What to Know about Entering Cyclist Races

There is a misconception that to enter a cyclist race, all you need is a bike and the 
money. The truth is, there is a lot more to entering certain bike races. If you are new to 
entering these types of events, here are some things that you need to know about 
entering, money, equipment, and what you need for each race to make the sign-up 
easier.

Equipment

Some races will not allow you to enter unless you have the proper bike for the event. 
This will be listed as a stipulation for entering the race. You will need to list the make 
and model of your bike as well as any special modifications that have been made. For 
example, some road races may require that you have either a hybrid or road specific 
bike. Others may state that you are not allowed to have a hybrid. These rules are 
usually for safety purposes and you will need to follow them in order to participate. 
Other equipment such as GPS devices may also be required. 

Event History

You may find that some events will ask about your event history. This is usually a part of 
longer events where some experience is helpful. You will need to have your past event 
names, locations, and dates if this is required by your current race that you are trying to 
enter. You may also find that certain races require you to have a certain number of 
miles toward the event. For example, certain road events may require that you have 
participated in a certain number of miles in order to qualify. They may even require logs 
or map history of these events to show proof of your mileage. 

Proper Gear

Equipment and gear may be considered the same to some, but in certain cyclist races 
they are not. In fact, gear refers to your clothing as well as your helmets, sunglasses, 
and even water packs. Some races may not allow water bottles and instead use water 
bladders that are out of the way and strap to your back. You will need to be prepared for 
this and prepared to either purchase the equipment you need and use it in this and later 
races, or to avoid the race if the gear requirements are too high. 

By keeping these bits of information in mind, you can be better prepared for upcoming 
events. You can also field out what events you are ready for and which ones may be 
something you do not want to participate in right away. 
