by JayneToyne » Tue May 04, 2004 1:33 pm
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
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