Collegiate race weekend checklist

Copied from my earlier email, but I thought it would be a useful addition to the blog as well.

Most of these things are obvious, but I thought it may help some people to have a physical list to crosscheck during packing/preparation. I hope everyone is surviving mid-terms and getting at least some sleep. At this point, being adequately rested may be the most useful thing you can do toward improving your performance this weekend.

1) Helmet. No helmet, no race.

2) Shoes. No shoes, no race.

3) Jersey and shorts. Time to sport those Case colors with pride.

4) Bike. Of course. Try not to make too many changes (ie - new wheels, seat post height changes, new cables) between now and the weekend. If you do tinker, be sure to get some outdoor miles in the next few days. You should not have your first experience with new equipment in a huge, fast, twitchy peloton.

5) License/authorization to ride or $ for 1 day license. No license/ATR/1-day, no race. Most promoters are sticklers for this, and they get very annoyed if they have to look up your information. Be responsible and make their job easier. Some people take a picture of their license with their phone/ipod/blackberry/etc and keep that as an additional back up.

6) $$ for entry fees. I believe it will be $13 per race. According to the honorable VP Ryan, we should try to get a receipt for later reimbursement.

7) Sunglasses and/or cycling cap. It's calling for rain so some may prefer a cap to glasses. I'm kicking myself for not buying a Case cap.

8) clothing for racing in cold and/or wet: arm warmers, tights, baselayers, vest, jacket, skull cap, ear warmers, knee warmers, leg warmers, shoe covers, wool socks, wool sweater (seriously...an old, worn wool sweater is warm even when wet and breathes well), rain cape or jacket. Whatever you have to wear, bring it!

9) gloves. Cycling gloves +/- warmer gloves.

10) Water bottles. These races are short enough that you should only need 1 on the bike, but you may want another one for post-race. Consider gatorade/HEED/Powerade/etc, but only if you have been using/training with it already. Try not to change eating/drinking habits on day of and during race.

11) "energy food" -- Gu, gel, cliff bar, honey stinger, fig newtons. Whatever you like (and have used before). You almost certainly will not eat during the races, but you will want to top up 15 minutes before and will want to refuel immediately afterward. If you do try to eat during the race, be extraordinarily careful while riding in the pack. Have the wrapper of a cliff bar or granola bar already torn to make it easier. Try to eat when the pace is easiest and when you are at or near the back of the pack so you aren't putting too many others at risk. Bear in mind that the back of the pack is one of the worst places to be, so there is added disincentive to eating during the race.

12) Change of clothes for before/after race. You may be waiting for awhile after (or before) your race (especially on Sunday for the women's crit). You probably will want to change out of your cycling apparel, assuming there are places to change.

13) Safety pins for your race number. Usually promoters provide these, but with so many racers possibly showing up, it's best to have a personal, backup supply with you. How many you need varies by individual preference. While you can get away with just 4 (1 per corner), you'll likely have a nice parachute effect. I consider 5 pins to be minimum with 7 or 8 being preferred.

14) $ for food for the weekend.