Cal Poly Wheelmen

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Who can compete?

Races are for everyone to compete in! There are three basic categories - A, B, and C. A category racers are professionals and extremely fit and capable racers. Bs work very hard, but are limited in expertise or time to train, and Cs range from out-of-shape veterans to complete newbs on Costco bikes. Collegiate racing is designed to span the entire breadth of the competitive cycling world, and have fun doing it. People race to get out, to have a road trip, to test themselves, or for the sake of competing. One of the best trips of my life wasn't to Hawaii or Europe, it was a road trip to Boggs Mountain for Mountain Conference, and I'll never forget it.

I'm not too fit or experienced, can I race?

If you claim not to be fit you'll fit in with every other Cs racer. As long as you feel comfortable pushing yourself physically on a trail for at least 9-13 miles, I would always recommend that you race for the camaraderie and the road trip, as well as the experience of riding somewhere far from home.

What's the best way to get fast?

Step 1: If you are new and asking this, just get on your bike and ride! It's fun to get outside and exercise, and the more often you do that the faster you get!

Step 2: Ride with people who are faster than you. Riding with the semi-pros and pros on our team, riding with the Cat 1s, 2s, and 3s is what will make you faster! Better riders expect more from the people they ride with and can lead by example, offer advice. Also, the Wheelmen are the best because all our old riders love helping new riders and we do not drop anyone on our rides, no matter how slow you are!

Step 3: Make cycling a lifestyle. Commute to school on bike. Ride road and mountain. Ride BMX, track, trials, triathalon. Go touring, go downhilling, go ride anything. Eat right, ride regularly. Learn about bikes, how they work. Learn about bodies and how they work. Learn how to get the most out of both and fix them when they break or hurt.

If its racing as a team and I suck, will it hurt the team?

If you do poorly, it will still help the team! Only the top three riders from each team in each category score points, but each additional rider from that team serves to displace the other teams' riders, making the opposition score less.

How much are races?

The races are free when the team pays for them. The team may choose to pay for a race or not, based on the budget and the strategy for winning conference or qualifying for nationals. The team, as I feel, pays for races for two reasons: to lighten the load on veterans who race every possible weekend and score lots of points for the team, and because every rider has to start somewhere, and one of the best ways to help people start is to pay for their races.

Do I need to buy a jersey?

You do need something that says Cal Poly SLO on it. White t-shirt and sharpie are okay, but older riders are more than happy to lend jerseys out to those in need. I personally bring 2-3 jerseys to races now that I have a ton of cycling clothing. So to answer your question, no need, but everyone wants one! At member prices, our custom jerseys we design every year are also less expensive than at a local bike store!

What's the deal with licenses?

As for licenses, all riders that race must have Collegiate licenses (different than NORBA or USCF) or they cannot race. If you race Bs or Cs, you can buy a one day ($10) at the race, or one that will carry for the rest of the year (Jan to Dec) at usacycling.org. An annual license ($30) will pay for itself in just two weekends of racing. If you race As you must have a year long license.

The relatively new Collegiate licenses are required to race for the Wheelmen. They are 30 dollars standing alone, but are inexpensive to add on to a standard NORBA or USCF license at the time of purchase. Having simply a NORBA or USCF license is NOT enough, and it costs $15 to add the collegiate license later.

If you hope to race for the remainder of the year, consider buying one, if not, remember this so you can get a license in January to cover you for the whole calendar year.

FOR PEOPLE WITH LICENSES
Goto: www.usacycling.org
At the top left click on "My USA Cycling (login)"
Login, and under license information hit "Purchase New License"

FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT LICENSES
Goto: www.usacycling.org
At the left click on "How to Join USA Cycling" - and follow the instructions.

What do I bring to a race weekend?

The following is a list of many items you should consider bringing to a race. While you may not need all items listed, it is always helpful to have a checklist.

Shoes
Helmet
ID (COLLEGIATE License, Driver’s License and School ID)
Jersey, Shorts, Socks
Arm Warmers, Knee Warmers, Base Layer
CASH - Gas Money, Food Money, Race Fees
Spare Tubes, tire levers, pump/CO2, multi tool, extra pieces of tire to boot a torn tire sidewall.
WATER!!! Always fill your bottles or hydration pack prior to the race. (not all race venues will have drinkable water). Bring enough to take care of yourself for the whole weekend. Bring your own water to Parkfield, or you’ll be sorry….
Bike or Bikes
Rags to rub down your favorite wheelmen alumni … I mean bike - drivetrains must be kept clean in inclement weather to run well.
Sunscreen (not only will it protect your body from harmful UV rays, but it will also keep your body temperature cooler)
Camera and batteries.
Mini First Aid Kit/ Antiseptic/ Tecnu (not that I’ve ever raced in Poison Oak, but you never know...)
Extra parts/pumps/accessories specific to your bike that would be hard to come by in a pinch. (I.e. Shock pumps, extra disk brake pads, etc.)
Chain Lube, Grease, Degreaser, Rags
Downhill pads/ body armor/ pants, etc.
Sports drink supplement if you'd like.
Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Blanket, Pillow.
Extra food for breakfast (instant oatmeal), lunch, and Saturday night dinner
Toothbrush, toiletries, etc. (Probably a good idea to bring your own T.P.)
Towels for showers
Sleeping Clothes
Granola Bars, Cliff Bars, Gu’s, Hammer Gel, Tums (helps relieve cramps when you race)
Tent, garden shed, portable house, upside down paper bag, or anything you can sleep in.
Flashlights, lanterns, headlamp or anything you have that makes light
Any cooking items, knives, forks, spoons, bowls, stove (Don’t bring your fine china!!)
Cooler to keep your foods and cold beverages chilled.
Kitchen sink (cuz you brought everything else!)