Everything I Learned from my First Year Racing Bikes in NYC
When I landed a job in NYC, the prospect of moving from Denver filled me with a mix of excitement and apprehension, especially regarding the cycling scene. In Colorado, my world revolved around mountain biking and gravel rides, with little structure or competition. The thought of New York's cycling landscape painted a picture of a completely different universe. I imagined being thrust into a realm of intense road races, club events, and a dizzying array of acronyms I'd need to quickly master. As I prepared for the move, the idea of integrating into the NYC racing community loomed as a formidable challenge, one that I knew would require countless hours of learning and adaptation.
If you're new to racing or just curious about what your first year might look like, I'm here to help. This guide pulls together everything I wish I'd known when I first started—who to register with, where to train, how to find a team, and which races are worth your time. Whether you're transitioning from another discipline like gravel or you're completely new to competitive road cycling, this post is designed to get you up to speed and help you enjoy the journey as much as the finish line.
Your first season will be a lot to take in, but the process is part of the fun. Racing in NYC is more than just competing—it's about becoming part of a vibrant community, building friendships, and finding your own rhythm on and off the bike.
Getting Started
Getting started with bike racing in New York City involves a few key administrative steps, but once you know what’s required, the process becomes straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about registering with USA Cycling (USAC) and the local CRCA series, along with some helpful clinics to get you on the right path.
1. USA Cycling (USAC) Registration
USA Cycling is the governing body for competitive cycling in the U.S. and oversees road, track, mountain bike, and cyclocross events. To participate in most sanctioned races, including those in NYC, you’ll need to get a USAC license. This membership tracks your race results and allows you to accumulate points to progress through categories—from Novice (formerly Category 5) to Category 1. You can upgrade your category based on race performance, ensuring fair and competitive racing as you advance
How to Register: Visit the USAC website to sign up for a membership. You can start with an annual license or purchase a one-day license if you’re testing the waters.
Category System: Racers begin in Category 5 (Novice) and can voluntarily move to Category 4 once they feel ready. However, beyond that, category upgrades require earning points through race results within a 12-month period.
Voluntarily moving to Category 4 might sound scary, but if you have the fitness, it is worth it. Category 4 grants you access to the many races which combine Category 3 and Category 4, exposing you to faster, but safer, races. Racers in these categories are typically a bit more experienced with their bike handling skills, making the peloton a safer place to be.
2. The CRCA Clinic and Racing Series
The Century Road Club Association (CRCA) is at the heart of local road racing in NYC. To participate in their Club Series races, all new racers are required to complete the CRCA’s Beginner Clinic. This clinic ensures participants have the essential skills and knowledge to race safely and competitively within the club environment
Clinic Benefits: The beginner clinic focuses on pack riding, cornering, and racing etiquette, helping you gain confidence and meet other racers in a supportive setting. CRCA also offers additional clinics and a Women's Development Series to further develop your skills and network within the cycling community.
Joining the Club: After completing the required clinic, you can participate in CRCA’s Club Series races, which are held regularly in Central Park and are open exclusively to members. These races are a great way to get consistent experience and improve without the travel commitments of larger events. It is also just really incredible to experience a race in Central Park.
Navigating these requirements might seem overwhelming at first, but they exist to ensure safe, organized competition. Completing your USAC registration and the CRCA clinic will unlock access to a thriving racing scene and connect you with the vibrant NYC cycling community.
Finding a Team
Joining a team isn’t a requirement, but in my experience, it’s been one of the best parts of racing in NYC. A team provides more than just training partners—it offers friendships, a sense of community, and a group of people who share your passion for cycling.
Getting Started
If you’re new to the NYC cycling scene and want to join a team, the first step is doing your homework. A good way to start is by researching local race results. Many teams race together, so skimming through results will give you a sense of which squads are active and competitive in the local scene. You can also explore the CRCA’s directory of teams on their website, which is a valuable resource for understanding which teams are officially members of the CRCA.
Once you identify some potential teams, reach out to them directly. Include a description of your background, why you’re interested in the team, and perhaps even a link to your Strava or TrainingPeaks account. If they like what they see, they’ll get in touch This is where things begin to feel a little like dating.
