Bike Racing Questions
How do I prepare for my first bike race?
Preparing for your first race involves several key steps:
- Training: Start with shorter rides and gradually increase distance and intensity.
- Equipment: Ensure your bike is in good working order with a pre-race tune-up.
- Licensing: Obtain the appropriate ABA license (see our Racing Licenses page).
- Race Selection: Begin with beginner-friendly events like the Citizen category at the Tour de Bowness or a Wednesday Night Series (WNS) Group C race.
- Nutrition: Eat a carbohydrate-rich meal 2-3 hours before the race and bring water and energy gels.
- Pre-ride: If possible, familiarize yourself with the course before race day.
Consider volunteering at a race first to learn about how events operate. Visit our Volunteering page for opportunities.
What should I wear/bring to a race in Calgary's climate?
Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared with:
- Clothing: Layer appropriately with a moisture-wicking base layer, cycling jersey, and windproof/waterproof jacket depending on conditions.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cycling cap for sunny days.
- Extra Layers: Arm/leg warmers that can be removed as temperatures rise.
- Rain Gear: Packable rain jacket and water-resistant shoe covers.
- Winter Racing: For events like the Blizzard Bike Race, thermal layers, winter cycling gloves, and shoe covers are essential.
Always check the weather forecast the day before the race and bring options. Calgary’s elevation and proximity to the mountains can mean dramatic temperature changes throughout the day.
How should I train for Alberta's hilly race courses?
Alberta’s race courses often feature challenging terrain. To prepare:
- Hill Repeats: Find a hill that takes 2-5 minutes to climb and do multiple repeats at race pace with recovery descents.
- Strength Training: Incorporate squats and lunges to build leg strength for climbs.
- Interval Training: Mix high-intensity intervals (30 seconds to 2 minutes) with recovery periods.
- Long Rides with Elevation: Practice routes west of Calgary toward the foothills and mountains.
- Recommended Training Areas: Springbank Road, Highway 8 toward Bragg Creek, or the climbs in North Glenmore.
Many cycling clubs offer group training rides that include hill work. See our Cycling Clubs in Calgary page for clubs that organize training rides.
What nutrition works best during longer races?
For races lasting more than 60-90 minutes:
- Carbohydrate Intake: Aim for 30-60g of carbs per hour, depending on your body weight and race intensity.
- Hydration: Drink 500-750ml of fluid per hour (more in hot weather).
- Electrolytes: Use sports drinks or electrolyte tablets to replace sodium lost through sweat.
- Easily Digestible Foods: Energy gels, chews, bananas, or rice cakes work well during races.
- Timing: Start eating around 30 minutes into the race and continue at regular intervals.
- Practice: Test your race nutrition strategy during training rides to avoid digestive surprises.
For longer events like Grand Fondos, consider more substantial food options at aid stations to avoid flavor fatigue.
Which races are best for beginners in Calgary?
Calgary offers several beginner-friendly races to get started:
- Wednesday Night Series (WNS) – Group C: Entry-level races designed for beginners, offering a supportive environment to learn race tactics. Visit our Weekly Races page for details.
- Tour de Bowness – Citizen Category: Offers shorter distances and less technical courses for newer racers.
- Individual Time Trials: Good for beginners as you race against the clock, not directly against others.
- Gran Fondos: While not technically races, these mass-participation events offer timed segments for those who want competition and a more relaxed atmosphere for those who don’t.
- Blizzard Bike Race – Sport Category: A fun winter event with categories for all levels.
Check our Race Calendar for upcoming beginner-friendly events in and around Calgary.
What's the difference between road races, criteriums, and time trials?
Each race format has distinct characteristics:
- Road Races: Longer events (typically 40-160km) held on open or closed roads. Racers start together and the first to cross the finish line wins. Strategy often involves drafting and conserving energy before making decisive moves.
- Criteriums (Crits): Short, fast races on a closed circuit typically 1-2km long, lasting 30-60 minutes. Crits feature multiple laps, technical corners, and often include primes (pronounced “preems”) – sprint points awarded during the race.
- Time Trials: Individual races against the clock where riders start at intervals. No drafting is allowed, making it a pure test of individual strength and aerodynamics. Special equipment like aero helmets and time trial bikes is common but not required for beginners.
- Hill Climbs: Short, intense uphill races where riders compete for the fastest time to the summit. These are common in the WNS series and the Tour de Bowness.
Many events, like the Tour de Bowness, include a combination of these formats over multiple days.
How do timed segments work in Gran Fondos?
Gran Fondos combine recreational riding with competitive elements through timed segments:
- Overall Timing: Your entire ride from start to finish is timed, giving you a total event time.
- Segment Timing: Specific sections (often climbs or challenging sections) are timed separately using timing mats or RFID chip technology.
