Western Canada - Racing In Edmonton
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
trustnoone
08-17-08, 01:30 AM
Good Day,
I am 35, and have been a cyclist for many years but have never raced. Do I need to be a part of a club, or can I just get an ABA licence and race as an independent?
I am interested in clubs too, but my work keeps me bouncing around allot, so I don't really know if a club would be right for me, or visa versa.
I would also like to race both road and mountain. Are there race skills courses available in Edmonton?
Thanks,
Enthalpic
08-20-08, 01:34 PM
You can race as an independent, all you need is the license.
However, to do the Tuesday night interclub training races you must be a member of one of the larger clubs (United, Juventus, ERTC, Pedalhead, etc).
I don't know of any race prep courses.
Pig_Chaser
08-22-08, 09:36 AM
Oh hey... i turned this up quite by accident: Edmonton Road and Track Club (http://www.ertc.org/index.html). This is most certainly not any sort of endorsment for the Edmonton Road and Track Club as i'm not a member and was not even aware of it's existance prior to stumbling across thier website. But it may help you out.
trustnoone
08-24-08, 11:24 AM
Thanks!
edbikebabe
08-25-08, 12:32 PM
There are lots of clubs in Edmonton - check out the ABA website albertabicycle.ab.ca and you can see a complete list of clubs.
For MTB - they often have "learn to race" kinda thingys the day before races. I know United sponsored races usually have a pre-ride & "race tip" thing for around $10. Provincials were yesterday, so the season is over, but once again, check out the ABA race listing and you can find event specific details...
For Road - I took a really good 3 hour drafting/handling/cornering type course from the ABA a couple years ago. Not sure if they still offer them, but if they do, they'll be held early in the season (May/June).
While it isn't required, many of your fellow racers would probably be happier if you had some pack riding experience prior to road racing. For MTB - it really isn't a big deal
Oh yeah - and for MTB races, if you are a general member ($35ish) with the ABA, you can do two MTB races per season without the $135 ABA license. Only good for mountain though, to road race you need to pony up for the full on license.
trustnoone
08-28-08, 11:27 PM
Thanks again. That helps out alot.
Cheers,