Dating Around
Finding the right cycling team in NYC can feel a lot like dating. You get introduced to people, go on rides together, and hang out off the bike—all with the aim of figuring out if you a capable rider and vibe well with other members of the team.
On the bike, there's often a subtle assessment happening - people are quietly gauging your fitness level and bike handling skills, ensuring they’re up to par. This assessment is important, as each team truly does have its own brand within the NYC community. Maintaining this brand is very important and nothing ruins that brand more than a handful of riders with poor race etiquette. No teams wants to be associated with the rider who is consistently causing pandemonium in the peloton.
Just as in dating, you might go through this process with a few different teams before finding the right fit. When you finally get that invitation to join the team you click with, it's as thrilling as when someone you really like wants to go exclusive. It's a mix of excitement and relief—you've found your cycling crew in the big city. This is exactly like I felt when I was invited to join TBD.
Going Steady
Since joining TBD, I've discovered a true sense of community that extends far beyond racing. Looking back, joining TBD has been about so much more than finding a racing team. It's about discovering a group of people who share my passion, push me to be better, and make this big city feel a little smaller and a lot more like home.
Being part of TBD has truly enriched my cycling experience in NYC. Our Slack channel is a vibrant hub of activity, where we chat about everything from the latest bike tech to favorite coffee spots. It's not just about cycling; we share memes, discuss current events, and even organize impromptu hangouts off the bikes. This constant connection keeps our community tight-knit, even when we're not on our bikes.
The riding with TBD offers a perfect blend of training and socializing. From intense group workouts to casual coffee rides, there's always something weekly. Having teammates to push you during tough sessions and chat with on leisurely spins adds a whole new dimension to cycling in NYC. It's not just about the miles; it's about sharing the experience with people who've become friends both on and off the bike.
Outside of riding, one of the most valuable aspects has been the mentorship from seasoned racing veterans within the team. Their guidance has been invaluable, helping me navigate the intricacies of race strategy and training. But it's not all about cycling—we've become friends off the bike too, often grabbing drinks or food after rides.
An unexpected perk of joining TBD? I now sport some of the sharpest-looking kit in NYC—no small feat in a city known for its high fashion standards and cycling enthusiasts with deep pockets. Our team kit stands out in the sea of expensive, designer cycling wear that floods the city's parks and roads. It's a source of pride to represent the team in gear that turns heads and sparks conversations, even among the most style-conscious New York cyclists.
While TBD has been the perfect fit for me, it's important to remember that every cyclist's journey is unique. The benefits I've experienced—the sense of community, the shared passion, the mentorship, and the camaraderie—are what you should look for when finding your own team in NYC's racing scene. Whether it's TBD or another club, the right team will enhance your racing experience, push you to grow as a cyclist, and make the vast NYC cycling community feel like home. As you navigate the racing scene in NYC, keep these aspects in mind. The right team will not only support your racing goals but also enrich your overall cycling experience in the city.
Building a Race Schedule
Coming from Colorado, I was initially worried that the absolute joy I experienced biking would take a hit in NYC. No longer did I have endless amounts of road, mountain, and gravel to ride. However, what New York City lacks in natural terrain, it more than makes up for with a truly incredible racing scene.
From multiple race series within the city itself to amazing races in nearby New Jersey or upstate New York, you could easily find yourself racing weekly if you wanted to. This abundance of events makes creating a race schedule both exciting and crucial. It's essential to balance your training, recovery, and goals throughout the season, especially with so many tempting races to choose from.
Planning ahead helps structure your season and allows you to make the most of both local races and destination events. Whether you're looking to compete in the heart of Central Park or venture out to regional classics, NYC's cycling calendar has something for everyone. Below is a breakdown of some key road races to consider as you plan your season.
NYC Road Races
Series Races
CRCA Club Series
Hosted by the Century Road Club Association, these races take place in Central Park and are open to CRCA members. The series runs from March to September, offering low-cost, competitive racing opportunities and fostering a tight-knit racing community. The races also feature season-long competitions like the Jim Boyd Cup and the CRCA Team Cup.