- Results: You’ll receive both your overall time and times for each segment, allowing you to compare your performance on specific parts of the course.
- Categories: Results are typically organized by age group and gender.
- No Obligation: You can choose to ride competitively during segments or take a more relaxed approach throughout.
View upcoming Gran Fondos on our Race Calendar page, which includes events like Gran Fondo Jasper and Gran Fondo Badlands.
Bike Racing Questions
What cycling clubs in Calgary accept beginners?
Many Calgary cycling clubs welcome beginners with specific programs and rides:
- Bow Cyclist Club: Offers “C Group” rides that maintain 21-24 kph pace, ideal for newer riders.
- Calgary Crankmasters: Provides beginner-friendly Saturday morning social rides and a Monday evening “no-drop” ride.
- TCR Sport Lab Social Club: Focuses on skill development including fundamentals like clipping in and group riding etiquette.
- Spin Sisters: A women-only mountain biking club with rides specifically for beginners.
- Elbow Valley Cycle Club: Offers intro rides and learning opportunities for new cyclists.
Most clubs allow prospective members to try 1-2 rides before joining. For complete details on each club, visit our Cycling Clubs in Calgary page.
How much does it cost to join a Calgary cycling club?
Club membership costs vary based on what’s included:
- Calgary Crankmasters: $60-70 for primary membership (includes ABA insurance), plus a $100 refundable volunteer deposit.
- Bow Cyclist Club: Approximately $200, which includes ABA membership, a club jersey, and discounts at local shops.
- Calgary BMX: $140 per rider, including coaching, district races, and scheduled open track access.
- Spin Sisters: Around $120, including ABA insurance, swag bag, and discounts.
Most clubs offer early bird pricing for registrations before March/April. Many clubs require Alberta Bicycle Association (ABA) membership for insurance purposes, which may be included or additional. See our Cycling Clubs in Calgary page for specific club fees and details.
What's the difference between recreational and competitive clubs?
Clubs typically fall along a spectrum from recreational to competitive focus:
- Recreational Clubs:
- Emphasize fun, social aspects, and accessibility
- Offer “no-drop” rides where no rider is left behind
- Focus on skill development and enjoyment
- Example: Bow Cyclist Club with its “keeping the fun in cycling” motto
- Competitive Clubs:
- Organize structured training rides and racing tactics
- Offer race teams and coaching opportunities
- Focus on performance improvement and results
- Example: Deadgoat Racing’s competition focus
- Hybrid Clubs:
- Many clubs like Crankmasters offer both recreational and competitive options
- Provide different ride groups based on speed and intensity
- Allow members to choose their level of competition
Consider what aspects of cycling interest you most when selecting a club. Visit our Cycling Clubs in Calgary page for more details on each club’s focus.
Which clubs offer group training rides?
Several Calgary clubs offer structured training rides:
- Calgary Crankmasters: Saturday morning and Monday evening rides, plus the competitive Wednesday Night Series.
- Peloton Racing: Hosts “Peloton Tuesdays” focused on race preparation and tactics.
- TCR Sport Lab Social Club: Wednesday evening rides from YMCA Rocky Ridge focusing on skill development.
- Bow Cyclist Club: Offers structured rides on Mondays (no-drop), Tuesdays (morning road and evening MTB), and weekends.
- Velocity Cycling Club: Weekly training rides with a focus on endurance and technical skills.
Most clubs categorize their rides by pace: A (fastest), B (intermediate), and C (more relaxed). For more details and registration information, visit our Cycling Clubs in Calgary page or check our Weekly Races section.
Do I need special gear to join a cycling club?
Basic requirements vary by club and ride type, but generally include:
- Essential Gear (Required by All Clubs):
- A properly fitting helmet (mandatory for all rides)
- A road-worthy bicycle appropriate for the ride type
- Water bottles and a way to carry them
- Spare tube, tire levers, and mini-pump or CO2 inflator
- Appropriate clothing for weather conditions
- Recommended Additional Items:
- Cycling-specific clothing (padded shorts, jerseys with pockets)
- Cycling gloves
- Eye protection/sunglasses
- Cycling shoes and clipless pedals (not required for beginners)
- Front and rear lights (mandatory for early morning or evening rides)
You don’t need the latest carbon fiber bike or professional-level gear to join most clubs. Many riders start with basic equipment and upgrade as they become more involved in the sport. Some clubs like Crankmasters offer skill sessions on basic maintenance and gear requirements.
What volunteer commitments do clubs require?
Volunteer requirements vary by club:
- Calgary Crankmasters: Three volunteer credits per year. Each WNS event counts as 1 credit, while one day at the Stampede Road Race counts as 2 credits. Primary members provide a $100 refundable deposit that is returned after fulfilling volunteer obligations.
- Calgary BMX: Run entirely by volunteers, with parents/members expected to help with track maintenance and race operations.
