What disciplines do BYC teams compete in?
How old do you need to be to join BYC?
When do BYC seasons start and end?
Where are practices held?
How many practices do BYC riders need to attend?
Is racing required?
Do I need a special bike?
What is your Rookie Bike program?
What are your membership fees?
What other costs are required for the program?
What disciplines do BYC teams compete in?
BYC Teams compete in both road and cyclocross events. For more information, please visit our Programs page.
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How old do you need to be to join BYC?
BYC competes in races sanctioned by USA Cycling and the UCI and follows their age requirements. Junior riders must be at least 9 and no older than 18 years old on 12/31/2024 in order to join BYC.
When do BYC seasons start and end?
Our fall cyclocross season begins with rookie camp the last week of July. Practices run from August through the time change at the end of October. Racing is from September through December.
Our spring road season runs from March through June.
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Where are practices held?
Our fall CX practices are held on Tuesdays in Catonsville and on Thursdays in Hunt Valley.
Our spring road practices take place at various locations on the west and north sides of Baltimore.
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How many practices do BYC riders need to attend?
BYC riders are expected to attend practice at least once/week at their primary practice location. Some riders attend multiple practices/week which helps them improve their fitness and skills. All riders are required to attend at least 3 practices/month in their primary practice location.
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Is racing required?
BYC is a bicycle racing team. We are practicing race skills and all BYC riders are expected to race at least once/month during racing season. Riders participating in our rookie bike program are expected to race at least 5 times during the fall cyclocross season.
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Do I need a special bike?
Yes. For cyclocross racing, a cyclocross bike with tires around 32-38mm wide and drop (curved) style handlebars is recommended. Some riders do outfit their mountain bikes with skinny tires and that works as well, however some mountain bikes (especially with suspension) are much heavier and difficult to carry. Cyclocross requires riders to dismount and lift/carry their bikes during racing so a cyclocross specific bicycle is recommended.
BYC has a fleet of rental bikes that are available on a first come, first serve basis to our year 1 riders first and then to other team members if there are still bikes available.
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What is your Rookie Bike program?
Our rookie bike program allows first year riders to rent a cyclocross bicycle for $100 in order to try out the sport. We understand that making an investment in a new bicycle may prevent new riders from joining the team and so we offer the rookie bike program to lower the barrier of entry to the sport. Rookie bikes are given to riders in July and are the responsibility of the family renting the bike until they are returned in January.
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What are your membership fees?
Enrollment in our fall cyclocross program is $295 for the first rider and $250 for each additional rider from the same family. The membership fee includes a BYC jersey, water bottle, coached practiced from August through the time change at the end of October, and race day support. An advanced team membership is also available for those looking to progress further in the sport.
Our spring road program is only open to those riders who have participated in our fall cyclocross program. The membership fee for our spring road program is $250 and includes a BYC road jersey, coached practices, and race day support.
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What other costs are required for the program?
For our fall cyclocross program, a helmet, cycling shorts, gloves, and an appropriate bicycle for cyclocross racing are all required. Race entry fees are also separate from the membership fee.
In addition to the requirements for cyclocross, our road season riders also need to have sun/safety glasses, a rear blinking light, a tool/repair kit, and a spare tube.
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