Conference noted::bicycle

     Forgot...
    
     Send a SASE for pre-race info and confirmation sheet.
    
     To register, mail a standard release form and entry fee to:
    
                          Fitchburg/Longsjo Classic
                          c/o Debbie Jones
                          6 Brooks Rd.
                          Lincoln, Ma  01173
                          Phone/Fax 508-343-4281
    
                          *Unatteched riders add $5.00
                          *Entries postmarked after 6/19
                           charged a $5.00 late entry fee

RE: <<< Note 2566.0 by WMOIS::GIROUARD_C >>>

>    exception of the elimination of the Citizens Race.

Major bummer! I entered this last year as my first-ever race, and loved it
rain and all.
						-- Tom

  I'll be doing this race.

  My sponsors "The Minuteman Road Club/Spoke'n'wheel racing team" are one of the
sponsoring clubs.  If anyone would like to volunteer to work during the race 
let me know and I can put you touch with the right people.  We will need 
volunteers for everything from Course Marshalls to Support Vehicles.  It may be
a good opertunity to meet some of the contries top Pros as weel as catching some 
pretty incredible racing action. There are some special perks for the Volunteers.

If you are interested send me mail at FXODEV::CRANE.
My DTN is 297-8101.  Leave a message if I'm not there.

  John C.

     Tom, why not take the big leap and get your license? Impress your
    friends, fool your neighbors! I got mine this year. Basically, it's
    been an eye-opener, but I'm sure it'll help me get to a different
    level this year (or it'll kill me!)
    
     Chip

RE: <<< Note 2566.4 by WMOIS::GIROUARD_C >>>

I've thought about it. I can't really articulate what I have against the idea
(other than spending $35 or whatever for the "privilege"). Strange, huh?
						-- Tom

     Not really strange at all... I was there last year. I finally just
    decided to do - to do it. Get the experience, use it for training,
    get some perspective, get humbled, etc... 
    
     But hey, you get a rule book from the Waffen USCF for free!
    
         Chip

    Get your license Tom.  The more experienced Cat 4 and 5 racers need
    wide eyed novices in the pack.  Who knows, you may just kick butt.
    
    On a more serious side, racing requires a time committment.  If you
    can't spend the time training and travelling to races then you will
    probaly end up unhappy with racing.  I am licensed but have not raced
    this year and probaly will not race until late june or early july -
    but I enjoy getting on my bike now and always ride hard - that did not
    happen last season when I was constantly "training"
    
     AS

Sorry to add to the digression from the Longsjo topic!

The first time I ever raced was last year. I raced five times. I never "train"
per se. 75% of my riding is commuting 12 miles to work (which added up to about
2500 miles last year). I ride that medium to hard. Last year I joined a
recreational group which does a once-a-week steady, brisk 25-30 mile ride. That
helped me feel comfortable in a pack. This year I also joined a racing club,
which holds a once-a-week training ride. I've alternated the two rides (both on
Tuesday) to get a mix of more pure hammering (the racing club, no talking), and
socializing/reasonable-workout (the recreational group). 

In the citizens races I entered last year, I was in the top half to top third.
That told me that I was an average citizen racer. But usually I was a ways back
from the winner, which tells me that there are some killer citizen riders
(I imagine equivalent to Cat 4 at least; some probably Cat 3). 

There seems to be two reasons to get a license:

1) Become a better rider. I don't know how real this is, since as I related
   above there are plenty of strong unlicenced riders to compete against.

2) Have more opportunities to race. This is the biggie, and the probable
   reason why I would get a license.
						-- Tom

     You're right about levels of riders... You do find some extremely
    strong riders in the citizens group. Some, in fact, used to be CAT
    3's & 4's but just don't want to pay the money anymore or simply
    wish to continue to race, but relax and not have to train like a
    demon.
    
     Experience is the main thing. My 1st licensed race showed me a 
    different level and disposition of the riders. Even at the lowly
    CAT 5 level. I'm looking forward to this season. I don't expect
    to threaten anyone (I'm hoping my bike will provide a little
    false intimidation before the race) :-)...
    
        Chip

    Skills, experience and conditioning all count heavily and I'm sure vary
    widely in the different Catagories.  Is there a rule of thumb base
    level of conditioning required to hang in there with a certain
    Catagory?  Is it possible for someone to race CAT 5 with as little as
    125 miles a week training without being blown out the back?  When you
    say "train like a demon" what kind of time and miles are you talking
    about putting in?
    
    Thanks,  Don

    Chip,
    
         I think that you are going to find out that the Beatles were
    wrong when they sang money can't buy you love.  Your money may
    buy you a bike that you love but it will not keep you up with the
    peleton.
    
      AS

     Re; 11 No kidding? And all this time I thought...
    
     Categories and levels are a tough one only because the fields riding
    levels vary greatly from race to race (who shows up). Particularly if
    they mix citizens with 5's. I've raced in the citizen's category for
    about 3 years. Even the annual race's disposition changes. What I mean
    is basically one race, e.g. TdL would average 22mph one year and 24mph
    the next. Conditions effect the pace as well.
    
     If you're a climber (I'm not) and the course is hilly, you'll do well.
    If your strong, and the course is relatively flat, you'll do well. If
    it's a mix of anything in between, now every/all variables come into
    play.
    
     I know I didn't answer the question. There really isn't a formula...
    
     Chip