- Bow Cyclist Club: Volunteer contributions are encouraged but less formalized.
- Other Clubs: Many clubs ask members to help with at least one event per season.
Volunteering is a great way to learn more about cycling events while giving back to the community. Common roles include course marshaling, registration, timing, and event setup/teardown. For more information, visit our Volunteering page.
Racing License Questions
Do I need a license to race in Alberta?
Yes, most organized cycling races in Alberta require some form of license:
- ABA-Sanctioned Races: Require either a Provincial Citizen License, a UCI/CCA License, or in some cases, a single-day license.
- Weekly Series: Events like the Wednesday Night Series (WNS) require at minimum a Provincial Citizen License.
- Gran Fondos: Generally accessible with a Community Non-Racing Membership from the ABA.
- BMX Races: Require specific BMX licenses from the ABA, with no day-license options available.
Licenses provide necessary insurance coverage and ensure that events are run according to established safety standards. For complete information on license types, costs, and how to obtain them, visit our Racing Licenses page.
What's the difference between UCI, Provincial, and Citizen licenses?
The main types of racing licenses differ in scope, cost, and eligibility:
- Community Non-Racing Membership ($52+GST):
- For recreational riders participating in non-competitive events
- Provides basic insurance for club rides and Gran Fondos
- Does not allow entry into competitive races
- Provincial Citizen License ($110+GST):
- Entry-level racing license valid only within Alberta
- Allows participation in lowest categories of provincial races
- Suitable for beginners and those racing exclusively in Alberta
- Limited to shorter race distances: maximum 60km for road races, 30km for time trials
- UCI/CCA Racing License (Varies by category):
- Full racing license recognized internationally
- Required for racing outside Alberta and at National Championships
- Necessary for advancing through racing categories
- No restrictions on race distances
For more detailed information about each license type, visit our Racing Licenses page.
How much does a racing license cost for the 2025 season?
License costs for the 2025 season are as follows:
- Community Non-Racing Membership: $52 +GST for adults, $42 +GST for U17
- Provincial Citizen License: $110 +GST
- UCI/CCA Racing License: Varies by category, generally $200+ for adults
- Technical Licenses: $56 +GST (for coaches, commissaires, etc.)
- One-Day (Race Day) Licenses: Approximately $10 per race (limited to certain events)
Many cycling clubs include ABA membership as part of their club registration fee or offer discounted rates. Some clubs require additional fees or deposits for volunteering commitments. For complete pricing details and any seasonal updates, visit our Racing Licenses page or the official ABA website.
What insurance coverage comes with my license?
ABA licenses include important insurance coverage:
- Sport Accident Insurance: Covers injuries sustained during sanctioned events and training rides, including:
- Ambulance transportation
- Dental injury treatment
- Prescription medication
- Rehabilitation services
- Limited coverage for equipment damaged in crashes
- Liability Insurance: Protects you if you cause injury to another person or damage to property during sanctioned events.
- Coverage Limitations:
- Only valid during ABA/CCA sanctioned activities and organized club rides
- Does not cover solo training rides unless specifically organized by your club
- May have deductibles for certain types of claims
For specific coverage details and claim procedures, consult the ABA insurance page or your club’s membership coordinator.
Can I try racing with a one-day license first?
Yes, one-day licenses are available for certain events, with limitations:
- Availability: One-day licenses cost approximately $10 per race (in addition to registration fees).
- Limitations:
- Maximum of three day licenses per rider per year
- Not available for BMX races
- Generally not offered for road races, team time trials, or criteriums
- Commonly available for Individual Time Trial series and certain mountain bike events
- Upgrade Path: Day licenses do not count toward category upgrades unless you later purchase a full UCI/CCA license.
- Process: Typically purchased during the race registration process on Zone4 or on-site at the event.
For beginners curious about racing, volunteering at an event first can provide insight without the pressure of competing. See our Volunteering page for opportunities. For specific events that offer day licenses, check our Race Calendar.
How do I upgrade my license category?
License upgrades are based on performance and accumulated points:
- Road Racing Categories:
- Men: Categories 5 → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1
- Women: Categories 5 → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1
- Upgrade Points:
- Earned through race placements (e.g., 7 points for 1st place, 5 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, etc.)
- Category 5 to 4: 20 points or 10 mass-start races
- Category 4 to 3: 25 points
- Category 3 to 2: 30 points
- Category 2 to 1: 35 points
- Process: Submit an upgrade request through the ABA website once you’ve accumulated sufficient points.
- Consideration: You can request to remain in a lower category if you’re not comfortable upgrading.
Note that a Provincial Citizen License holder must upgrade to a UCI/CCA license to utilize accumulated upgrade points. Complete details on the upgrade process can be found on the ABA upgrade policy page.