I want to try racing! (Manchester)

[pixelboyo]

I've been riding my bike for years but have recently decided I want to step up a gear and try some racing. I'm a fit 35 but I'm a heavy guy so I guess I'm more suited to flat/sprint races over shorter distances - maybe in the velodrome? Have got myself now to a stage where I feel as though I can give someone a run for their money.

So, the question is: Can anyone suggest a good starting race to ease me into it?

My bike is a basic Specialised Allez but I have just upgraded the wheels, and I'm looking to get a new bike in the Summer anyway.

I'm based in Urmston (Manchester) BTW.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[TheDoctor]

Welcome, to start with!

I think the Manchester velodrome may have try-out sessions, I know my local one at Welwyn does. If you're wanting to try track riding, that could be the best way in.
Your Specialized won't be a goer for track riding - track bikes are a specialised (sorry!) thing. Fixed gear (ie no freewheel) no brakes etc.
Another option for road racing could be time trials. Are you in a cycle club? Most of them organise TTs, and a 10 mile TT is something you could do on your Allez. Get in touch and give it a go.
All the best.

 

[pixelboyo]

Thanks for that, I have a taster session booked at the velodrome at the end of April - really looking forward to it!

Is there anyone out there who can recommend a Manchester/Cheshire based club? A 10 mile time trial sounds about right for me.

 

[TheDoctor]

Excellent!
I'm not from that part of the world, or atleast I don't live there. I expect someone else will be along in a minute. Or check with your LBS - they often have posters up for local clubs, or know about them.
*thinks*

Erm...you know LBS = Local Bike Shop, yeah?
Course you do.

 

[stephec]

You're LBS's probably going to be Eddie McGraths, decent blokes.

If you want to get into road racing it would be useful joining a club first and getting used to riding in a bunch. If you've no experience of this it may be a bit of a shock at first.

I've ridden round Urmston a few times and I always seem to spot Manchester Wheelers kit, their website looks quite inviting, I'd be tempted to give them a shout. They'd most likely have members who could give advice and answer all your questions as well.

Good luck and enjoy yourself, if you don't enjoy it, it's not worth doing.

 

[walker]

You won't be able to take the Allez on the track. But good luck with your starter session.

 

[Dave5N]

Have a look on Britishcycling.org.uk

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

I too am in Urmston.

I too have been to the Velodrome.

I too am 35 and reasonably fit.

Are you me?????



No idea about the racing, but the velodrome is an excellent session.

There are a few people who expressed some interest in getting together a group to go, but in the end it was just myself and another forum member who made it (ran out of places on the taster session for the third person who was available on that evening).

I'm up for another visit (time and family constraints permitting of course!) if you and/or anyone else is interested.

I commute most mornings into Manchester too at a reasonable pace if that's any use to you - commuter racing is not quite what you had in mind... but it's fun!

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

more coincidence... but you have the same bike as me too!!!!

<< goes off to check if Daughters actually look like me >>

 

[andy_wrx]

Dunno if there's a club in Urmston, but Leigh Premier aren't too far away if not. Some race and/or TT.
I've been out with them a couple of times and they seem decent people.
http://www.leighpremier.co.uk/index.htm

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

How did your taster session go, PixelBoyo?



Just noticed, he's only got only 2 posts in total, and both in this thread.. assume we must have scared him away!

 

[walker]

last time he logged on was 2nd April, I guess so