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Beginner Friendly Races

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2016 8:14 am
by mtsmith439
Does anyone know of any beginner friendly races or beginner racing clinics?

I'm thinking about trying a couple of races this year but I find it intimidating.

I did some searches on the forum and I found some older posts about a Monday night racing/clinic format (Lister/2014), and a few posts about Western Speedway (John T/2015), but I don't know if these are still going or if the format is the same.

I think there are more TSC members, who have never raced like me, that would be interested in trying it out but also find the environment intimidating. Kind of like trying group riding for the first time. TSC does such a great job welcoming new members into our fold, I'm sure they would take the same attitude towards the racing scene.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, as always.

Re: Beginner Friendly Races

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2016 11:12 am
by mfarnham
I think the Tripleshot-hosted Speedway races would be a good introduction. You could start racing C, and I think you'd quickly find that you could do fine with B (fine in the usual sense of feeling like you're going to puke at the end but still being rubber-side down).

A race like Caleb Pike is fun but a little more intimidating because of some tighter corners and a steep hill. Racing C is also more challenging with a course like Caleb Pike because the kids drop the adults on the steep hill. No steep hill at the Speedway.

I don't know whether any spring race clinics are scheduled. They're a lot of fun though, so I'd love to see something happen.

Martin

Re: Beginner Friendly Races

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:28 am
by mtsmith439
Thanks Martin. Good input.

I may have to put Western Speedway on my calendar.

It sounds like many things in life. I just have to jump in, and make sure I don't kill myself (or others).

Re: Beginner Friendly Races

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 8:36 pm
by amyeee
Hi Mark,

Pretty much all of the VCL (Victoria Cycling League) races are beginner friendly. Last year there was a reasonably sized C group in most of the races. The worst that can happen is you get dropped, and accidentally get to practice your time-trialing skills!

Their schedule is now up https://victoriacyclingleague.wordpress ... -schedule/ The first race is March 20. Come out and try! I plan to be at most of the races, with the exception of anything with the words "hill climb" or "time trial" in the name.

Amy