Team Cobras

Bicycle Racing FAQ

Don’t be intimidated

Racing isn’t about how you look or the bike you own — it’s about challenge, community, and having fun. Riders of all ages and abilities participate and enjoy themselves.

Start now — don’t wait

If you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment — a new bike, peak fitness, or a quiet schedule — don’t. The best time to try racing is now. Enter a beginner‑friendly event and learn as you go.

Join a team or club

Cycling is social off the bike as well as on it. Joining Team Cobras gives you coached rides, mentoring, shared resources, and friendships. Email us to discuss your experience and goals so we can point you to the right rides.

Types of bicycle racing

Gravel

Gravel racing blends road endurance with off‑road terrain — dirt roads, farm tracks, and everything between. Events range from short, punchy races to epic 100+ mile adventures. Gravel rewards bike handling, pacing, and route choice as much as raw power, and many events emphasize self‑sufficiency and camaraderie.

Bike & gear: Gravel or cyclocross bike, or a road bike fitted with wider (35–45mm) tires. Carry basic repair tools, food, and water for remote sections.

Cyclocross

Cyclocross is fast and technical, raced on short circuits mixing pavement, grass, gravel, mud, and obstacles. Races are intense (30–60 minutes) with repeated hard efforts and frequent transitions — expect to dismount, shoulder your bike, and sprint through barriers.

Bike & gear: Cyclocross bike with knobby tires and mud clearance; practice remounts and running with the bike.

Road

Road racing takes place on paved roads in formats from short criteriums to long single‑day races and multi‑day stage races. Events test endurance, tactics, sprinting, climbing, and teamwork. Time trials are a good entry point since they’re solo efforts against the clock (no drafting).

Bike & gear: Lightweight road bike, clip‑in shoes, and practical aerodynamic clothing. Join club rides to learn pack skills before entering group races.

Quick decision guide

  • Casual, license‑free adventure → Gravel.
  • Short, intense, technical racing in cool months → Cyclocross.
  • Structured competition and team tactics → Road racing (start with time trials).

First steps for any discipline

  1. Find local events and clubs — join a Team Cobras ride or another local group to learn and get support.
  2. Test‑ride gear and get a basic bike fit for comfort and safety.
  3. Practice specific skills: tire pressure and line choice for gravel; remounts and cornering for cyclocross; pack riding and drafting for road.
  4. Enter a beginner‑friendly event and ask for a mentor — clubs commonly provide guidance for first‑timers.

Resources & next steps

The Denver area has many races. Useful resources:

USA Cycling — licensing and event listings.
Colorado Bicycle Racing Association — local calendars and race information.

The Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series at Cherry Creek State Park (run by Team Cobras) includes a First Timer program with mentoring. First‑timer entry is typically low‑cost — contact us for details.

Practical info

Licensing

Most local road and cyclocross races require a USA Cycling license. One‑day licenses may be available for some events — check each race’s promoter information.

What to bring to a race

  • Helmet (required)
  • Comfortable cycling kit or club jersey
  • Padded shorts and cycling shoes
  • Gloves, sunglasses
  • Water bottles and snacks
  • A friend to cheer you on (optional but nice)