Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by J on May 31, 2010 at 1:50pm

Blayne,

First of all, you technically do not need to be a member of a team to race cross, but joining one often makes it a more fulfilling endeavor.

The best place to start is the list of Chicagoland teams at CBR: http://www.chicagobikeracing.com/index.php/teams

Nearly every team has a cross contingent, though each varies really widely in terms of support, instructions, carpools, and general organization. Most teams have a large contingent of novice cx riders. The question is how much coaching/mentoring/team training you're seeking -- because that's where I think things really diverge. Some teams are open membership, and others are invite only. Many folks start by looking at xXx, because it's the biggest and has good resources. Most of the boutique clubs (Half Acre, Pegasus, Spidermonkey, Iron Cycles) are invite only, but if you know someone -- it really helps.

The CCC site won't help you exactly find a team, but you'll want to keep up to date with it. http://chicrosscup.com/

Permalink Reply by Blayne Greiner on June 1, 2010 at 12:56pm

Thanks! I think I am looking for some coaching / team training as I would really like to have it be both a fun activity and something that I could work at and improve upon.

So then xXx might be a good bet, eh?

Permalink Reply by J on June 7, 2010 at 7:53am

I would first go one a team ride or two... or at least try to chat up a current member. I don't know what the team's plans for for this year, but historically it has very excellent infrastructure for up and coming riders.

Blayne Greiner said:

Thanks! I think I am looking for some coaching / team training as I would really like to have it be both a fun activity and something that I could work at and improve upon.

So then xXx might be a good bet, eh?