Southern California - Choosing a team/club

If I have no plans to race (this year, anyway. For now.), and the only club rides I'd do are things like Food Park or Como street, should I just pick a club based on kit?

Which ever one has a kit that matches your new bike.:D

Volt unclear if you are actually looking for a riding club or have your mind settled on Como or food park.

A number of clubs have decent kits - check out BCI, OCRR (old kits ugly - new kits sharp!), Santiago, OCW/Paramount. All of these clubs have a fast riding group not much different then Como or Food Park. I really like the new OCRR kits and BCI's is fairly decent as well (the "summer" print - I'm not so much enamored with the original kit).

If you are looking for a fast, crazy group to ride with - try BCI once summer gets here. The Tuesday/Thurs rides are definitely a challenge!!!

If I have no plans to race (this year, anyway. For now.), and the only club rides I'd do are things like Food Park or Como street, should I just pick a club based on kit?
I'd do some of the rides like Como, Food Park, Coffee Crew, etc., and meet some of the guys from the different clubs/teams. Different clubs/teams have different vibes, and some draw different crowds than others. If you think you might be interested in racing down the road, I'd consider the clubs that have racing teams. Also, like Tak mentioned, if you're thinking of joining Cycles Veloce, do it now, there's only a couple of days left to get clothing orders in (kinda goes against getting a feel for the different clubs). Also, if you're curious about racing, Eldo starts up the first Tuesday in March, it's a very low key way to test the water.

I'd do some of the rides like Como, Food Park, Coffee Crew, etc., and meet some of the guys from the different clubs/teams. Different clubs/teams have different vibes, and some draw different crowds than others. If you think you might be interested in racing down the road, I'd consider the clubs that have racing teams. Also, like Tak mentioned, if you're thinking of joining Cycles Veloce, do it now, there's only a couple of days left to get clothing orders in (kinda goes against getting a feel for the different clubs). Also, if you're curious about racing, Eldo starts up the first Tuesday in March, it's a very low key way to test the water.

Sadly, I must admit that this is a big reason I'm asking now. :lol:

Sadly, I must admit that this is a big reason I'm asking now. :lol:
Go for it:D Cycles Veloce has one of the best looking kits, and you have to be invited to join the ones that lhave better looking ones. I do agree with Pam, that the new OCRR kits look pretty good, but if you have an interest in racing, I'd join a club that shows up at the races.

If you don't plan on doing club rides or racing, why bother joining a club? As a freelancer, you can wear any kit you like, from any place on earth. The only reason I can see for you is if you really like a club's kit and they won't sell to non-members.

Go for it:D Cycles Veloce has one of the best looking kits, and you have to be invited to join the ones that lhave better looking ones. I do agree with Pam, that the new OCRR kits look pretty good, but if you have an interest in racing, I'd join a club that shows up at the races.

The other club I was looking at was VeloSport. I'm only looking into clubs for potential racing, so didn't consider BCI or OCRR. Our BF group is fun enough for me as far as social group riding goes.

Thanks again for the info.

If you don't plan on doing club rides or racing, why bother joining a club? As a freelancer, you can wear any kit you like, from any place on earth. The only reason I can see for you is if you really like a club's kit and they won't sell to non-members.

I'd feel like a goober wearing a local kit while not being on the team in a ride where members of that team are riding. Of course, I should ask myself why I want a kit anyway.

