Giro di San Francisco

On Labor Day, the 3rd of September, I'm headed out for my first ever bike race, the Giro di San Francisco criterium. Frankly, I'm a bit daunted. I chose the race because it's close to home (despite the fact that I'll have to take the BART in, as the Bay Bridge will be closed).

I'm daunted because it's likely to be a large event, and I've heard all the horror stories of crashes and broken collarbones in crits (especially among us rank beginner types). I figure if any red mist moron is going to show up, it's going to be at one of these high-profile races.

Although I've been riding with Team Oakland for a little while now at the weekly Port of Oakland ride, I'm basically getting my butt handed to me by lap 4. The only consolation is that there are often Cat 1/2s and some Pros out there. It's certainly increased my fitness and my comfort level riding in a tight, fast pack. I hope it translates into some comfort in the pack in San Francisco.

Ever since I started riding the aforementioned POO rides, my wife has been encouraging me to go out and try racing. This, alone, would make her a keeper; she's got quite a bit going for her beyond being the love of my life. She even used to be my pit crew when I did some amateur car racing. I'm a lucky man (on many fronts).

So, starting from ground zero (Cat 5 rank beginner), I figure it requires at least the following to be a successful racer:

1. Fitness
   
2. Tactical insight
   
3. Some modicum of explosive power (to cover breaks and attacks)
   
4. A willingness to be somewhat aggressive
   
5. Bike-handling skills
   
6. "The Look"
   

Okay, so that last one may not be necessary when barely holding onto the back of the speeding train of the pack, but I'll practice in the mirror "just in case".

So, in reality, I've got some fitness, a willingness to be cautiously aggressive (oxymoron?), and questionable levels of skill on the other fronts. I just want to sit in and make it to the end without getting dropped or crashing.