2025–26
Resources
Team operations, riding protocol, local partnerships, governance, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Team calendar
Meetings, clinics, events, and team commitments beyond the weekly ride board.
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Operational doctrine
- A drop-bar bike (no MTB or e-bike). Tri-bikes are allowed, but riders should not use their aero bars when riding in the group.
- A helmet is absolutely required.
- Water bottle (electrolytes useful).
- Flat repair kit, e.g. spare tubes, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, tubeless plugs, etc.
- For longer rides (>30 mi), bring snacks.
- Clipless pedals encouraged.
- Make calls, even if you are not at the front or back. E.g., “Slowing,” “stopping,” “bump,” “car back,” “car up,” “rolling,” “gap,” etc.
- Use hand signals. E.g., turn signals, patting lower back to signal obstacle ahead, single elbow flick to rotate, double elbow flick for bump, etc.
- Do not accelerate out of the draft or out of corners.
- No headphones.
- Do not stand up in a paceline—often this will send your rear wheel back into the rider behind you.
- Wait until you are at the back to blow your nose.
- Always stop for mechanicals or crashes, even on a drop ride.
- No-drop rides are social rides where the intent is to not leave anyone behind. If a rider falls behind, the entire group will stop and wait.
- Drop rides are training rides where the intent is to keep a consistent, fast pace. If a rider falls behind, the group will continue without them. Riders should be familiar with the route and be comfortable finding their way home.
- All new riders must submit the form found on the website under “Join” before participating in a UCVC ride.
- Club-wide updates will be sent via the email list and the WhatsApp group chat. Ride-specific updates will be sent to all riders RSVP’d for a particular ride.
- Ride leaders have discretion to set pace, change the route, or stop the group at any time.
- All rides, even drop rides, will stop in the event of any crash or serious mechanicals.
- Travel to/from the race will be organized prior to race day.
- If we are biking to an event, the club will roll out together.
- Disparaging, mocking, or threatening other riders will not be tolerated.
Bike Shop Partnerships
Tamago
Located minutes from UChicago’s quad on 57th Street, Tamago is UCVC’s preferred mechanic and service partner. Tamago supplies the team’s jerseys, bottles, and trainers, and helps members with regular bike maintenance. Its Events Calendar also lists rides that are more casual and beginner-friendly than typical UCVC rides.
FAQ
Any member of UCVC can attend team events, rides, and races.
If you are unsure about your ability to keep up with a ride, look at the intended pace and distance. If your average pace on solo rides for comparable distances is considerably below (>2 mph) the intended pace, the ride may not be right for you. That being said, you will never be dropped on a non-drop ride.
Yes, the club will cover race fees and travel for any UCVC-sponsored events. This will be made clear at least 10 days prior to any event.