Pre-Riding a race route

[Sam Kennedy]

There are a series of races starting in April which I am hoping to take part in.
I also have the opportunity to pre-ride the race route since it is not too far from me.

What sort of things should I look out for while riding the route?

 

[addictfreak]

Sam as I am your in my area, is there any chance of posting the routes or a link. Im always looking for something new.

Cheers

 

[Sam Kennedy]

The route and details are on my clubs forum, but the race is open to anyone

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&h...ls/0/Files/Maps/Tranwell-aka-SaltwickHill.xml

Let me know if that link works for you. The races will be 8 laps of that circuit. They are starting on Saturday, April 10th, and running every Saturday after that until October, so if you keep doing them you should be able to get some points on your license. (Not in a bad way!)

 

[addictfreak]

Thanks Sam, I'll have a good look at Gosforths site. Link worked fine by the way.

Im not so much a racer, more sportives etc. But always looking for variety

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I've never raced, done any sportives or time trials, so I really just want to do anything I can.

 

[lukesdad]

Public closed roads I assume from the map. Fairly flat ? Even width ( no pinch points) the rest is mainly common sense as if you were riding normally Except speed of course, drains manholes road repe. etc. Make sure you ride it in both wet and dry conditions if you can. Is it open or sheltered roads strong winds can make it ride totally differently.

 

[Dave5N]

What races are these Sam? Not on the calendar as far as I can see.

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Willy is putting on a series of races starting Sat. 10th April every saturday through to October-yes really-for 3/4/w on the Tranwell circuit. They are promoted under BC rules so you will need a licence. This is the same circuit as the club road race. There will also be a special trophy for women only donated by the Barnesbury CC for this series. Races are 80km, starting at 2 pm. The stronger riders should end up getting promoted through the categories fairly quickly so this is a great opportunity for those of you starting out in road racing.

That's from my clubs forum, hope that clears up any questions.

 

[wafflycat]

There are a series of races starting in April which I am hoping to take part in.
I also have the opportunity to pre-ride the race route since it is not too far from me.

What sort of things should I look out for while riding the route?

Road conditions in terms of surface condition, potholes etc. Sightlines, corners and the amount of crud that collects on the corners (corners strewn with mud, grit, sand, etc., can be a danger for sliding off), roundabouts and how they affect the racing line and sightlines.. topgraphy so you understand your pacing - where you need to have a reserve of energy for, plus the sort of gearing you'll be using, so that you are in the correct gear for that awkward climb section... Know the course mentally so that when the race comes you're not worried or concerned about any part of the course and *know* how long each section is and where you can attack, where to hold back etc., etc.

 

[aka0019]

Hi Sam,

I will hopefully be doing the odd race as well but BC races are held on Sundays I think so will be concentrating on them.

Dave5N,

they are TLI races but under BC rules or something but not sure how that works as it's all new to me.

You been doing much training Sam?

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I've been getting the miles in, but not for the past few days since I've been ill

 

[walker]

as mentioned before potholes etc.

But try and find places that might be good to form an attack or breakaway if your feeling strong, Blind corners, blind hill brows, low gradient hills or places where your strongest on the bike.

Wehn I was racing my best places to make a strike was just after tight corners as my acceleration was better than others, ok hills were never a good part of my skill but by that time I'd already pulled out a lead.

Give us a rundown after the races, Not sure if you was around or rember but I did some on some of my races a couple of years ago

 

[Dave5N]

Hi Sam,


they are TLI races

Check yer insurance...

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Chris didn't mention anything about TLI, he said they are under BC rules so will need a license. I'll ask Peter about it next time I talk to him.

 

[aka0019]

Sorry might be my mistake. I know Willy is organiser of the TLI in our area but yeah it does say BC rules so I must be wrong.

Hope you get well soon