Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I join the yahoo group to get team updates?
A: Send an email to Ramscycling-subscribe@yahoogroups.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.
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:
- $100
Membership will get you:
- Super low prices on all team gear
- Sponsor discounts
- Free entry to our races, $50 value * free gear from sponsors and much more
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 (~$170) 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.
Q: Does the team have any place to hangout on campus?
A: Visit our office cubicle located in the lower level of the Lory Student Center. We have a computer with internet. Go to the Info Too desk at the bottom of the main stairwell to find it. We are in office N17.
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 five mountain bike race weekends(dh, xc and short track). In the Spring there about five 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: Racing is similar to USCF/NORBA in that racing is broken into to categories. "A" category is for cat 1-3, pro/semi pro, "B" is for cat 3-4, sport expert, "C" is for cat 5/beginner. You can put yourself into a category of your choosing, no points are needed for an upgrade.
Q: What about track and cycle cross racing?
A: Rams Cycling Team doesn't attend any of these competitions as a team. Track racing is not very strong in the Rocky Mountain Region. Members of our team have traveled to cycle cross nationals on there own in the past.
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 racing non collegiately, 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. Team members will be expected to pay for most races (~$20) and $20 to $35 for travel.
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: What other schools have cycling teams?
A: Visit our links page for a full list of schools in our conference and teams across the country.
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.