I learned how to pedal! ha ha!

[bYuPride]

Originally Posted by creekster

http://cougarguard.com/forum/showthr...t=pedal+square

THANK YOU!

[RC Vikings]

Just think of yourself climbing stars to get a full pedal stroke. Some other things that may help is to keep your knees in, find the biggest guy in the group to ride behind, keep your weight down and just get in the mileage.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by bYuPride

What does it mean to be a Cat 2 guy? Is it like being a brown belt? Cadence... For one ride I monitored my cadence trying to stay above a certain number and on the flats and a lower number on hills.. I found I flew through my route really quickly. I'm not really training for anything... All I like to do is put on the strechy pants, enjoy the fresh air and scenery, cut off some of the flab, and see how far I've ridden and for how long. I do like to learn all about the sport though... so I appreciated the little gems you drop for me to pick up and ask about.

In racing circles, there are ratings, Cat 5 being a novice, Cat 4 a little bit better than novice, Cat 3 serious but somewhat sketchy at times, Cat 2 right below beginning pro, Cat 1 beginning pro.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by Archaea

In racing circles, there are ratings, Cat 5 being a novice, Cat 4 a little bit better than novice, Cat 3 serious but somewhat sketchy at times, Cat 2 right below beginning pro, Cat 1 beginning pro.

What category is "I own a bike"?

[Archaea]

For women, Cat 4, for men, Cat 5.

I'm a lousy Cat 4, because work interferes with my play. I'd like to become a Cat 3, but that's likely next year, same refrain as last year.

[bYuPride]

Originally Posted by Archaea

In racing circles, there are ratings, Cat 5 being a novice, Cat 4 a little bit better than novice, Cat 3 serious but somewhat sketchy at times, Cat 2 right below beginning pro, Cat 1 beginning pro.

Who decides what Cat # you are? Or are there just certain qualifications and requirements have to complete to get to the next level?

[bYuPride]

Originally Posted by Archaea

For women, Cat 4, for men, Cat 5.

I'm a lousy Cat 4, because work interferes with my play. I'd like to become a Cat 3, but that's likely next year, same refrain as last year.

Are you just being humble? I obviously don't know much of anything about cycling, but from what how you train and ride and stuff, I would have guessed you'd be higher than "a little better than a novice"...

[Archaea]

Cat 4 has a wide variance in ability, from those on their way to Cat 2 to those who work hard but aren't very successful due to workload. And my age is working against me. Most of the lads are late twenties, early thirties, riding six to seven days to week, I'm twice their age in some respsects and get in two to four good rides per week.

If it's a pure climber's race, I'm screwed, a pure crit, I'm screwed, but okay on power rides or rollers.

You must have race credentials and points within a one year period and submit for upgrade. There is a certification process the USA Cycling.

[RC Vikings]

Originally Posted by bYuPride

Are you just being humble? I obviously don't know much of anything about cycling, but from what how you train and ride and stuff, I would have guessed you'd be higher than "a little better than a novice"...

Archaea was being humble. It takes a hell of a lot of work to become a Cat IV. Cat III's are young guys with a lot of time of their hands. Most guys after 40 are just happy to race in the citizen category.