Q: I like to ride my bike. Am I good enough to be on the team?
Yes! The DCT welcomes all levels of riders. Collegiate racing offers categories for all experience and ability levels, and even if you aren’t interested in racing, we’d love to have you join us for rides around the Upper Valley! For example, Friday Café Rides are accessible for all at an easy pace (road bikes strongly encouraged), and run regularly during the warmer months.
Q: Do I need a bike to join?
Yes, having a road bike is a necessary requirement for riding with the team. But, if you don’t have a bike, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! At this time, the DCT does not have any team bikes to loan out to new riders, but we’re hoping to expand this opportunity in the coming years, and if you would like help with finding an appropriate and affordable bike, we’re happy to help!
Q: I’m ready! How do I sign up for the team?
Before you ride with the Dartmouth Cycling Team, you’ll need to fill out the participation waiver on Engage! Then, be sure to join our list-serv and GroupMe to receive team communications and get information on daily rides. If you’d like to race with the team, you’ll want to look into joining our “sponsored riders list.” Sponsored riders commit to racing with the team and also volunteering at our hosted race, and in becoming more involved get access to team uniforms, sponsor discounts on the best cycling equipment, and a host of other perks.
Q: How do I get in touch with the Dartmouth Cycling community? What is this List-serv?
If you’d like to get in touch with the entire community, join our GroupMe and the Cycling List-Serv. To subscribe to the List-Serv, send an email to listserv@dartmouth.edu with the message contents:
SUB CYCLING ‘Your Name’
Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to be kept up to date on rides and team events!
Q: Are there team practices? How should I train?
The team has indoor spin practices this winter. The practice schedule is available under “Join Us!”. Most members of the team follow individual training programs, but join up to go out on group training rides organized through the list-serv or groupme. If you are interested in learning how you can train more effectively, talk to anyone on the team who has been racing for a couple of years. Any of us will be happy to point you in the right direction; furthermore, sponsored riders get access to training plans from Bell Lap Coaching.
Q: What is racing like? How often does it happen? How do I sign up?
The best part about riding your bike is racing it! Road races happen every weekend mid-March through May. For the complete calendar, go to the ECCC website. To race with us you need to be a “sponsored rider” which means you’ll have paid some amount of dues. That will get you access to all races that include transportation, lodging, and race fees. The team also has a somewhat smaller, but no less enthusiastic, presence at MTB and Cyclocross races during the fall.
Q: Where do you store your equipment?
Most people keep their bike in their dorm room. This is your best option, although some dorms do have hooks in the basement or you can lock your bike to a pipe. If you’d like, the housing office will set up a bike rack for you in your room for a small charge plus a $50 deposit. Contact them when you get to campus.
Q: What will the team pay for? How do I get team discounts?
As a club sport, the cycling team is entitled to some funds, but not limitless ones. We have a great group of sponsors and alumni supporters who allow us to provide free transportation, lodging, and race fees to all of the road races in the spring. Riders are responsible for paying food costs while on the road. The team does have a number of sponsorship deals and discounts. To be eligible, you must pay dues.
Q: Does the club have rollers, bike tools, stands, travel boxes etc. or should I bring all of my gear with me to campus?
Yes!!! Within the past year we have reached out to some sponsors and have received gear and equipment sponsorship from the likes of Specialized, Stages, Skratch, and more! The team has a limited amount of gear available for team members to use, so if you want access, be sure to come to as many practices as possible as that shows interest and a desire to race!