Integrating Into Your Cycling Community

I recently relocated to the Richmond area from Northern California. As if moving from one coast to the other wasn’t a big enough change, I knew very few cyclists in the area that I was moving to. I was very well known in the cycling communities throughout California, but am a relative unknown here. I thought I would take this chance to journal my experiences in trying to integrate myself into the Northern Virginia cycling region and hopefully act as a guide for those hoping to do the same. This is my journey toward finding riding partners, a team, and new friends.

Find a local group ride

Before you join a team, check out the local group ride. When I first came to Richmond, I joined one of the Spin Mafia rides. Not only will they be able to show you the local cycling routes, this is a great opportunity to meet some of the cyclists in the area. Don’t be afraid to pick their brain about teams, rides, and just make friendly conversation. You can also check out the local weekday cycling races like the Bryan Park criterium series or track racing at the Speedway in Midlothian. Be social and make an effort to get to these events and interact with your fellow cyclists.

Find a team and get involved

USA Cycling has a list of all registered cycling clubs. In addition, resources like Vacycling.org usually have lists of all the teams in the area. Conduct some research on the teams you are interested in (Are they a masters team? Do they promote races? Are they local to your area?), and contact them about joining their squad. If they have monthly meetings, try to start attending, or volunteer to help out with a race that they are putting on. Usually teams will have social nights like Pizza and clothing distribution night, or a pre-race carbo load. This is a great chance for teammates to interact and meet friends off the bike.

Your local bike shop

Develop a relationship with your local bike shop. For me, this was Carytown Bicycles. When you are in the area, stop by, even just to chat. Try to make most of your purchases from the same shop and get to know the mechanics. Developing a friendship with your mechanics will often times help you when you need some bike maintenance in a pinch (don’t abuse this though and make sure to bring them a six pack). Often times bike shops will have social nights where you can meet some of the locals. Carytown Bicycles recently held a wine tasting night and a Pizza Crawl night.  Have a beer (or wine), relax, and talk about how strong Cancellara was at Paris Roubaix.

Social media

Yes, sites like Facebook and Twitter are fast becoming tools for the cycling community to communicate. Use these tools to find group rides and riding partners alike. Post that you are going for a ride and ask if anyone wants to join. You’ll never know who will respond.

I have been in the area for just under a month and have used all of these tips with success. Cyclists are friendly and engaging people. Sometimes all it takes is making an effort. If you are in the Richmond area, look me up on Facebook and hit me up for a ride. I’ll probably be down to go.

Adam Switters is a former professional cyclist and currently races for the XO Communications/Battley Harley Cycling Team. He is a USA Cycling Certified Coach and is always interested in helping out cyclists. You can check him out at his website www.SwittersCoaching.com