Pre Race Tips from our Rider Development Director

Our rider development director, Drew Scott, has some pointers ahead of Sunday if it’s your first USAC sanctioned race.

• Hamburg Course
  • We’ve finally had some nice riding weather and it looks like we’re going to have great weather this weekend for our USAC Hamburg Road Race!  It consists of some steady rollers and false flats leading to the main climb up Haag Rd with a fast downhill back towards town.  Registration closes Friday night so make sure you sign up before it closes!  If you don’t have a USAC racing license, you can get a one-day pass during the registration process, however if you plan on doing more than a couple races, it makes more sense to get an annual license.
• Pack your gear the night before
  • I personally like to pack all of my things up the night before so I know it is all there and I’m not scrambling the morning before.  This includes a helmet, shoes, jersey with sleeves, bib shorts, nutrition, and other accessories you may have.  Make sure you give yourself enough time to get there in the morning to pick up your bib number and to pin it on the correct side of your jersey (this ensures the timing system can get your number properly as you go by).  Some people like to put their jersey around a pillow to pin the number in, which helps to get the pinning just right.
• On Race Day
  • Arrive with plenty of time!  On race day, think about how long you like to warm up, the timing of getting there and putting your bib number on, and think back to how long it will take to get there.  Personally, I like to get there at least an hour early but everyone is different, and the best advice is to give yourself enough time to get ready because you do not want to be rushing trying to get to the start line.
• Water
  • Brings lots of water!  It’s going to be a warm day!  Bring two bottles for on the bike even if you’re racing 30 miles and some extra for before and after.