Idiots guide to go racing.....

[DCLane]

Like you I'm starting out, with my first race next month after a year of group riding and sportives, etc. I've entered the following:

- 10th August, Dishforth, 4th Cat race: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/96766/Ilkley-Cycling-Club---Day-at-Dishforth-
- 24th August, York, both 4th Cat races: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/96648/Albarosa-Circuit-Races---York-#summary

Both will probably be fast, furious and my aim's 'not last'!

 

[oldroadman]

As you live near BCHQ, you may even be able to pick up your licence. You neeed this to prove you are insured! Just stating a number (membership and licence are the same number) does not prove much, and you may have to pay day membership + licence fee for one day licence.
So far as racing goes, you mentioned sportive. They are NOT races, although there are some wanabees who think they are and generally behave like idiots to try and "win"...more dangerous than many races when plenty have little idea of peloton etiquette. Which is why you should get nvolved with a club before starting to race, and get all the good advice and coaching you can. The big difference between proper road races and time trials is change of speed. Flat out for a few minutes, ease, more flat out, fast relaxed pace, changing a lot. Time trials just a steady speed taking as much pain as you can bear - lovely.
Start with the club route, the NW has a very good group of leagues and development groups, and enjoy - in a perverse sort of way!