What is Beginning Racing?
The Beginner Race Program, or “BRP”, is intended for bike riders who may be interested in road racing as well as those interested in performance and group riding. You don't necessarily need to be in great physical shape. Some of the riding will be a little challenging, but all sessions emphasize skills rather than high intensity training. No one will be dropped on any of the rides. If the group splits, instructors will hang back. The course offers on-bike instruction in bicycle handling techniques, group riding techniques, race tactics as well as an opportunity to race.
Participants gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary to race competently. These same skills can be leveraged as you participate in many of the informal group training rides sponsored by clubs throughout the metro area.
Who Will Be Riding With You?
Each group will include at least 2 instructors and up to 12 students. Sometimes the group will ride together and other times split into smaller groups. The instructors are all experienced road racers and/or coaches. Many of them also have track racing and mountain bike racing experience. The instructors are knowledgable volunteers, anxious to see the sport they love grow by bringing in new people.
We try to group students by ability level. You'll be asked to evaluate yourself on the application form. Be honest! If you end up in the wrong group, we will make every attempt to get you into the right group.
One of our groups will be open only to women. Women can choose to join this group or any of the other groups.
A Race for Beginners
Racing certainly isn’t a requirement in the BRP, but it is encouraged. The first category-5 race in the “Dakota Criterium Series” is free to BRP students. It’s promoted by the Saint Paul Bicycle Racing Club and sponsored by Summit Brewing Company. The race is held on the truck driver training course at Dakota County Technical College. You couldn't ask for a better course for a first race! There are no curbs, parking meters or telephone poles. Details will be available during BRP sessions.
Ride the Track
Track riding is a blast and is something that every bicycle rider should experience! It's also pretty easy. The last session of the BRP series is at the velodrome and is an excellent opportunity to try some track riding! The National Sports Center Velodrome, located in Blaine, routinely attracts the best track riders from the US, Canada, and Europe ( http://www.nscsports.org/sports/cycling/index.htm )