I have always wanted to race in a crit but haven’t taken the opportunity yet. Fortunately Two Wheel Jones is hosting the State Championship Criterium race in connection with this year’s El Tour de Mesa (TDM), and they are offering for the first time ever the “1st Timer Crit Experience.” It’s a crit race for first timers. I’m definitely in! The following is taken from their website:

“Never raced a criterium before?  This is your opportunity to try one in a controlled and super exciting environment!!  The criterium experience will be a non-competitive ride to raise funds for the local Autism Charity “I Can Do Hard Things”  Here is the website  http://www.hopeforautism.net/ 
This is how the ride works:

Athletes will follow a “pacer” around the course starting at a warm up pace.  No passing the pacer or aggressive overtaking is allowed. The pacer will gradually increase the speed each lap.  The officials will pull riders who have fallen off the pack each lap.  The last athlete to stay with the pacer WINS!!!  This race is for Category 5 and citizen riders only.

Race starts at 5 pm on Friday, April 10. 
REGISTER HERE: http://www.arizonareg.com“