Getting Started / Joining the Team
Duke cycling supports cycling enthusiasts and racers alike. We like bikes; since you’re here, you probably like bikes. So here’s how to get started:
1) Join the email list
Most club communication happens on the bike email list. The email is a great tool to organize rides & workouts, sell bike equipment, order discounted equipment, and coordinate upcoming races. Here are step-by-step instructions (with pictures!) on how to join the email list:
2) Pay Dues
General membership in the cycling club costs $50/year. More info to come on the perks…
Racing membership costs $150/year. More info to come on the perks…
3) Fill out Waivers
All team members must fill out code of conduct and waiver forms. In a nutshell, you must acknowledge that cycling comes with some risks for which Duke is not responsible. Riding on roads can be hazardous and requires attention to your surroundings at all times. Also we don’t condone EPO use — definite no-no. Please be classy since you represent yourself, your team, and Duke.
You must fill out these forms before participating in Duke Cycling activities, rides, races, etc. You can print them out, fill in the blanks, and return them to Davis Graham or the Club Sports office in Wilson Gym. You can also pick up these forms in Wilson Gym if you so desire.
4) Register with USA Cycling
There are 2 different memberships available: USA Cycling, and Collegiate. Collegiate is cheaper, but doesn’t grant you access to non-collegiate racing. If you have an interest in racing long-term and outside of just the spring season, you should consider a USA cycling license. More info to come on how to register, but for now start at http://usacycling.org/ and register for an account.
5) Train with the Team
We’re all here because we love riding our bikes. Yes, sometimes it can be painful & exhausting, but most of the time it’s a rush to get outside and ride around town. Regardless, it’s always better if you ride with other people.
We’re in the process of setting up weekly indoor trainer workouts. We’ve also got organized weekly rides on the weekends, and lots of people set up their own rides on the email list during the week. Check out some rides and see what level you’d like to train at: Rides
If you’re a general member and want to take your riding to the next level, you may want to think about joining the racing team. Since weekly workouts written by head coach Rob Ferris are part of a long-term competitive fitness plan, this can be a great way to progress in the sport of cycling.
6) Buy team apparel & get awesome discounts
Racing team members get significant discounts on team apparel. Several times during the course of the year, we place volume orders for jerseys, jackets, skinsuits, windvests, and more from Hincapie Apparel.
Many more deals are available through our equipment sponsor ParCycles. Check with Davis Graham for more details on how to get these deals (davis.graham@duke.edu).
7) RACE!
Races are a RUSH! They’re a test of both your cycling endurance and strategy. The racing tactics and group riding dynamics involved in bike racing make this a very unique sport. Now that you’ve put in lots of hours on the road training with your friends and teammates, it’s time to put your skills to the test and have fun racing!
Currently the 2010-2011 collegiate season is over. There are also lots of USA cycling races over the summer that are not collegiate-affiliated year-round. Email Matt (mtr4@duke.edu), Kaleb (kaleb.naegeli@duke.edu), Rob (robert.ferris@duke.edu), or Davis (davis.graham@duke.edu) for more info.