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So you think you want to race? Part 3: Han Solo or Attack of the Clones
Reprinted from http://www.gamjams.net Watch for weekly installemnts of this interesting and informative series.
by David Kirkpatrick, NCVC
One of the decisions that you’ll approach between your first group ride and first race is whether to join a team or not. Teams are the basic building blocks of cycling, as they host the majority of races. No teams equals no races, so if for that reason alone, teams are an indispensable part of the cycling landscape.
Through watching the Tour on TV, you’re probably aware that cycling is a team sport. The team will enter a race with a pre-determined strategy of creating their most favorable outcome (generally a win) and then spend the race executing tactics to secure that goal. Unfortunately, as a new racer you are a pretty long way from experiencing this. Although there have been some good instances of quality teamwork in the lower categories this year, it’s definitely the exception rather than the rule.
So if you’re such a long way from effectively racing as a team, why join one? There are a bunch of benefits to joining a team. For one thing, you’ll meet a lot of people who are enthusiastic cyclists. Many of them will be quite knowledgeable and can help you along the path to becoming a better racer. Most teams will have some sort of organized group ride, which offers a friendly environment to improve your pack riding skills and can relieve the boredom of those long, cold winter rides. Some clubs offer skills clinics, at which experienced members of the team offer practical training in various aspects of riding and racing.
Another benefit of a team are the sponsors. Let’s face it, you’re going to be dropping at least some coin on your bike and a team with good sponsors is going to offer you significant discounts on good equipment. Many clubs also do some sort of race fee reimbursement, where a portion of your race entry fees are reimbursed to you in return for your having represented the team at so many races. Between these two benefits, your membership dues should more than pay for themselves.
Joining a team can be a risk, too. Make sure to meet some of the people on the team and get a sense of the team’s general demeanor before you join. Is it a pack of animals on a mission to crush their rivals? That’s great if that’s what you’re looking for. Many clubs are inclusive and focused on bringing people into the sport, which riders with aggressive goals may find frustrating. You’re likely to spend a lot of time with your team mates throughout the year, so it pays to have something in common with them.
