How to Find Bike Races in Your Area

Bike races are fun and a great way to meet other riders. Use these easy steps to find races and events in your area.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bicycle Clothing
• Bicycle Gear Bags
• Bicycle Helmets
• Children's Bicycles

1. Talk to other riders you see on the trail or road, and ask if they know of any upcoming events.

2. Visit bike shops in your area and talk to the employees. Ask them if there are any races coming up in the near future. Bike shops will also know of any local BMX tracks and their race schedules. Visit more than one shop. Try visiting a shop rather than calling, as the person you talk to could be in the back working on bikes and not know about a flyer hanging in the front of the store.

3. Contact local cycling clubs - they often organize events or keep a schedule of them.

4. Read cycling magazines for event listings.

5. Search online using USA Cycling's web page and other search engines, such as Google, Yahoo!, or MSN. Use keywords like "bike racing" and your city or state.

6. Organize your own race if you can't find one any other way. The whole sport of mountain biking started with a group of friends racing down a mountain in Northern California. Who knows what you could start.

Tips & Warnings

• USA Cycling is the major governing body of cycling events in the US, covering mountain bike racing through NORBA, road cycling and cyclocross racing through the USCF, and BMX racing through the NBL. Most but not all local races go through USA Cycling.
• Most of the major national magazines don't list local events, but "Dirt Rag" lists many mountain bike events; "Velo News" and "USA Cycling Magazine" list many road and off-road events; and "BMX Today" lists BMX races.
• It's best not to enter events that you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with.
• Always ride safely and wear a helmet.
• Cycling is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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