Cat 5 Blues

"Raise your hand if this is your first race"

Well this weekend's race at Tyson's Corner wasn't my first race, but kind of wanted to raise my hand when the start official asked this question. Suddenly I was shot back in time to grade school when the teachers would make us raise our hands for just about anything that would totally isolate or embarrass a kid. I digress...

So the odd thing about CAT 5 races is they really are not races for beginners. Competitive cycling has to be one of the few sports without a true beginners class. It's sink or swim in the CAT 5 ranks. There are two rules for a beginner. You will suffer, and you will get dropped. Cycling has been a humbling experience for me. Sports have generally come easy to me growing up.

My first race was a year ago at Greenbelt Park in Maryland. They do a great weekly race, that is good to get out and see if racing is something you might enjoy. I suffered and I got dropped. But I actually enjoyed it.

Now for this weekends race at Tyson's Corner. It was a circuit race on a 1.1 mile loop. The race had 3 turns, nothing technical, and 1 "big ring" hill. The race started midway on the hill. The started read the course description, and a few of the rules. Then he asked "raise your hand if this is your first race". I wanted to be "that guy".

Once the starter blew the whistle or rang the bell (I can't remember) the race started. A couple of guys didn't get clipped in right away and another guy dropped his chain. Sloppy start. I should have attacked.

I got in a good warm up so I felt good on the start. My goal was to have a good warm up, and a solid 2 laps. I was surprised how slow the race started. I was totally expecting a fast start. Guys were chatting it up, and it felt like a casual group ride. Then we hit the hill and it was full gas. I put my head down for a second and when I looked up the group had about 2 bike lengths on me. For the next 2 laps I desperately tried to get back on with the group. Eventually I had to settle for my position with the other riders that got left behind.

I spent the rest of the race pulling for a couple of guys who jumped me on the last drag to the finish.

I accomplished my 2 objectives, I had a good warmup and I rode a good couple of laps. I also fell victim to the rules of the CAT 5 beginner. I suffered and I got dropped. Normally I would be pretty pissed about getting dropped, but I now feel like I am paying my dues and getting a serious initiation test. One that I am determined to pass. At some point in time, I will be one of those guys sitting around sipping expresso in my Euro pro racing kit, talking about the times when I used to get dropped at the local crit.

I love bike racing.