There are no dumb questions.
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Warm up a little. Too often people do super elaborate warmups that they perhaps aren’t fit enough for an tire themselves out. So, roll around a little before the race and then use the first few miles to spin out your legs and get warm.
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Use a saddle bag/flat kit. You’re likely right, if you flat you’re on your own so be prepared. If/when you get more into it and/or move up in categories you can have spare wheels in the follow car (if there is one).
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Always spin your legs in as light a gear possible. Save your legs for when you really need them. When you watch the Tour de France, or any big race, when the pack is just rolling along their cadence is quite high. This is due in part to the speed, and in part due to the fact that the guys are keeping a light touch on the pedals.
Hope that helps!
-Hugh
my blog: ex-prosays.blogspot.com