Q: How do I join the yahoo group to get team updates?
A: Send an email to CSURamsCycling+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Team FAQ
Q: Do I have to try out or be selected to join the team?
A: Rams Cycling Team is open to any student or faculty member interested in joining. No prior racing experience is necessary, in fact some of our members have never raced before while others are semi professionals. Alumni and cyclists in the community may join the Friends of Rams Cycling.
Q: What if I am already on the CSU Triathlon Team?
A: CSU students whether you are a runner, swimmer or biker can be on more than one club sport team such as CSU Tri Club Team and the cycling team. We have an arrangement with the Tri team this year to help reduce costs for athletes interested in joining both clubs. Ask an officer of either club for details.
Q: I am already on a varsity CSU team such as Track & Field?
A: CSU students whether they are on the Track and Field or Softball or something else are still eligible to be a part of Rams Cycling.
Q: How much does it cost to join the team?
A: Any student - grad or undergrad can join! Stop by our meetings or email our officers to sign up.
Membership price:
- $150
Membership will get you:
- Super low prices on all team gear
- Sponsor discounts
- Free entry to our races, $50 value
- A Rams Cycling jersey
Q: Do I have to race to be on the team?
A: No, we have members who don't race at all and have fun at team meetings and on rides. If you aren't sure about racing, we would be glad to answer your questions, just email us or come to one of the meetings.
Q: Does the team have a storage place for my expensive bike?
A: The best place to keep you bike safe is in your dorm room. To save space consider investing in a bike rack that holds your bikes vertically. The team doesn't have a storage area for bikes. Be sure to bring a beater bike to get around town.
Q: Does the team give me a bike?
A: Because team members often ride for another team during the summer. Most collegiate team do not supply riders with bikes. We encourage you to join even if you don't have the newest bike. People sell good used bikes for cheap fairly often.
Q: What if I have never raced before?
A: No problem, many people that join the team are new to racing. We have a coach and plenty of experienced people that can help you out.
Q: Can Grad or Non traditional students join the team?
A: Yes, anyone taking classes at CSU can be a part of the team. In fact, each year we have a few students in their mid 30's racing for us.
Q: Can I get a jersey and other team clothing even if I don't race?
A: All team members can buy team clothing at prices below retail. RamsCycling.com/gear
Q: Does the team do anything besides race?
A: Yes! We hold regular meetings on Monday nights (RamsCycling.com/calendar), we invite guest speakers, and hold riders clinics. In addition we have a few parties throughout the year. We also host group rides all year long.
Racing & Rides FAQ
Q: What kind of racing does the team focus on?
A: Rams Cycling Team focuses on mountain bike racing in the fall and road racing in the spring. In the Fall there are about six mountain bike race weekends(dh, xc and short track). In the Spring there about eight race weekends within our conference (road, crit and tt). RamsCycling.com/calendar
Q: Who can race?
A: Anyone on the team with a functioning bike can race. If you don't have a bike, we'll help you find one! As spots on the team traveling to nationals are limited, a selection or the top "A" riders will be made during the season.
Q: Are there separate women's races?
A: Yes, women's races are held separate from men's. Men and women race on the same course with different times and distance for each category.
Q: What are the racing categories?
A: This year Collegiate racing categories will match up with USA Cycling categories a bit more rigidly than in years past. "A" category is for category 1-3 on the road and Pro/1/2 for mountain biking, "B" is for cat 3-4 in both disciplines, and "C" is for cat 5/beginner. Due to the new rules, you can no longer put yourself in the category of your choice, you have to race in the category equivalent to your USA Cycling license. If you don't have a USA Cycling license then you are automatically a Cat 5, and thus a 'C' in Collegiate racing. If you're USAC license says "cat 2" then you will race with the 'A' field, "cat 4" with the B's, and so on. Cat 3 road racers may chose to race either A's or B's. The upgrade process is the same as it is in USAC racing, and is explained here.
Q: What about track and cycle cross racing?
A:The Rams Cycling Team came home with two national championships and a silver medal in the team competition at Track Nationals this year. With the addition of a new velodrome in Boulder, this segment of the team will continue to grow. We also placed 3rd as a team at cyclocross nationals last year. There are no Collegiate cyclocross races in our conference at this time, but we have quite a few members who take the USAC 'cross season very seriously.
Q: Does the team hold regular rides?
A: Rides are usually announced at meetings or through our email list. They may also be posted at RamsCycling.com/calendar. As cycling is very much an individual sport, many of racers trains in smaller groups or two or three.
Q: Can I keep my own individual sponsor while on Rams Cycling Team?
A: Yes, can keep your individual sponsors if they do not conflict with team sponsors. For example, if you have a deal with Ford trucks and the team has a deal with Chevy, you will not be allowed to show anything related to Ford on team rides, events or at races. In the summer when you are not racing for CSU, you may do as you please.
Scholarships, Money to Race & Sponsorships FAQ
Q: Are scholarships available for being on the cycling team?
A: Yes, we have scholarships, click here for all the details! Details and an application will be posted as soon as they are ready at RamsCycling.com/scholarship. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL US ASKING WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE.
Q: What other funding is available for members of the cycling team?
A: At CSU, as with almost every collegiate cycling team in the US, cycling is a Club Sport, meaning we receive minimal funding from the school. CSU has a wide variety of options to help pay for school, to learn about the scholarships and financial aid available click here.
Q: Does the team pay to the cost of travel to races?
A: The team will help pay for a large part of the cost, including team vans and housing most of the time. Team members will be expected to pay for most races (~$20).
Q: What do team sponsors provide?
A: Sponsor provide equipment, food and money to help the team performs at its best. Special deals are available to team members, that information will be provided once you join the team.
Miscellaneous
Q: I've graduated from CSU, can I be involved?
A: Yes! We have created the Friends of Rams Cycling just for you.
Q: I still have more questions, who should I talk to?
A: Contact the officers and other important people, click here.
Q: What other schools have cycling teams?
A: Check out this map, which has every USAC-registered collegiate cycling team on it.