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What is USCF license?

USCF (United States Cycling Federation) is the governing body that oversees and sanctions bicycle races in this area. You must purchase a license to participate in any USCF sanctioned race. A one-day license may be purchased at the race or an annual licence may be purchased and is good for the calendar year. A one-day license costs $10 and and annual license costs $60. You can purchase licenses at WWW.USACYCLING.ORG

Who do I race against in the USCF sanctioned race?

Racers are first divided up by age into three groups: Juniors, Seniors, and Masters. Juniors are under 18, Masters are typically 40+ and Seniors are anywhere in between. Seniors and Masters are then placed in a category (1 through 5). A new racer begins in Category 5 (also called Citizens) and tries to move up through the ranks to Category 1. One-day license holders race with Category 5 racers. Usually there is one Masters category and it is for those who are 40+. Racers who qualify to race in the Masters also have a category ranking just like Seniors. They have the choice though of racing in the category race that they are assigned to or racing in the appropriate Masters race. Or if they are a glutton for punishment, there is no rule stating that they can't participate in both their category race and the Masters race for which they qualify. Do I have to have a license to be on the team? No. But you will have to purchase one-day licenses at the races if you don't purchase an annual license. Most racers on the team have annual licenses because if you participate in enough races, an annual license will be more cost efficient. Also, if you don't purchase an annual license, you won't be able to move out of Category 5. How do I move out of Category 5? Moving out of Cat 5 into Cat 4 is simple. All you have to do is purchase an annual license and do some races. These races must be mass start races like a road race or a criterium. To move from Cat 4 to Cat 3 you need to be having success in your Cat 4 races. There are specific qualifications you have to meet that are described in detail in the USCF Rulebook.

What is the difference between a Road Race, a Criterium and a Time Trial?

A road race is typically a longer race held on the open road. Sometimes a road race will be held on a circular loop but typically the loop is at least few miles long and the same loop is performed a set number of times so the length of the race is between 35 and 60 miles. A Criterium is a timed race held on a small loop usually in the middle of town. A criterium usually lasts for a set number of minutes and then when that time period is over, the race will last a few more laps. Criteriums are fast and dangerous because there are so many people so close together going around corners at break-neck speed. This kind of race is very fun to watch. A Time Trial is a race where a racer is racing against the clock. Racers do not race besides each other but start one at at time. Typically a time trial is 20 km long or about 12.25 miles. Racers use special equipment to make themselves more aerodynamic to the wind. How do I join? Simple. Contact Randy Catron, fill out a couple of forms, pay dues to the Des Moines Cycle Club, and pay dues for DMOS/Bike World Race Team.

What do I need to own to race with the team?

You have to own and wear a helmet at all times (hopefully you do this anyways), purchase a team jersey to wear at team events, and of course a bicycle!

What do I get for being on the team?

Most importantly, you get to hang out with the other members of the DMOS/Bike World Race Team. We like to ride together, talk together and have fun together. Some of the perks of being on the team include cash incentives for favorable race finishes, discounts on products from our sponsors, group training rides and the help and expertise of USA Cycling Elite coaches Randy Catron and Dave Ertl.