the evening 10's as they are a great way to get started and its all friendly and easy going on those kind of races. ( you wont get barged into a ditch on a tt by a rampaging peleton)

hope that helps

[JayneToyne]

whats going on? i only posted it once, and theres 3 of em!

[Jon H]

Jane mentioned the club 10 mile time trials - I think these start in a couple of weeks time, Tuesday evenings at North Holmwood (near Dorking). There is a handicap competition for these races, which as a novice you stand a good chance of winning. No license is required for these, you just have to tell Dave Palmer you want to ride then turn up on the night with your couple of quid entry fee.

Also worth checking is Ciclos Uno series on Sunday mornings at Eastway. These are aimed at novices and are not run under BC regulations so you don't need a racing license.

[andycarter]

How do I get to Eastway? Those sunday races sound ideal. Would be nice to be joined by others? Anyone else interested?