I'd feel like a goober wearing a local kit while not being on the team in a ride where members of that team are riding. Of course, I should ask myself why I want a kit anyway.
AFP/Velosport was one of the other teams I was going to suggest. They have a really good reimbursement deal, I was told they reimburse all race and even fun ride/century registration fees. They also have a great team shop (Rock 'n Road) and they're sponsored by Specialized, the Cycles Velcoe kit still looks better though ;) . There's probably not that much difference between joining the two, if you're really looking for team deals and stuff, AFP probably has the advantage. Cycles Veloce started "kicking down" to me this season, after putting in about 30 races last season. "Of course, I should ask myself why I want a kit anyway" don't bother trying to figure this out:p

Then I was a major goober when I was a teen. I would train in kits from clubs I had formerly raced with, whether the club still existed or not, or in kits local riders just gave me when they didn't want them anymore. I think I sported threads from over 10 local clubs and 1 national team in my first 4 years of riding!

just for kicks:
Conejo Velo (only jersey a shop sold that fit my 12 year old @$$)
Rainbow Sports (leftovers when the team disbanded)
Cannondale National Team (neighbor used to race for them, gave me 2 kits)
Conejo Velo (different era, nice insulated long sleeve)
Warner Velo (I actually raced for them)
Warner Velo (new kit, but I still trained in the old one)
Gold Coast Velo (old design, so members gave them away)
Encino Velo (a team we tried to start but it didn't take *not current Encino Velo)
Lightning Velo (needed another jersey, this was $5 at a swapmeet)
Some other San Diego club (another $5 special)
Team Redlands (I raced for them)
Canyon Velo (I raced for them)
Wheel World (I worked for the shop)

AFP/Velosport was one of the other teams I was going to suggest. They have a really good reimbursement deal, I was told they reimburse all race and even fun ride/century registration fees. They also have a great team shop (Rock 'n Road) and they're sponsored by Specialized, the Cycles Velcoe kit still looks better though ;) . There's probably not that much difference between joining the two, if you're really looking for team deals and stuff, AFP probably has the advantage. Cycles Veloce started "kicking down" to me this season, after putting in about 30 races last season. "Of course, I should ask myself why I want a kit anyway" don't bother trying to figure this out:p

For centuries and other rides too? That could be a deal maker right there.

For centuries and other rides too? That could be a deal maker right there.
That's what I was "told". I would probably find out first hand, before joining on that premise.

That's what I was "told". I would probably find out first hand, before joining on that premise.

You mean go down to Rock 'n Road during lunch? And force myself to look at Tarmacs while I'm there?

:roflmao:

The other club I was looking at was VeloSport. I'm only looking into clubs for potential racing, so didn't consider BCI or OCRR. Our BF group is fun enough for me as far as social group riding goes.

Thanks again for the info.

I just want to clarify, not for you Volt , since your mind is made up but for everyone else looking... although there is a social aspect to both BCI and OCRR, there is also a fast group that would rival Velo, Como etc. No talking or chatting while hanging (if you can) with these guys. Like most clubs, especially very large ones like BCI and OCW, there are many different groups within the Club. A number of our members also race and do tri-ath. And if you are strictly in it for race - try Paramount - OCW's racing team.

Actually I would like to issue a challenge - for those of you who think you are ready - come out on a Sunday and try and hang with BCI's fast BLUE group. You will know who they are - they just look fast. They are doing a good one this coming Sunday:

41 miles, 1570’ climb - Newport Coast, Bayside, Irvine/Campus, Walnut. (That's NC from the "wuss" side, off Bonita Canyon)

I dig Paramount kits.

Hi Voltman,

There are a number of members in Lightning Velo (BTW, I'm the President this year) who live in OC. We have some members who race, including me, but we are not a major racing club (these days). We do ride and race reimbursements for target events (which we haven't chosen yet).

We generally have 4-8 guys racing at El Dorado Park in the Masters race. Once in a while we have a rider or two in the Cat 5 race. BTW, El Do may start in February this year.

We always pay for some or all of your entry for Cool Breeze but other ride reimbursements vary by year. We generally have 20-35 members show up for Cool Breeze.

