How to Join a Cycling Team

Cycling is a great way to get exercise and be outdoors at the same time. Being part of a cycling team just makes rides more fun, since you can share the experience with new and old friends. Cycling teams are available in almost all areas of the country and usually have openings for both beginning and advanced cyclists.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Prepare Yourself and Look Locally

1. Evaluate your cycling skill level. Keep track of your cycling distances, times and speeds for at least a week. This will help you find a team suited to your abilities.
2. Look for cycling teams ion your local community. Contact proprietors of cycling shops and ask which local teams may be looking for another member.
3. Call your local YMCA to see whether there are any community cycling teams based there. Ask which of the teams are co-ed and which are limited to either men or women only.

Take Advantage of the USA Cycling Organization

4. Visit the USA Cycling Organization's website (see Resources below). The organization works to promote cycling in the United States, refers cyclists to international competitions on behalf of the country and sponsors cycling events across America.
5. Select the state you live in from the map of America to be taken to a list of USA Cycling Organization cycling clubs and teams in your state.
6. Scroll down the list to find teams in a city near you. Once there, click on either the name of the team or the "details" link.
7. Jot down the name and contact information for each local club that interests you.
8. Contact the teams you are interested in, and tell them what level of cyclist you are. Ask about practice times and fundraising commitments to be sure that your schedule meshes with the team's requirements.
9. Join the USA Cycling Organization to network with other cycling enthusiasts from around the country. Join online by clicking on the "membership" link. You will then fill out a license application with your name, address and phone number. Then select the type of license you want and indicate whether you will be joining a road bike team or a mountain bike team.
10. Meet with teams before you decide to join. Just as with all other social activities, you want to make sure that you get along with the people on your team before you make a commitment to them.

Tips & Warnings

• USA Cycling Organization charges a fee for yearly memberships.