Frequently Asked Questions

Please check the answers to common questions on this page before sending us an email. If your question isn't here, or if our answer isn't sufficiently detailed, visit our contact page.
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Joining HUCA

  • How do I join HUCA?
    Head on over to our Joining HUCA page, where you'll find all the information you need! If you still have questions, feel free to contact us!
  • How do I sign up for the email list?
    Visit http://lists.hcs.harvard.edu/mailman/listinfo/huca-list and enter your name and email address to sign up. The system will send you an email for you to confirm your registration.
  • I'd like to join, but I'm not fit enough to join the team.
    Some of our fastest racers, including the past three team presidents, joined the team with no athletic background whatsoever. Team rides in the fall are beginner-friendly, and our veterans will stick with you if you can't keep up with the pace.

Equipment

  • What should I do if I don't have a road bike?
    The team owns a few road bikes which we lend out to riders, especially new riders. This loan comes with the expectation that you will use the bike to train and race with the team. If you're interested, get in touch with the equipment manager on the contact page.
  • What equipment do I need to ride with HUCA?
    Most importantly, you'll need a bike and a helmet. We recommend a road bike, clipless pedals, and cycling-specific clothing to maximize comfort and minimize air resistance. For longer rides, you'll want to bring something to eat and drink.
  • How should I dress to ride in the cold?
    In general, avoid cotton and other fibers which retain moisture. The first layer should be a wicking layer -- often made of synthetic fabrics -- which keeps moisture off the skin. Wear a thermal layer over this to trap heat, and a windproof layer on top to block the wind. Depending on the temperature, you may need to eliminate a layer or adjust its thickness. If in doubt, wear many thin layers rather than a single heavy layer so that you can adjust your clothing if it becomes uncomfortable mid-ride.

Rides

  • When are your rides?
    Team rides are all posted on the calendar. They are led by several veteran racers through the fall and into the winter. Additionally, veterans will also hold weekly rides at alternate times, open to everyone.
  • How fast are your rides?
    The speed of the ride will vary depending on the goals of the riders. During the fall, all open rides (morning rides and veterans' open rides) are no-drop, meaning that the group will go at a pace comfortable for everyone. During the rest of the year, speeds will vary, but both beginners and race-hardened veterans will find rides at the right pace.
  • How long are your rides?
    In the fall, our weekday morning rides vary from 22 to 40 miles. Saturday morning rides go from about 25 to 80+ miles. You're welcome to email the list and organize your own ride at your own pace and distance.
  • Where do you ride?
    Unless stated otherwise, rides meet at Peet's Coffee at the corner of JFK St. and Mt. Auburn St. right by Harvard Square. From there, we either ride to the south/southwest or the northwest of Boston. When we go south, we go out towards Dover and sometimes the Blue Hills. To the northwest, rides typically start out towards Concord and then turn south towards Sudbury at various points. Our 80-mile loop goes from Harvard University through Harvard, MA and back.
  • How do I know if a ride is cancelled?
    A ride is cancelled if the leader emails the HUCA list ahead of time, or if it is precipitating at the time of the ride.
  • What should I do if I can't make the rides posted on the team calendar?
    Email the list and post your own ride! Chances are that someone else will want to join you.

Racing with HUCA

  • Racing sounds difficult/scary/too hard. Why should I race with HUCA?
    Racing bicycles is tremendous fun. No really -- ask anyone who's tried racing with us! Nearly everyone who tries it out comes back for more. Our secret is that when HUCA goes to race weekends, we go as a team. So if you have a good day, then you're happy and everyone is happy for you. And even if you have a bad day, you've still got your teammates to fall back on.
    Check out our racing page for more reasons why you should race with us.
  • Who is eligible to race in the collegiate season?
    To enter collegiate races, you must be a full-time student in a degree-granting program. The ECCC also permits Cat. 4 women to race in the Women's Intro to Racing category.
    At some collegiate events, the promoters will also run races open to the general public.
  • How can I become a racer?
    To race with us, you need to be a racing member in good standing. This means that you've paid your club dues ($85 for basic racing membership or $130 for full racing membership), that you train/ride with the club, and that you perform some service to help us make the race season successful (e.g. ensuring racers replace what they take from our toolbox).