Never raced before? Nervous about getting ready? This page is intended to provide racers with an overview of all of the things you’ll need to do before you head to the starting line.
Before race day
Insurance: Team Delphine requires women who ride and race with Team Delphine to carry health insurance. If you do not currently have insurance, you can obtain health insurance at a reasonable rate from Adventure Advocates: http://www.adventureadvocates.com/usacycling.html
Training: Participate in group rides and training rides; build skills and confidence to do that first race! Need training tips? Check out The Cyclist Training Bible in print, and online: http://www.trainingbible.com/resources.aspx
Races: Identify what races you are interested in doing. Check out the Montana Bike Racing Association (MBRA) website: http://www.montanacycling.net/schedule/2009/ and set some realistic goals for yourself for each race.
USA Cycling License: An annual USA Cycling license costs $60. If you are planning on doing more than a few races, it makes sense to buy a USA Cycling license. Purchase your license online at: www.usacycling.org be sure to register under Team Delphine. If you are planning on only doing 1 or 2 races, you need not purchase an annual license. Instead you can purchase a 1 day license at each race. 1 day licenses are usually $10 in addition to registration costs.
Race Pre-Registration: Some races post pre-registration online, others are same day registration only. You can pre-register for races on-line via the MBRA website: http://www.montanacycling.net/schedule/2009/ live links are posted for each race; information is updated as race day approaches.
The Day of the Race
Planning Ahead: Plan on getting to the race venue about 1.5 hours before the race is set to begin. This allows time to register, sign any necessary paperwork, preview the course, pin your number, warm up and get to the start line prepared.
What To Bring: Please see pre-race-checklistfrom Wenzel Coaching on what to bring to the race.
Warming Up: Warm up pre-race either on a trainer or on the race course itself. Get your legs warmed up and find a routine that works for you. Drink water, eat, relax.
Races: There is usually a pre-race meeting 15-20 minutes before the first field begins. The race official goes over details of the race course and is available to answer questions.
In Montana, the women’s field is often small, anywhere from 3-25 women in the group start. Most Montana races have all women starts; Category 1/2/3 and Category 4 women start together. There is usually a neutral start where riders chat and settle in before the race really begins!