Discussion
I am new to cycling and mostly doing it to lose weight. I am also massively competitive and enjoy racing. Is there anything like Parkrun for bikes where I can fetch up and pay a few quid and race? Most of what I can find seems to involve being part of a club. I am not against that in principle but with a more than full time job, family, a house that is falling apart etc. I have to take the opportunity to ride when I get it so a regular club meet will be hard.
What are the options and what are the different types?
Something close to Milton Keynes is prefered
What are the options and what are the different types?
Something close to Milton Keynes is prefered
Sadly there is no cycle equivilent to parkrun, though much like parkrun does, it would attract a very high calibre of athlete intent on increasing their trophy collection....
Your best bet is the British Cycling website which has loads of info on racing and an events finder so you can find local events. I'm pretty sure there is a series at Milton Keynes and there is definately one at Mallory Park.
You'll start in Cat 4 and need at least a provisional racing license (you'll then need a day licence when you sign in) and BC bronze membership.
I should add you dont need to be part of a club and some of the rules are relaxed for Cat 4. Most Cat 4 races will be be ridden at an average of 35-40km/h and last about an hour. Experience of riding in close proximity to others is advised.
Your best bet is the British Cycling website which has loads of info on racing and an events finder so you can find local events. I'm pretty sure there is a series at Milton Keynes and there is definately one at Mallory Park.
You'll start in Cat 4 and need at least a provisional racing license (you'll then need a day licence when you sign in) and BC bronze membership.
I should add you dont need to be part of a club and some of the rules are relaxed for Cat 4. Most Cat 4 races will be be ridden at an average of 35-40km/h and last about an hour. Experience of riding in close proximity to others is advised.
Also look at Go Race events. They are billed as taster races that anyone can turn up to.
They are effectively 4th Cat level races, but with no points scored.
It's a good way of getting a feel for racing.
Be aware that because these races are open to anyone you do sometimes get 'ringers' entering who will obliterate the field (which is a little unfair IMO). Don't get disheartened when they disappear off into the distance!
They are effectively 4th Cat level races, but with no points scored.
It's a good way of getting a feel for racing.
Be aware that because these races are open to anyone you do sometimes get 'ringers' entering who will obliterate the field (which is a little unfair IMO). Don't get disheartened when they disappear off into the distance!
Edited by option click on Thursday 27th June 20:57
If you join British Cycling you'll get access to the events calendar where you'll find loads of races in the area. My lad (10) races for Team MK and they're a nice bunch, we also hang out with the (Towcester) A5 Rangers.
If you only get a basic Bronze Ride membership you'll be able to join in "Sportives" which are like endurance timed leisure rides? This is what I'm thinking about doing.
If you only get a basic Bronze Ride membership you'll be able to join in "Sportives" which are like endurance timed leisure rides? This is what I'm thinking about doing.
You don't need any kind of BC membership to participate in a Sportive - just pay the entry fee and off you go.
Having said that, membership is a good idea as you get loads of benefits, not least insurance and legal assistance.
Amazing though, the number of people who treat sportives as races
Having said that, membership is a good idea as you get loads of benefits, not least insurance and legal assistance.
Amazing though, the number of people who treat sportives as races
Edited by option click on Friday 28th June 09:16
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff