Not that kind of \”racy\”. PLEASE not that kind! I mean “racy” as in, How would I fare as a bicycle racer?

None too well, I fear. For starters, I’d get dropped in short order. I’m not fast enough to hang with even the lowest level of amateur racers, I’m sure. Maybe this advice would help?

I also have far, far to go with improving my power-to-weight ratio. To begin with, I need to lose at least 20 pounds! My anaerobic endurance isn’t up to scratch, either.

Not even my aerobic endurance is so great at present. I lost a lot of it because of that pulled hamstring, and the work to correct my left ankle’s behavior. It greatly reduced my mileage, and I couldn\’t ride as hard as I normally did.

Then there are my sensitivities to “stuff”. Could I  take part in a race without getting overwhelmed? I read once about a certain pro tour rider – I forget which one – who allegedly poured an entire bottle of cologne over himself before a race. How does he stand that?

Ambitions to take part in bicycle races means participating in group rides. It\’s important to learn how to ride in close proximity to other riders; learn to draft; and your new-found cycling buddies may even be able to help you find a coach — and that first race.