Pacific Northwest - I want to join a team, I have a question...

I've been riding for about two years now and I knew after the first week on my bike that this was going to be a lifelong thing for me. I'm at the point now where I want to join a team. I searched a few teams and have been doing some research. My question is; can anybody join a team? I spent a few hours looking at the Cucina Fresca Team homepage and was checking out the many pictures and noticed people of all ages. Men, women, young, grey haired, etc. I emailed them and asked the same question but haven't heard from them yet. I probably won't dabble into racing until 2010 but I would LOVE to spend 2009 training with a team.

Any insight would be appreciated.

It would depend on the level of the team. I would recommend you find a bike club that tends to focus on racing. Join them and do group rides with them. You will get a feel for the speed of a race, have people to teach you and you will then have a team to join when you are ready.

Check out WSBA's site => http://www.wsbaracing.com

Also check out USA cycling's search (http://usacycling.org) for teams too. Since race season has not started but teams are getting reading and fine tuning, its still a good time to contact the respective representatives for more info. At the end of the season from Sep thru Nov there are Meet the Teams rides starting at Leschi at 9am. You can hang out there now and find many teams start or ride by. Just be sure you mention you'd like to talk with their cat 4/5 rep and go for a ride to see if you'd like to join.

You don't necessarily have to be on a team to race.
Try the Pacific Raceways or Seward Park weekly races. See the WSBAracing website.

Good advice. Also keep in mind that most of the racing clubs in the Seattle area set their roster in the fall (end of the season) because this is when they're ordering clothing for the next year. It might be tough to join a club at other times of the year because many dont order extra clothing.

In the fall of each season WSBA encourages clubs to have "meet the team" rides, where prospective members can come out and ride with the team. Most clubs don't restrict who can join (with the exception of elite/pro teams, which are relatively uncommon). Sign up for the WSBA email listserve later this year and keep your eyes out for the "meet the team" rides in the fall.

Good luck and have fun.

Thank you for all of the advice. I'll wait until the "Meet the team" rides this fall.

I wouldn't wait until a meet the team ride in the fall. That's a long way off. Just grab a weekend ride with a few local teams. If they aren't accommodating to new riders, then do you want to be on the team anyway? something to think about.

effsizzle:

check out this 'meet the team' ride by cascade/cycle-u =>

http://cascade.org/EandR/Activities_Calendar_RDetail.cfm?eventID=11679

its this coming saturday at 9am at leschi. details at the link above. hope that helps...

Man, you guys have been great. Thanks again for the advice!!!