For Riders
Ride, Race, & Connect
Everything you need to find events, get licensed, and connect with the Utah cycling community.
On This Page
Find a Team, Club, or Group Ride
One of the best investments you can make as a rider is connecting with a local team or club. Group riding is great for improving fitness, riding skills, and fun.
- → UCA Club, Team, & Group Ride Map — find and submit local team, club, and group rides
- → Search All USA Cycling Clubs Nationwide — Team Finder
What Kinds of Events Does the UCA Support?
UCA events span a wide range — from competitive championship races to non-competitive tours and gran fondos. Here's how USA Cycling categorizes them:
Competitive Events
Road races (criteriums, time trials, hill climbs, etc.), mountain bike races (cross country, downhill, etc.), cyclocross, track, and some gravel events. Licensed officials are required, results are officially recorded, and riders compete within categories. A USA Cycling race license is required.
Non-Competitive Events
Gran fondos, some gravel events, charity and fun rides, camps, and clinics. These may be timed but have no formal categories or licensed officials required. No race license needed, but all participants must sign a USA Cycling waiver. Often a great entry point if you're curious about organized cycling but not yet ready to race.
Both event types are officially permitted and insured through USA Cycling. Not sure which category a specific event falls into? Check its listing on the UCA event calendar or contact the event organizer directly - the choice of USAC Competitive or Non-competitive is completely up to the event organizer.
New to Racing? Start Here
If you're brand new to USA Cycling races, the Getting Started with USA Cycling page is a good first stop — it explains different event types and what to expect at your first event.
A few things worth knowing before you show up:
- → You'll be grouped with riders at your level. Beginners start in the lowest category and work their way up over time based on results.
- → Races follow official USA Cycling rules. It's worth skimming the rulebook before your first event — knowing basics like where to position yourself at the start makes the day less stressful.
- → Most events have pre-registration. Even if you pre-registered, show up early to check in, pin on your number, warm up, and preride the course.
- → Talk to people. The cycling community is full of riders who want to welcome you to the sport!
USA Cycling Membership & Race Licenses
USA Cycling Competitive races require a USA Cycling race license to participate. You can purchase a one-day license for a single event, or an annual license covering a full year. If you're a first-time USAC member, your first annual race license is FREE. If you're age 18 or under, your annual race license is also FREE.
One-Day License — $15
Try a single race before committing to an annual license. Includes accident medical coverage for that event day but does not count toward category upgrade points.
Base Membership — $40/year
Required for everyone purchasing an annual race license. Gives you access to non-competitive USAC-sanctioned events, industry discounts, and community resources.
Annual Race License — add-on to Base Membership
Required for competitive race events. First-year licenses are currently FREE for new Base members. An annual license is also FREE for riders age 18 and under.
| License Type | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| U19 — domestic racers age 18 and under | Free |
| U23 — domestic racers age 19–22 | $35 (free for first-timers) |
| Adult — domestic racers age 23+ | $75 (free for first-timers) |
| UCI — for racers in UCI races worldwide | $175 |
| Coach | $85 |
| Mechanic | $35 |
| Commissaire | $30 |
| Team Director | $35 |
| Event Organizer | Free |
| Teams and Clubs | $100–200 |
With an Annual Race License You Can:
- → Race USA Cycling events anywhere in the country
- → Earn category upgrades as your results accumulate — see Category Upgrades
- → Get supplemental medical insurance when riding in USAC-sanctioned events — see Cycling Insurance for All Members
- → Get deals and discounts with USA Cycling sponsors — see Member Benefits
Visit usacycling.org/member for current info and to sign up.
USA Cycling also offers Grants & Scholarships for individual riders.
The UCA offers a National Championships Travel Grant to help defray the cost of travelling to compete at a USA Cycling National Championship event.
Local Rider Resources
Useful links for training, route planning, and staying informed:
- → Windy — Wind Map & Weather Forecast
- → Mountain Biking in Utah — Trailforks
- → Utah Bike Paths — current and planned from Utah.gov
- → UDOT Current Road Conditions
- → Strava Global Heatmap — all bike sports centered on Salt Lake City
- → Cycling West / Cycling Utah — cycling news and information in the Western States region
SafeSport, Anti-Doping, & Rider Protections
USA Cycling's partnership with SafeSport covers athlete safety, abuse prevention, and how to report concerns. Learn more at SafeSport | USA Cycling.
UCA events are subject to USADA anti-doping rules. For information on prohibited substances, therapeutic use exemptions, and your rights as an athlete, visit USADA.org.