In a followup to last week’s preview of upcoming spring century and charity rides, today we take a look at the road racing coming our way in the Austin area. Unlike most of the country who waits until late spring or summer, much of the road racing calendar in Central Texas occurs in February and March. If you are not in racing shape yet, no worries. Starting March 17, the Driveway Crit Series will return with racing every Thursday night until the end of daylight savings time in October.

Unlike charity rides and triathlons, most road races don’t produce detailed information about the race in the form of a race flyer until a week or 10 days before the race. The good news is that the race calendar has been pretty set for several years and the theme of the courses (crit, road, TT, etc) remain similar year to year. As races approach, check their page on the Texas Bicycle Racing Association (TXBRA) web site for details and start times by racing category.

All the races on the calendar are USA Cycling sanctioned. This means you will need a USA Cycling license to race. You can obtain an annual license online for $60 or a one day license the day of the race for $10 (cash or check only.) If you decide to get an annual membership after racing a one day license, you can use that one day license as a credit towards your annual membership within three months. One day licenses are usually only good for races that Category 5 (beginner) racers are eligible for. You will be ranked a Category 5 rider with your initial annual license. You will eventually be upgraded depending on how many races you do and how well you place in your category.

Tour of New Braunfels
Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13, 20011
The 2010 race featured both road and criterium racing on roads around New Braunfels, TX.

Walburg Classic
Saturday, February, 19, 2011
The 2010 race featured a 24 mile road racing loop hills, false flats, likely wind and an uphill finish in Walburg, TX northeast of Austin.

Pace Bend Road Race
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The 2010 race featured a 10 KM closed hilly course in Pace Bend Park in Spicewood, southwest of Austin.

Ronde von Manor Road Race
Saturday, February 26, 2011
This race is new for the 2011 race calendar and is paired with the long running Ronde von Manda the same weekend.

Ronde von Manda Road Race
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The 2010 race featured a road racing circuit around Manda, TX, 15 miles northeast of Austin.

La Primavera at Lago Vista Road Race
Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 2011
The 2010 race featured two days of racing west of Austin in Lago Vista with courses between 22 and 40 miles.

The Driveway Crits Series
Every Thursday night from March 17 to October 20, 2011
The weekly criterium racing on a smooth, closed course at The Driveway in East Austin (8400 Delwau Lane). Loops are changed up weekly.

Mystery Meat Road Race
Saturday, May 21, 2011
This race is new to the 2011 calendar and is a mystery! Check back with the race TXBRA page for details as the race approaches.

Belterra Road Race
Sunday, May, 22, 2011
The 2010 race featured a closed 2-mile circuit w/ 3-turns, 1-long gradual grade, and 1-short slightly steep hill that can be ridden up in the big ring in the Belterra subdivision, southwest Austin.