Fall Updates

We wanted to pass along some plans that the leadership team has put together.
The bad news:

1.) Unfortunately, we had to cancel the mountain bike season and Labor Day retreat. We couldn’t, in good conscience, organize a season that has us traveling and congregating across the southwest.

2.) Cyclocross is still very much up in the air. We probably won’t host a race open to the public this season.

3.) For now, we’ll pause weekly team group rides. We’d like to wait and see how the first couple of weeks play out.

Ok, now the better news:
1.) All dues-paying members ($40) will get a custom team mask and water bottle.
2.) The team meeting/coffee ride will be outdoors (park TBD and weather dependent). Being outside will give us space to spread out a bit, but we’ll ask you to bring a mask. Since we won’t be racing this semester, the team will provide and distribute doughnuts/empanadas- you’ll have to bring any coffee or tea.
3.) We’ll utilize Segment Cup for some friendly weekly competition:
https://www.segmentcup.com/
The website allows us to select ten segments with points awarded for the fastest times. We’ll run this for road and MTB. Winners will receive swag from our sponsors. It does require a Strava premium account ($60/year), but since we won’t collect race dues for this semester, it is a reasonably even swap. Plus, you’ll get access to the new mapping tool, which is incredibly useful when riding in new areas.
4.) We’ll have a “most improved rider” series using A Mountain. It’ll be a five-event series spaced out every two weeks. The first event will establish your base time, and then subsequent weeks will award points based on who improved the most (prizes for the fastest ride of the week as well). We’ll collect times using the Strava segment. I’ll have more details later.
5.) We’ll have scavenger hunts. An experienced rider on the team will select an object/area to take a photo at and then post clues. The first rider to post the photo wins the prize.
6.) Later in the fall, we’re looking at holding a small cyclocross omnium consisting of track and field events:
-Fastest lap
-Sandy hill climb (like a long jump)
-Bunny hop (like a high jump)
-Match sprint
-Relay

7.) We may hold small weekly non-contact skills rides with masks/buffs a few weeks into the semester.

Finally, a note on group rides.
We strongly recommend keeping it small and forming a riding group of 3-4 you trust. If you are a new member, we’ll try to facilitate this. Again, we’d like to see how the first few weeks of the semester plays out.

Additional guidelines for rides can be found here:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/usac-craft-uploads-production/documents/COVID-19-Event-Resources/Group_Ride_Recommendations_061220.pdf

Of course, this is all subject to change based on caseload, public health guidelines, and UA policies.

Tips for Incoming Freshmen

First, we’re super excited to meet all the new members joining in the fall! Mountain, CX, BMX, Track, or Road- you’ll find a home on the Arizona Cycling Team!

We wanted to share some common questions that we see:
1.) Where do I keep my bike on campus?
A: Unfortunately, the university doesn’t allow bikes to be stored in the dorms. It’s a real hassle and something we’ve been working on for a while. However, the best bet is to reserve a bike locker through Parking and Transportation or one through the Rec Center:
https://parking.arizona.edu/bicycle/lockers-enclosures/

You should be able to find one close to your dorm. These are fiberglass cases anchored to concrete pads with a unique lock. There is enough space in one to store a bike, a pump, and some tools. To date, PTS has never had a bike stolen from a locker.
2.) How do I join?
A: We’ll have our first meeting on Thursday, 8/27, at 6 PM. The location is TBD. We’ll review how the team operates, how collegiate racing works, and so on. You can pay dues ($40 for general membership + an additional $60 if you want to race) via Venmo, PayPal, cash, or check.
3.) What are race fees?
A: We have two types of memberships: general and racing. General membership ($40) gets you access to all our sweet sponsors, kit orders, a team bottle, etc.
If you want to race with us, you’ll pay an additional $60 for each semester you want to race. In turn, we’ll cover all the entry fees, lodging, and gas associated with the collegiate races in that semester (fall = MTB and CX; spring = road). Each semester has eight race weekends. On average, you’d spend $60 on one weekend of racing if you paid it out of pocket- the fees pay for themselves very quickly.
4.) Do you have any kits in stock?
A: Maybe. We don’t keep a large inventory on hand, but you can e-mail us and ask. We do a new order in September.
5.) How do the categories work?
A: Collegiate cycling is slightly different than the USA Cycling categories. Roughly:
A = Pro, 1, 2, or 3 for the road and CX; Pro/1 for mountain
B = 3 or 4 for road and CX; 2 for mountain
C = 4 or 5 for road and CX; 3 for mountain. You can move up the categories based on the points you earn at finishes. You can also use your USAC category to earn upgrades as well:
https://www.usacycling.org/about-us/governance/policy-viii
6.) Do I need a USA Cycling license?
A: If you plan on racing, yes! You’ll purchase the collegiate racing license, and that will also give you a free domestic license (needed to race non-collegiate events):
7.) What if I’ve never raced?
A: That’s ok! You don’t have to race to be a member of our team, although we do encourage everyone to try it once.
You can read more about the team on the “About the Team” page and contact us (uacyclingclub(at)gmail.com) if you have other questions or let us know you’re heading to UA!

Season Suspended

While the team was on track to have another stellar season, COVID-19 came in like a wrecking ball. Last week, UA shifted all classes online and UA Rec Sports canceled all club sports activities (racing, travel, training, etc) until the end of the semester. USA Cycling has pulled event permits through early May. We’re doing our part to flatten the curve by staying home and riding solo when we do go out.

What about nationals?
Well, there are more pressing things to deal with right now than bike races. However, we hope things calm down in May and USA Cycling can get the event rescheduled later in the summer. For now, we’re focused on adapting to our new online classes, eating well, and riding solo (or with roommates we’re stuck with!)

I’m an incoming freshman…
Don’t worry! We’ll be here for you in the fall and ready to rip! You can find direction to join the e-mail list and social media pages on the About the Team page.

Stay healthy!

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