The Chainlink

Joining a cycling team

What time of year do road cycling teams take on new members?  Also can you guys recommend some  teams for beginners

Views: 28

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Davo on August 9, 2010 at 11:52am
I'm not on a team but I took the Half Acre brewery tour yesterday and the owner was wearing a Half Acre cycling t-shirt. Someone asked him about it and he said that they take people on from all experience levels. If you like cycling and beer, I'd check this out first.
Permalink Reply by S on August 9, 2010 at 12:59pm

I'd look at XXX racing, they are the biggest team in chicago with the benefits and drawbacks that brings. You can look at chicagobikeracing.com to get a list of teams, fees, and contacts for teams. Most teams will let you join at any point of the year but with smaller teams, you may need to join over the winter to get a chance to order team kit in your size.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on August 9, 2010 at 1:24pm
I believe the rosters are built after the season (depending on if they have cyclocross racers). Check around
November. I am interested in Half Acre, Spider Monkeys (Roscoe Village Bikes) or MOX Multisport (downtown).

I believe chicagobikeracing.com has a link with all the teams and contact info.

XXX is good if you are looking for a large team (all ability levels) and espeically learning the basics of racing, etc (developmental).

DB

DB
Permalink Reply by XV on August 9, 2010 at 1:31pm
S said:

I'd look at XXX racing, they are the biggest team in chicago with the benefits and drawbacks that brings. You can look at chicagobikeracing.com to get a list of teams, fees, and contacts for teams. Most teams will let you join at any point of the year but with smaller teams, you may need to join over the winter to get a chance to order team kit in your size.


What are the benefits/draw backs to a large team?
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on August 9, 2010 at 2:06pm
What kind of experience do you have riding in pacelines and pelotons? If you think you could use some brushing up, I'd recommend checking out the Chicago Cycling Club weekly training rides.


Monday, August 09, 2010

Training Ride: Monday Training Ride: Introduction to Training Rides

REMOTE START: Roadies Dunkin' Donuts, Lincoln & California

6:30 PM

30 miles, 18 to 20 mph
Curious to find out what training rides are all about - but aren't sure if you can ride at 25 mph? Here's your chance. This ride has the look and feel of a training ride, but at a slower pace. Emphasis will be placed on smooth riding techniques and paceline etiquette.


Doesn't look like there's a Wednesday night ride this week. August CCC schedule includes all rides - training, social, touring, etc

There are also many shops that have weekly rides, and while they don't necessarily have racing teams, I'm sure many riders who do race would gladly give you tips on starting.
Permalink Reply by dan brown on August 9, 2010 at 2:13pm
benefits :

more networking, social opportunities
more representation at races
bigger presence
more members at all ability levels


drawbacks :

as with anything, some folks prefer smaller groups and getting to know each other better; while
others like big groups. I would say with a big group smaller 'sub groups' form (based on where folks
live; who prefers which type of racing (crits / road races / time trials / track / cross, etc.) and
the expectations are maybe less (i.e. with a small team you are expected to race at x number
of races per year; wear the jersey (for the sponsor's benefit) and volunteer x number of hours
per season (generally a club / team will sponsor race(s) and the lifeblood of racing is volunteering.

just my $.02


XV said:
S said:

I'd look at XXX racing, they are the biggest team in chicago with the benefits and drawbacks that brings. You can look at chicagobikeracing.com to get a list of teams, fees, and contacts for teams. Most teams will let you join at any point of the year but with smaller teams, you may need to join over the winter to get a chance to order team kit in your size.


What are the benefits/draw backs to a large team?
Permalink Reply by XV on August 9, 2010 at 2:32pm
Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:
What kind of experience do you have riding in pacelines and pelotons? If you think you could use some brushing up, I'd recommend checking out the Chicago Cycling Club weekly training rides.

Yeah I have no experience riding in a group, that is next on the plan, I'm asking about joining a team for planning further down the line.
I can't really do 18MPH for 30miles solo, maybe 16MPH on a good day, but I guess riding in a group is easier?
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on August 9, 2010 at 2:40pm
Drafting makes it much easier. I also recommend the CCC monday night ride for people with no experience group riding.

XV said:
Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:
What kind of experience do you have riding in pacelines and pelotons? If you think you could use some brushing up, I'd recommend checking out the Chicago Cycling Club weekly training rides.

Yeah I have no experience riding in a group, that is next on the plan, I'm asking about joining a team for planning further down the line.
I can't really do 18MPH for 30miles solo, maybe 16MPH on a good day, but I guess riding in a group is easier?
Permalink Reply by J on August 9, 2010 at 5:27pm
If you are not necessarily interested in racing, you may want to ask your local bike shops about group rides in your area. There are many such semi-formal rides all around the city. I think it's very important to find a group with which you are both socially and athletically compatible.

At your current fitness level, many of the team group rides may be off-putting.
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on August 9, 2010 at 6:23pm
Yes, when drafting another cyclist, you can feel the difference from being out in the wind. As far as joining a team goes, for both safety sake (yours primarily) and learning, go on a few Monday night rides first with the CCC.

XXX Racing also has a Saturday morning no-drop ride. But I don't know how much of a how-to ride the XXX Racing ride is seeing as how I've never ridden it myself.

On the other hand, I haven't had anything but guys willing and eager to give tips and instructions on the Monday night CCC rides.

XV said:
Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:
What kind of experience do you have riding in pacelines and pelotons? If you think you could use some brushing up, I'd recommend checking out the Chicago Cycling Club weekly training rides.

Yeah I have no experience riding in a group, that is next on the plan, I'm asking about joining a team for planning further down the line.
I can't really do 18MPH for 30miles solo, maybe 16MPH on a good day, but I guess riding in a group is easier?

RSS

Groups

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service