Intro to Racing

We know that everyone starts racing with different levels of fitness and skills. During the weekend you will get the opportunity to learn skills and tactics with your peers, as well as ride with more experienced bike racers, who will help you test your fitness. 

For road and track racing, the grouping starts at Cat. 5 and work up to Cat. 1 in men's racing, and starts at Cat. 4 and work up to Cat. 1 in women's racing. USA Cycling rider categories are a little complex to outsiders. But the No. 1 thing to remember is that the lower the number, the more proficient and experienced a rider is.

All men start at Category 5 and all women start at Cat. 4. For the men to move up to Cat. 4, the most traveled route is to complete 10 massed-start races permitted by USA Cycling. The races must be at least 15 miles long if it's a road race and 10 miles long if it's a criterium. Once a rider is Cat. 4, the upgrades start to blend experience and performance, while the race-length minimums increase.

One of our team's strengths is getting you ready for your first race:

• Team kits, helmets, etc. are available for purchase before the racing starts.We will walk you through what you need.
• Our Saturday and Sunday training rides will not only help you get the fitness but also the skills you need to be ready for your first race.
• We have a skills clinic where we go over pack dynamics, cornering, attacking, registration, etc.
• Before your first race in Sequim WA, we will have a training camp where we will first ride the course, and do some mock racing, with the goal to get you ready and comfortable for your first race.
• The team section of our website has resources that helps you with frequently asked questions around tactics, race courses, clothing, food preparation, etc.
• Your team captain will be at the first races, to help you with registration, warm-up, etc.