Are you simply rarin’ to go? Do you always find yourself trying to outride your buddies? Love seeing how much faster you can get? Maybe racing is for you!

I’m a long, long way from trying it. I’d need to learn a lot more about race tactics, how to “read the race”, and about training up.

Training up specifically for racing, that is. I’ve read quite a lot about century prep, including the need to taper during the last week before the big day. Probably tapering is even more important before a race. A recreational century, after all, is a RIDE. A race is about who can out-maneuver the competition in addition to being fresh, strong, and fast.

Study the race ahead of time, they say. How many miles (or kilometers) will you have to ride? If the event goes by time rather than distance, how much time is allowed?

What is the race’s profile? Rolling hills? Mountainous? Flat as a pancake? How well do your strengths as a cyclist match the needs of the race? What can you do to improve your weaknesses so that you’re better prepared come event day? Just don’t forget to maintain your strengths in the process!

Can you ride the race course ahead of race day? Or practice riding a route that has a similar profile?

If possible, study your competition. Can you watch bicycle races, and start learning “how things are done”?

What are the other riders’ tactics? What are their strengths and weaknesses?

At first, race just to get the experience, it is said. Don’t expect to win your first race. Of course, if you do, that’s terrific!

Well, don’t let me get too excited here. I’ll wind up a-rarin’ to go, and then I’ll have to rein myself in!