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A growing number of club members are now taking part in official racing events around the south east. If you're interested in finding out more about racing, what's involved and what it feels like to do your first race, read on.
For the latest news on races coming up please visit the dedicated Road Racing forum where riders will post events they are taking part in and organise travel to and from.
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You can now follow the day to day mumblings of the Bigfoot racers on Twitter! Please note from time to time the tweets can drift off topic and may not always be 100% clean!
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By Steve Salmon
 Racing in the UK is controlled/managed by British Cycling, whose rules apply to all levels of ability from novice category 4 racers to Elites in the Premier Calendar. The classification of riders is based on a points system with points awarded for various placings in races; the accumulation of sufficient points within one racing year (Dec to Nov, rather oddly) sees you elevated through the various categories. All novice races start as a 4th Cat, with 10 points required to be elevated to 3rd Cat. status. A further 40 points are required for a 2nd Cat. licence, 200 for a 1st Cat. and 300 to become an Elite. Unfortunately, once you get elevated to the next level, all points are zeroed. The good news is that once you've gained 3rd Cat. status you will never be relegated back to a 4th Cat. as long as you renew your racing licence each year.
Race Licence
Strictly speaking you do not need an annual race licence to compete as some events will allow you to 'buy' a day licence. The downside is that any points you do earn will not accumulate and count towards gaining a higher catagorisation. Racing licences are issued by British Cycling and are available to buy if you are a Gold or Silver BC member. Details of the membership and licence fees can be found on the British Cycling website.
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Disciplines
 In general terms road racing consists of two disciplines (if you exclude time-trialing); circuits races (or crits (criteriums)) and road racing. Circuit races are held on 'closed' circuits such as Hog Hill, Fowlmead, CrystalPalace, Dunsfold Park etc. and are generally fast-paced affairs lasting 1-1.5hrs, depending on the classification of the race. Road races, which generally reward winners/high placings with more BC licence points than circuit races, are held on open roads, but are usually very well marshalled and supported by National Escort Group (NEG) outriders on motorbikes, which stop the traffic for safety. Road races, which generally consist of a number of laps of a particular route, can vary in length depending on the classification of the race and the categories of racers participating; races for 3/4 Cats. last about 2.5-3hrs. The LVRC have several series of closed circuit races taking place at Hog Hill, often without the hill, Dunton and Hillingdon and a selection of local road races. One big advantage to starting road racing on a closed circuit is if you do get dropped than you will not be on your own for to long before you catch someone or are caught; at most events you can rejoin in the bunch, but not take an active part in the race.
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Over 40s
 An alternative set of races are available for the over 40s organised by the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists. These are based on age rather than ability, with the categories split into 5 year bands although a single race may be for 2 or 3 age groups, i.e. 40 - 50 or 40 – 55.
Being age based does lead to sometimes racing against ex-pros, but the races are normally shorter than BC races. The standard of racing is generally better with a greater ratio of experienced to novice riders. There's more information here (pdf).
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Getting Started
For beginners there are some racing options which will quickly give you an idea of what it's all about. I started at the Ford Test Track in Dunton, Essex in the Heron Cycle Sport Ford CC summer race series. Details haven't been published for 2010 yet, but once they are they'll be posted here.
The best place to look for upcoming races is the British Cycling website in their road racing event calendar section. Alternatively you can use the Rider HQ website.
Leg Shaving
Often debated, with the benefits never truly agreed upon. The fact of the matter is that most racers shave, few don't. Try it, you might like it; at the very least it'll make you feel more like a pro. Here's a humourous article that might help you decide.
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By Paul Sewell
A couple of years ago I entered my first ever race, Race 1 of the Imperial Winter Series at the Hillingdon circuit. At the time I wrote a full account of the day and how it felt to be a newbie in amongst all the shaved legged deep carbon rimmed folk.
Read the full article...
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The following links are to great articles all about road racing and useful resources for finding out what races are on in the area.
 RoadCycling UK: Road racing explained - Part 1 - Bunch basics
RoadCycling UK: Road racing explained - Part 2
BC: About Road Racing
BC: Get into Road Racing
South East Road Racing League (SERRL)
Surrey Cycle Racing League
RiderHQ Calendar
London Cycle Sport (Results and Photos)
Matt Schneller has shot an excellent video of the last lap in a Category 4 race at Fowlmead, Reuben stars! It's well worth a look if you've not raced before. A lap of Fowlmead.
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Photo Albums
Bulletin Board
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Bromley Bike Co. are proud to support BigfootCC and offer a 10% discount on parts, accessories, clothing and bike fits
Le Bicycle are proud to support BigfootCC and offer a 10% discount on all purchases (excludes existing sale items)
Geoffrey Butler Cycles are proud to support BigfootCC and offer a 10% discount on most purchases (excludes existing special offers)
PhysioActive are proud to support BigfootCC and offer a 20% discount on all physiotherapy treatments
See the Joining the Club page for T&Cs
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