by Andrew G » Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:53 pm
[quote="Bridget"]These will be my first ever races
, so I would
really appreciate some company! I'm not sure what makes them beginners races, though apparently there is coaching included. Perhaps just the fact that they are so early in the season?!
Previously they have done them as a sort of training session with an experienced racer in with you to act as a sort of minder and adviser. Some are bound to be new to riding in a bunch (you'll be way up on them having plenty of group riding experience) and it may seem a bit tame to start with. If they've said it's a 8 lap race then what they've done is do 5 or 6 laps as a coaching run with your minder offering advice where needed, and making sure that people ride safely, and then the last 2 or 3 laps will be a proper run for the line. If you've never raced before then it should be a pretty good intro in a safer environment as if anyone does something stupid they'll soon be put in their place.
There are 2 very small kick ups/lumps at the back of the circuit, pedal down them and momentum carries you at least half way up the other side (almost to the top of the first one). In the 4th cat races I did there loads of people freewheeled down and then scrabbled about for gears to go up the other side. It was quite pathetic to watch really, particularly a few laps in when they should have cottoned on. Pedal down and you'll save a lot of energy and make up places if needed very easily. Oh and the finishing straight is verrrrrrrrrrrry looooooooooooong and always seemed to have a headwind when I went there so don't get stuck on the front there for too long.
One thing to note is that in the first car park where you sign in and can have a warm up riding round in circles you aren't allowed to leave your car. The circuit is just over a bridge further in behind the barrier and everyone drives round together so be aware that if you don't have someone to drive your car for you then you'll want to be able to put your bike in the back and slip on some shoes to drive round. It's not a problem and I've driven round to the circuit with the bike fully assembled and laying in the back with the boot up. You will also have a little while when you get round there to sort yourself out again before launching straight in to the race. It's just worth being aware of as the first time I went there I didn't know and rode to the circuit, then got a call shortly before the race saying I had to go and retrieve my car so had to charge back and forth and sprint up to the line.
Good luck
.
Actually though, I'm pretty sure there are a few who are planning to start racing, you might be surprised. 
). This exacting schedule will culminate in a week's training camp in East Sussex the week before the race itself.