Our club motto is "fast but friendly."



just for kicks:
Conejo Velo (only jersey a shop sold that fit my 12 year old @$$)
Rainbow Sports (leftovers when the team disbanded)
Cannondale National Team (neighbor used to race for them, gave me 2 kits)
Conejo Velo (different era, nice insulated long sleeve)
Warner Velo (I actually raced for them)
Warner Velo (new kit, but I still trained in the old one)
Gold Coast Velo (old design, so members gave them away)
Encino Velo (a team we tried to start but it didn't take *not current Encino Velo)
Lightning Velo (needed another jersey, this was $5 at a swapmeet)
Some other San Diego club (another $5 special)
Team Redlands (I raced for them)
Canyon Velo (I raced for them)
Wheel World (I worked for the shop)

Hi urbanknight,

I CAN'T BELIEVE that someone would sell our jersey at a swap meet. ;) However, I'm sure that you look great in pink and blue.

Thanks for all the input guys. I ended up at AFP/VeloSport. Fun/century rides ARE reimbursed. And I got fixed my bike fixed all at the same time. Already have my kit, too.

Thanks for all the input guys. I ended up at AFP/VeloSport. Fun/century rides ARE reimbursed. And I got fixed my bike fixed all at the same time. Already have my kit, too.

Does that mean you won't be wearing our BikeForums jersey any more?

Does that mean you won't be wearing our BikeForums jersey any more?

Sure I will. That's why I got the team bibs, too. :p

And I got fixed my bike fixed all at the same time.I bet they were able to fish it out and re-use it.

Thanks for all the input guys. I ended up at AFP/VeloSport. Fun/century rides ARE reimbursed. And I got fixed my bike fixed all at the same time. Already have my kit, too.
Damn, you're quick. Have fun with the new team, hopefully you'll come get your feet wet in the racing scene. Their reimbursement program is amazing, we get race fees reimbursed IF we place in the race. When are you getting the team bike? Now I see that this whole thing was an excuse to get a new Tarmac "now that I'm on the team, I gotta have the team bike" :p

I bet they were able to fish it out and re-use it.

Actually, he tossed it and put a different compressor unit in. Only one bolt to adjust headset tension now.

Damn, you're quick. Have fun with the new team, hopefully you'll come get your feet wet in the racing scene. Their reimbursement program is amazing, we get race fees reimbursed IF we place in the race. When are you getting the team bike? Now I see that this whole thing was an excuse to get a new Tarmac "now that I'm on the team, I gotta have the team bike" :p

Hey, I take my posing very seriously! :lol: The time trial series is pretty interesting. Same with El Dorado. We'll see what happens.

I did see a couple of cheap Allez Pro frames hanging on the wall as backups. I skipped the Tarmac and Roubaix section for fear of impulsiveness.

Hey, I take my posing very seriously! :lol: The time trial series is pretty interesting. Same with El Dorado. We'll see what happens.

I did see a couple of cheap Allez Pro frames hanging on the wall as backups. I skipped the Tarmac and Roubaix section for fear of impulsiveness.
Eldo is a great way to check it out, you can hang in the back and if you fall off the back, you just jump back on the next lap, it's cheap (only $8 with CBR license, $13 without). I've never done that much TT'ing, I've done the Santiago Canyon one a couple of times, it's a great, painful, puking good time ;) I can't believe you skipped the best section of the store.

i've always thought swami's had a great team kit.

Great thread Voltman! I too have been looking to join a club :beer:

BTW for anyone interested here are BCI's jerseys - there are also shorts to match - I'm partial to the summer design (red,black,white only)...

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/jersey-frnt-bk.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/summerjersey.jpg

That red/white one is sharp!

Hi urbanknight,

I CAN'T BELIEVE that someone would sell our jersey at a swap meet. ;) However, I'm sure that you look great in pink and blue.
I'm pretty sure mine was flourescent yellow, pink, and blue and was an outdated design. Did they ever have that color, or am I mistaking it with another club? I do remember them being pink, blue, and white when I raced. I also remember a cute blonde girl 2 years older than me racing on their team :D

That red/white one is sharp!