Lucarelli & Castaldi Series
Organized by the Kissena Cycling Club, this series links multiple races held in Prospect Park into a season-long competition. Racers compete for leader kits and prizes in categories 1-2-3 and 3-4, with separate awards for Sprint, King of the Mountain (KOM), and Best Master 45+. TBD’s very own, Rogier Kentier, was KOM this past season!
Floyd Bennett Field Race
Taking place at an old airfield in Brooklyn, the Floyd Bennett Field race series is known for its challenging conditions, with high winds often playing a decisive role. Traditionally held as a weekly series from late spring through summer, the races are fast and tactical. Although the 2024 edition was canceled, there is hope for the race’s return in 2025, giving riders another unique venue to test their skills close to the city.
One-Day Races
Grant’s Tomb Criterium
One of NYC’s most iconic races, the Grant's Tomb Crit is held early in the season, with technical turns and a fast course around the famous memorial. It’s known for attracting top talent from across the region and the most challenging Crit in the area.
Dave Jordan Central Park Classic
Named after a legendary local racer, this classic road race also takes place in Central Park and serves as a cornerstone of the NYC racing calendar. It offers competitive fields and plenty of fast miles around beautiful Central Park.
Nearby Road Races
Killington Stage Race
Located in Vermont, this multi-day event combines challenging mountain climbs and time trials with beautiful scenery. It’s a demanding race but worth the effort for those seeking a stage race experience.
Green Mountain Stage Race
Another premier Vermont race, Green Mountain features a mix of time trials, road races, and criteriums. Known for its competitive fields and scenic routes, it’s a favorite for racers looking to test their endurance over multiple days.
Bear Mountain Classic
Just a short drive from NYC, this road race offers a tough, hilly course through Bear Mountain State Park. It’s a popular early-season race and a great way to see where your fitness stands.
Training in NYC
When it comes to training in NYC, the city offers a variety of popular routes that accommodate weekday routines and long weekend rides. Whether you’re looking for short, intense laps around local parks or extended endurance rides upstate, there’s something for all occasions.
Weekday Training: Park Laps
For most cyclists, weekday rides mean sticking to Central Park or Prospect Park.
Central Park: Perfect for Manhattan-based cyclists, the 6-mile loop offers a mix of rolling hills and flats, with fewer pedestrians early in the morning.
Prospect Park: Brooklyn’s version of Central Park, the 3.4-mile loop is a favorite among Brooklyn cyclists, ideal for both training and social rides.
Weekend Rides: Going North for Endurance
When the weekend rolls around, cyclists looking for longer endurance rides tend to head north, beyond the city limits.
9W Route:
A classic NYC cycling route involves riding up the West Side Highway, crossing the George Washington Bridge (GWB), and taking Highway 9W north. A popular 70-mile round trip ends in Nyack, a cycling-friendly town with cafes for a mid-ride break. For those looking to push their limits, continuing to Bear Mountain turns the ride into a challenging 120-mile adventure.
Empire State Trail:
Another great option is the Empire State Trail, which runs all the way from Manhattan to the Canadian border or Buffalo. It offers smooth paths, minimal traffic, and endless miles of scenic riding. I myself completed a two-day trek all the way from the bottom of Manhattan to Albany, all on the Empire State Trail.
Combined Route: Nyack + Empire State Trail
One of my favorite weekend rides is to blend these two routes: ride up the West Side Highway, cross the GWB, continue up to Nyack, cross the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and connect with the Empire State Trail for a scenic ride back to NYC. This loop offers a mix of terrain, with riverside views, climbs, and smooth trails.
Pro Tip: Avoiding Crowds on the West Side Highway
The West Side Highway is an excellent route early in the morning. Early in the morning, there is not a better way to experience NYC by bike. But after 7 am, it gets extremely crowded. A useful trick is to ride up Riverside Drive instead—it’s quieter, has less traffic, and leads straight to the George Washington Bridge. This detour ensures a smoother start to your longer rides without having to dodge pedestrians.
The road ahead
Racing bikes in NYC might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a journey worth taking. From navigating the necessary bureaucracy to finding a team, building your race schedule, and learning the city’s best training routes, there’s a rhythm to it that you’ll soon discover. Along the way, you’ll find yourself meeting new friends, developing your fitness, and becoming part of a passionate community that makes the racing scene here so unique.
