PRO Tip 3: Learn to Ride

Laying down Watts is cool.  I can totally respect that.  But if you don't know how to take a corner or ride a straight line, we're going to have problems.  It's okay, everyone has to start somewhere.  Find a local group ride and ask to tag along.  Be honest about your ability.  Most rides are happy to teach you their particular rules.  Just don't figure you'll learn to ride in a group during your first criterium.  Really want to learn how to ride?  Race cyclocross.  You'll crash a ton, but at least I'll be there to drink beer and heckle you when it happens.