I got my new driver’s license in the mail the other day and my wife was comparing the picture on my old license to my new one.  The old picture was only taken about 2 ½ years ago when I moved up to The Woodlands.  I had just started to take cycling seriously and was thinking I might actually race one day.  She made two comments about the photos.  One was that I actually look younger in my new picture.  The other is that I also look much thinner.  In the old photo my cheeks were a bit chubbier.  She said she actually preferred me with the chubby cheeks.  The good news for her is that maybe I actually do look a bit younger, the bad news is that by mid-season I plan on looking like Michael Rasmussen, only thinner!  (here is a link if you need a picture to reference http://www.professionalcycling.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/rasmussen.jpg )

Speaking of licenses, a driver’s license might help you get to a race, but it will do nothing to actually get you in one.  To do that you will need a racing license from our friends at USA cycling.  www.usacycling.org   I know this has been mentioned before, but just in case you missed it, or in case you are among the many team members that have yet to renew…….  Click on the membership link and you can log in to renew you license, or create a new account if you are registering for the first time.  If you are a Cat 5 and new to racing you can get a one day license at the race for $20, but to really find out if you are going to enjoy it, you will want to do more than one race.  A one year license is $60, you can race as many road events as you want and the money is going to a good cause.  They also accept PayPal to make payment quick and easy.  Remember to select The Woodlands Cycling Club for your club and Woodlands Cycling Club Race Team for your team.   There is also one other crucial step that I have been reminded of.......  If you are choosing The Woodlands Cycling Club, it is important that you have also become a member, or renewed your member ship to the club!  This can easily be done through the link on the home page and the club also accepts PayPal.  So if you didn't get to renew at the membership meeting, now would be a great time!  (thanks SS)

After you are a licensed racer then you will need to register for the race.  It is not uncommon for people to wait until the last minute to register for races due to scheduling, watching the weather, or any number of reasons.  If you are a Cat 5, you probably need to keep a closer eye on the registration than most.  Cat 5 fields are limited to 50 riders and often fill up a week or two in advance.  Txbra, www.txbra.org has a list of the upcoming races.  After you select your race, you will usually find a link to BikeReg, www.bikereg.com where you can register for the event, or look at the list of confirmed riders to see how many spots are still open. 

Hopefully after following these steps, you will be looking forward to providing someone with your license and registration.