I'm new to bike racing, where do I start... get the right bike and gear

There are many different types of bicycles that you can buy, some are better for different types of riding then others. Although there seems to be endless options, which is a good thing, finding the right bike for you will be the easy part. To help make the decision, visit your local bike shop or ask your riding buddy for their input, these individuals can definitely help point you in the right direction. 

Now that you have your bike comes the accessorizing time, where there are parts on parts on parts to optimize your bike to how you like it. Here are some recommend items to have on hand around before you leave and when you're out on a ride.

1. A spare tube. Always carry a tube in case you get a flat tire. Without a tube, you're most likely walking home or calling an Uber. Always remember if you use your spare to replace it, so that you always have a back up on hand. 
2. Tire Lever. A tire lever is a specialized metal or plastic tool used to pry your tire bead up and over the rim sidewall. This allows for the removal of the tire without causing any damage to the wheel. 
3. CO2 Air Cartridge or Small Pump.  Once the tube is secure in the tire and attached back to the wheel, its going to need pumped up. A CO2 cartridge with an inflator is the fastest option. The CO2 cartridge can only be used once, but really inflates the tire efficiently. Another option is to carry a small hand pump. Those are much larger to carry around and require you to manually pump the air into the tire.
4. Master link. A master link is a single, removable section of the chain that can be used to replace the weak link if your chain breaks.
5. Multi-Tool. This is a compact, all-in-one tool that works with the bolts and attachments on your specific bike. This little tool can be extremely helpful especially when tightening any bolts that may be loose or making small adjustments mid-ride.