2013 scotland races

[Bajs]

Hi, i have took up cycling this year and would like to enter my 1st race next year, can anyone recommend a good race for a beginner in scotland? Thanks

 

[gavintc]

if you want to race, join a local cycle club. They will give you lots of advice and support in your preparation and most importantly, they will probably run local races. Where about in Scotland are you. If in Edinburgh, join Edinburgh Road Club - friendly, very big, but good for racing.

 

[redcard]

There's talk of WOSCA, I believe, running a series of road races next year, so I would get signed up with a club ASAP

 

[Bajs]

I am in livingston. Thanks for the advice, ill have a look into joining a club, i only know of one around here (west lothian clarion)

 

[gavintc]

West Lothian clarion is relatively new and based near you. Have a look at Falkirk RC as well.

Edinburgh RC run closed road circuit racing near the airport in the spring - you dont need to be an Edinburgh RC member to enter.

 

[oldroadman]

Have a look at the SCU/BC website - plenty of info but too early for a detailed 2013 race calendar yet.
Or just call SCU for some help, number is on their page. I totally agree with the club joining advice, a club will help with your ability to race (peloton etiquette, etc.) so you will, whatever your physical ability, be able to race safely, without too many novice errors that can cause problems for you and others.

 

[Rob3rt]

What sort of race? Crit? Road Race? Time Trial? Hill Climb?

There are usually local race series you can enter 1 or all of them. A club would be a good place to get such information (as well as bunch riding experience and to find out where you are fitness wise too) as many of the club riders will either race these, or use them as training rides for bigger races. You will be looking at Cat 4 races if you race under British Cycling event's. But there are other organisations out there such as TLI who govern racing.

 

[ACS]

This site may be worth look. Lots of discussion

Braveheart Cycling Fund

 

[zizou]

There was talk of a development series next year in Scotland with about 20 odd races for Cat 4s i dont know how that has progressed since then. Hopefully it happens, there is a real lack of races up here compared to some parts of England.

Join a club first, even if you are a strong enough rider to cope with the pace you need to learn group riding skills - not just for your own safety but that of the other riders about you.

Other than that at the moment the quickest and most straight forward way to learn some skills, get some fitness and get racing at the moment is go to the Chris Hoy velodrome and get your accreditation then join the track league.

 

[black'n'yellow]

there is a real lack of race organisers up here compared to some parts of England.

fixed that...

 

[zizou]

fixed that...

Dont think it is just that but more to do with the lack of specific crit circuits like Hillingdon, Hog Hill etc where there can be racing every week during the year. Not just a Scotland problem either as there are big parts of England which have a lack of racing too largely because the facilities aren't there.

 

[Get In The Van]

You also have Pedal Power as well, although not sure if the club are hugely active at the moment, although the shop from which the club runs from do a Tue night chain gang during the spring and summer.
west Lothian Clarion have a website and facebook page http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/
they have runs every weekend and organise a whole load of stuff, TT's hill climbs, etc etc.
as already been posted the Crits at Ingilston seem popular which riders from all over.

 

[Bajs]

What sort of race? Crit? Road Race? Time Trial? Hill Climb?

There are usually local race series you can enter 1 or all of them. A club would be a good place to get such information (as well as bunch riding experience and to find out where you are fitness wise too) as many of the club riders will either race these, or use them as training rides for bigger races. You will be looking at Cat 4 races if you race under British Cycling event's. But there are other organisations out there such as TLI who govern racing.

I dont know what kind of race i want to do, because i havent done any races im not sure what I like! I bought my bike from pedal power but it looks like they only really do the chain gang on a tuesday so i think ill have to look into west lothian clarion! Cheers everyone for your input!

 

[Rob3rt]

I dont know what kind of race i want to do, because i havent done any races im not sure what I like! I bought my bike from pedal power but it looks like they only really do the chain gang on a tuesday so i think ill have to look into west lothian clarion! Cheers everyone for your input!

The perfect ride for developing your bunch riding skills and seeing if you can hack the pace then! Get on it!

 

[Noodley]

West Lothian Clarion are a good club to join They'll keep you right.