Annual Calendar

The following is a rough outline of the basic tasks that must get done by most clubs throughout the academic year. A more detailed guide is available in the USAC Collegiate Team Leader's Guide.

Note that if you're starting a new club and going to race any of the fall seasons, you must get a USA Cycling club license once your club is recognized, before you start racing. Existing teams generally renew their licenses over the winter, as listed below.

The Dartmouth team plots race strategy and tactics, 2011. (photo: Dartmouth)

• Late Summer
  • Get Recognized
    Make sure your club is officially recognized by your school for the year and ready to go. Typically this means submitting a list of officers, club constitution, roster, and club sports/recreation waivers for all racers.
• Fall
  • Mountain Bike Race!
    Where we're going, we don't need roads! ECCC MTB racing runs throughout September and October. Find races, race flyers, and pre-registration links on the calendar.
  • Cyclocross Race!
    Mo' mud, mo' betta'! Cyclocross currently starts up in late October and runs through November/early December. Find races, race flyers, and pre-registration links on the calendar.
  • Order Team Kits
    Custom team cycling clothing is feasible and affordable for teams of all sizes, but has to be done well in advance of racing; place your order by November to have it for the spring season.
  • Attend ECCC Fall Meeting
    The conference meets every year in early-November to go over general issues, hold team building workshops, and establish the road season schedule. Your team should have someone there.
• Winter
  • Keep Riders Motivated!
    It's hard to keep team members engaged over the winter; organize off-the-bike social events and fun rides to keep things happening.
  • Renew Club License
    Existing clubs should renew their USAC Collegiate club license for the coming year in December or January.
  • Get Rider Licenses
    Once the club license is set, teams should have riders purchase or renew their individual licenses in January or February, or a few weeks before whatever season they will be racing in (they should be doing all of them!).
  • Attend ECCC Winter Meeting
    Mid-February, the conference holds another meeting to check up on the road season and schedule cyclocross, track, and MTB. Your team should have someone there.
• Spring
  • Road Race!
    Showtime! ECCC Road racers throw down all of March and April, come rain, shine, or hurricane. Find races, race flyers, and pre-registration links on the calendar.
  • Propose New Budget
    Most schools require clubs to submit budget proposals for next year's funding during the spring term.
  • Hold Elections
    Prepare to hit the ground running next year by deciding who will be the club officers before breaking for the summer. Some teams instead do this over the winter so that the outgoing officers can coach the new leaders.

After all that, take a (short) break and celebrate, you just lead your team through a full year of racing!