So You Want to Race in Oregon?

The logistics of it all!- From Candi Murray

Getting a license:

You will need a membership/racing license in order to enter an event. A license will need to be presented at most registration desks each time you enter a race. In Oregon the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association issues both single day and annual memberships. A one year membership costs $20 for those over 18 and is free to junior racers. Membership is good for a calendar year, expiring on December 31. Single event memberships are available for $5. With your membership you will get 2 lycra race numbers for road racing, a plastic plate for mtn bike racing and a tyvdek cyclocross number.

You can complete the membership form by downloading it off the website or by going on-line. You may also complete the paperwork at the registration desk at all races.

Racing categories:

What the heck are racing categories? Well... Road race categories start at category 5 for beginners to category 1 for national caliber riders. In men’s racing all new members begin as cat 5 racers, racing against other beginners. Women beginners start as cat 4 racers because of smaller overall numbers. Riders 18 and under are considered juniors and riders 40 and over are masters racers. Junior, women and masters riders can choose to race with the regular category riders and not in the junior or masters classes. Your racing age is decided by your age as of December 31 of the given year. YOU MAY NOT RACE OUTSIDE YOUR CATEGORY (although... you may be able to race different categories if you qualify for them. For example, you are a beginner racer who is over 40 years of age. Then, you could race either Cat 5 And/OR Master's 40+ unless the Master's field in a race has been restricted by Category too)

Riders may upgrade their category by experience and/or earning points by placing in the top of the races they compete in. The upgrade requirements are listed at here. When you feel you have the prerequisite points/experience send a message to the OBRA executive director and request an upgrade.

For mountain bike races and cyclocross races the categories are self selected.

Types of races:

OK got it about licensing and categories? What's are the differences between the types of races? I have no idea.

Road Racing:

Time Trials/Hillclimbs
This is the simplest type of race. It is almost always an individual effort. Racers take off from the start line one at a time at regular intervals, racing the distance as quickly as possible against the clock. The fast rider wins. There is no drafting or teamwork. There are no restarts permitted.

Road Races
This is a mass start event on terrain over a prescribed distance on public roads The rider who crosses the finish line first wins. These can be point to point races or loops. Riders compete directly against one another and as teams and individuals. Riders will ride in packs.

Criteriums
A multilap event held on a closed circuit course generally less then a one mile in length. Usually fast paced as racers jockey for position and sprint for primes (lap prizes) Held primarily in downtown locations.

Stage Race
A multiday event that is made up of road races, criteriums and time trials. The finishing time for each racer each day is combined for an overall time to determine the winner.

Mountain Bike Racing

Cross County
An off-road event that is either a point to point ,or comprised of multiple laps lasting from 1hr for the beginner racer, to 3 hours for the Pro/semi-pro or expert. Off road racing requires not only fitness, but bike handling skills and the ability to navigate by following course markings in the woods. In a mountain bike race you are always pushing yourself to catch or stay away from your competition depending on your individual skills as a climber or decender.
Downhill

Short Track
A off-road race comprised of tightly formed packs similar to a criterium on the road but on a circuit of 1-2 miles long. The race is a great spectator sport, as riders compete for a set amount of time over the course. Bike handling skills at very fast speeds are a must.

Cyclocross
Ride around in mud on a closed circuit. Sort of a cross between mountain biking and road race criteriums.

Track Racing
Track cycling is different from road cycling in that riders race fixed gear bicycles with no breakes around a velodrome. Races can be as short as 200 meter or as long as 40 kilometer points races.

Registering for a Race

Well, I got it now. Sign me up!

Every race will require some of the same forms. The actual registration form usually doubles as a liability release and is frequently referred to as a waiver. It can be found at http://obra.org/pdfs/waiver.pdf. Registration can be done in advance by mail or on-line or on the day of race. Waiting until day of race you risk that the field may already reach its limit and you will be unable to participate. Frequently waiting to register until the day of race costs more because race organizers have the option a ‘late fee” of $5 to $10 to encourage riders to register in advance. Preregistering may also save you from standing in long line at the registration deck. Even if you pre-register you will need to check in at the desk. At registration there should be instructions on what position to pin on your race numbers and other race information that may be pertinent. This is the place to ask any question you may have. Make sure to ask where the actual start line is and if there have been any schedule changes.

Pinning on your race number may be the largest factor in having your finish placing accurately determined. (Insert picture here of properly placed numbers). The judging staff prefer that your numbers are unfolded, making it easier to read from a finish line video camera. The number should be as flat as possible to prevent any flapping.