New Rider Information

Interested in joining or have some questions about the UC Davis cycling team? This is page is a good place to start, but you can also find us at...

  • The Bike Barn on campus at 3:15 every weekday during fall quarter. This no-drop 20 mile ride, which takes you out to Dixon and back, is designed to help you build confidence riding in a pack, improve your bike handling skills and meet others who share your cycling obsession. All you need is a bike, helmet, and shoes.
  • 66 Roessler Hall every Tuesday at 7:30 for weekly team meetings. Here you can learn more about the team, meet with the coaches, get information about upcoming races and events, as well as other benefits offered to team members
  • Facebook. Go like our page because well, it's AWESOME!
  • Google. This group works as the teams mailing list. Here we post information pertaining to the team as well as plan rides and carpooling to races.

General riding advice

  • Wear a helmet. Plain and simple, it saves lives. Whether your going to the campus, going to the store, or going on a 200 mile bike ride (Davis Double anyone?) on the country roads, a helmet is an easy decision that makes a big difference.
  • Follow all traffic signs, signals, and laws. Pretty self explanatory, you’re out there with cars on the road, be safe and ride in accordance with all traffic laws. That includes Not Crossing The Yellow Line.
  • Bring food and water. When going on a ride, especially in Davis where it can get hot, water and food are a must. And, unlike running, where you’re susceptible to the trots, there’s very low GI upset, when going for slow-to-moderate paced bike rides, so you can eat and still feel good.
  • Bring a map and a phone. You might be riding with someone who knows the route, but it’s always a good idea to be self sufficient just in case. It goes for food and water, and it goes for knowing where you are as well. A phone can be important for those mechanicals that can’t be fixed on the road.
  • Bring gear to change a flat. Flats suck. Not being able to do anything about it sucks more. Head down to any of the local bike shops and they can direct you in what you need.
  • Take care of your bike. Having a properly functioning bike is a good first step to avoiding problems that might arise while on the road.

Riding with the team

During the fall come ride with the club weekdays at 3:15pm at the Bike Barn. All you need is a functional bike and helmet. We ride the Dixon loop at an easy pace and focus on group riding skills, and it’s a great opportunity to meet other people who share your cycling obsession.

During Spring Quarter the Team beings Race Rides which leave from the bike barn on Tuesday sat 3:15. They are split into two groups, a B’s ride (fast) and A’s ride (faster). These rides are fast and designed to simulate a real race with 3 intermediate sprints. While there is no “regrouping” the ride does slow after each of the sprints. The ride will start out doing the Race Loop (see the routes page) and will then begin to add the Solano Loop as daylight allows.

For other rides going on, be sure to check the listserv. Most groups rides are posted there with a couple days notice. Also, be sure to check out the local rides posted on the Routes page.

We’re lucky to have the professional coaching help of Judd Van Sickle, who provides detailed training plans for those who pay team dues. Training can be done on your own when your schedule permits, and group rides are also sent out on the mailing list.

Racing

We compete in the Western Collegiate Cycling Conference (WCCC) against other collegiate club teams. There is racing all year long in different disciplines (yes, we mountain bike!), and you can find current and past race information at www.wccc-info.com. Racing takes place on the weekends, when we all escape from our school lives and head off to the local race venue of a given school.