The first race of the year is behind us. As usual, we didn't win. So, I've prepared a handful of tips for beginners and those who aren't very bright, on what to remember to avoid losing right from the start. As someone who regularly doesn't win, and this time even missed the finish line in the first group, I believe I'm completely incompetent to comment on this topic. Fortunately, the internet is the perfect place for people like me.
1. When traveling, fasten your bikes.
After last year's Jarna, we knew that packing five bikes onto the roof of the Mondeo was an ambitious plan, but achievable. We were so focused on cramming them onto the bars that we forgot to properly lock them… three times. The following observations occurred to us:
- it is possible to drive with a roof rack fastened to 2 out of 3 fasteners, but it is very telepiece above 100km / h
– it is possible to ride with the bike attached to the fork and the rear wheel unattached, but there is a high chance that the wheel will jump off the beams and hit the roof
– It's possible to ride with a bike attached to the roof rack with only one fork (fork?), but there's a good chance it will tip over and only be held in place by the duct tape securing the rear. I especially don't recommend doing this on the highway:
2. Tour the route
But seriously – if the race is a loop, it's a good idea to run it once at a walking pace to take it all in. Then again, this time at a decent speed, to see which corners you can afford to push a little harder. We were slightly defeated by laziness and the café at the start. I would recommend it, if not for the final dialogue:
- how much do we pay for an espresso?
- PLN 12
- but for three?
- no, for one thing
3. Set well in the sector
We really rocked it here: over half of us were either in the wrong (awful) sector or completely at the back. Let's be honest, unless you have legs like a horse and the ability to push like a bus driver, proper positioning is more important than a good warm-up. Standing at the back means you risk never seeing the front group again. However, it's a good idea to be cautious and, if you're physically retired, avoid standing in the front line, because you'll be lynched and then trampled. In cycling, the rule is: the first will be first, and the last will be last.
4. Check your equipment.
And I'm not talking about the diaper and its contents. Generally, before the start, it's a good idea to go through all the possible gears, tap the bike, and check for any looseness. Even though I earned it exactly that way, I was a bit surprised at the start. I lost the first few dozen positions trying to shift onto the table – then I gave up on using such a useless contraption as a front derailleur and had to use everything from the only available front gear. Apparently, 1x11 is back in fashion.
5. Be careful because you will be alone.
In general, the race was going well for me until it stopped. The first lap was a fire, because it was necessary to sprinkle the tops after a not very successful start due to technical reasons, and the second and third were basically a relaxation. I was traveling in a completely satisfying group. Not too fast, but I would not squeeze myself any more. A few escapes departed, but because of the fairly solid wind, I thought I would not go crazy. So I held myself politely in the back, up to the middle of the last circle. Here, unfortunately, I remembered why such driving is bad. Someone in front of me let go of the wheel, there was a break - by throwing everything on one card, I pulled myself up .... to the next group, which also turned out to be fired for several meters. The following kilometers have already begun me to look at how the peloton, far away from the stone, is riding without pedaling, while my lungs seem to have been smeared with Neo Capsiderm. Generally, if you are not moving forward in the peloton, it means that you are moving backwards. Even if no one is ahead of you, then most probably you will be at the very end. In sadness and with my head bowed, I reached the finish line. Seeing almost all the time in front of me a large group, and somewhere behind them in the distance small groups of pursuit.
6. Watch where you sleep
We arrived in Wrocław on Friday, even though the race was on Sunday. We were hoping for acclimatization. Honestly, it worked out all too well. It turns out they have excellent ice cream, excellent pizza (I definitely recommend San Lorenzo in Mokronos – next to Warsaw's Ciao a Tutti, it's definitely the best I've ever had), good beer, and the market makes it impossible to sleep in. I'm not sure, though, if these are factors that contribute to winning races. Especially when combined with a week-long visit to the seaside just before, allowing us to consume post-holiday leftovers.
7. Search for the photographer
Even though I go into every race fully convinced that this time I'll win, I realize my chances of winning are usually no greater than ~1%. But oh well, 99 times you'll fail, and once you might just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Considering that cycling isn't running, and you probably won't get a medal for 10th place, nor will you be told you won because you finished, it's worth getting some other souvenir. All that remains are photos. Below, if my keen eye isn't deceiving me, are one of the best cycling photographers, Mr. Szymon Gruchalski.
8. Dress comfortable and checked clothes
From bad looking outfits, they are only uncomfortable. Just here I will paste this picture and go further ;-):
9. You're going to have fun ... and try to fuck the room, by the way
When you think about spending 10 hours in the car just to cover 65km there, it might seem silly. But the race is really just a bonus to a great weekend. In total, we spent about three hours cycling throughout the entire weekend (maybe four, counting the time spent in the Leisure Club drinking coffee). I treat it as a perfect break from our tourist trips, where the rule is "don't sleep, explore," and the wake-up call is at 7 a.m., and by 5 p.m., when we get back, no one has the energy to even go to the bathroom.
10. Cheer
While you're here, cheer on other categories, not necessarily the elite. As bad as it sounds, cycling is a terrible sport to watch, especially for those not involved in cycling. Most of the fans are outraged people who can't cross the street or the families of the competitors. Take a moment to cheer on others. While the elite are more accustomed to cheering (fans ;) ) and the glamour, I don't think women or juniors are as accustomed. This will improve the atmosphere and help the cyclists.