I agree I as never happy with the first design but just a few color changes and voila! Sharp jersey. Looks so much better on my fat body then the other one. :p

VeloSport might have another new member. ;) I don't have my jersey yet...waiting for them to get some small ones in.

I'm also on the AFP/VeloSport squad... and I'm also waiting on the small kits. It's taking forever, and I hope they get in before my first race =/

btw, BRANDY and VOLTMAN, AFP members get discounted tickets on this weeks UCI track World Championships. PM me for more details.

www.teamvelosport.com
for those looking to join a great club!!

I'm also on the AFP/VeloSport squad... and I'm also waiting on the small kits. It's taking forever, and I hope they get in before my first race =/

btw, BRANDY and VOLTMAN, AFP members get discounted tickets on this weeks UCI track World Championships. PM me for more details.

www.teamvelosport.com
for those looking to join a great club!!

Welcome to Bike Forums? When's your first race?

Have you tried on this year's kits yet? They seem big for their listed sizes.

Yup... I'm new to Bike Forums. Thanks for the welcome.

I'm hoping I can get into Dominguez Hills crit. If not I'll do Costa Mesa

I haven't tried the kits yet. I'm just waiting for the smalls to come in. Have you gotten yours?

Yup... I'm new to Bike Forums. Thanks for the welcome.

I'm hoping I can get into Dominguez Hills crit. If not I'll do Costa Mesa

I haven't tried the kits yet. I'm just waiting for the smalls to come in. Have you gotten yours?

I picked up a large jersey and medium bibs when I turned in my form yesterday. I haven't tried it with baselayers and everything yet, but the jersey feels a tad looser than the Champion race cut XL jersey. I'm almost thinking I need to go to a medium.

I picked up a large jersey and medium bibs when I turned in my form yesterday. I haven't tried it with baselayers and everything yet, but the jersey feels a tad looser than the Champion race cut XL jersey. I'm almost thinking I need to go to a medium.

Your arms won't fit in a medium V!

Yup... I'm new to Bike Forums. Thanks for the welcome.

I'm hoping I can get into Dominguez Hills crit. If not I'll do Costa Mesa

I haven't tried the kits yet. I'm just waiting for the smalls to come in. Have you gotten yours?

Welcome to BF. :) How long have you been with VeloSport?

I'm sure they will let you exchange it. Do you live by the Mission Viejo shop?

Welcome to BF. :) How long have you been with VeloSport?

THANKS! This is my first ACTUAL season with VeloSport, but I've been riding with the club since last year. They are a really good group of riders/people

I'm sure they will let you exchange it. Do you live by the Mission Viejo shop?

I work about ten minutes away from it. I've been there twice in two days. Bad sign. :lol: They would have let me try on the medium, but they were out, and they aren't sure when the stuff will trickle in.

THANKS! This is my first ACTUAL season with VeloSport, but I've been riding with the club since last year. They are a really good group of riders/people

Which rides do you do?

I work about ten minutes away from it. I've been there twice in two days. Bad sign. :lol:

Hello, my name is Oliver. They know my name! They know my name!

Which rides do you do?

my most recent ride with them was mission bay..... november? sometime around there.

my most recent ride with them was mission bay..... november? sometime around there.

So, you don't do any of the local training rides?

I'll occationally do the sunday rides like como street, or the one that comes out of the RNR shop. Weekday rides are somewhat difficult for my time-schedule

Do you do a lot of the rides with them?

I'll occationally do the sunday rides like como street, or the one that comes out of the RNR shop. Weekday rides are somewhat difficult for my time-schedule

Do you do a lot of the rides with them?

I haven't done any as of yet. I'd love to try como street or food park, but not sure that I can hang. I'm slow.

I haven't done any as of yet. I'd love to try como street or food park, but not sure that I can hang. I'm slow.

Yeah, she is.

some of us are riding some stages of the TDC. lmk if you want to go

some of us are riding some stages of the TDC. lmk if you want to go

Hmmm...tell me more.