Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you called "Team Traveller" rather than just "Traveller", and did you notice you misspelled "Traveler"?

Finally, a question that is easy to answer. Traveller (British Spelling with two "l's") was Robert E. Lee's Horse during the Civil War and while President of then Washington College, now Washington and Lee University. The name is ubiquitous in Lexington: Traveller Bus system, Traveller's grave, Traveller Magazine, Traveller Alumni College, Traveller fire hydrant -- alright, the last one is made up, but you get it. We just had to differentiate ourselves. Plus it is alliteration, "TT". If we hold a Team Time Trial, we can call it the Team Traveller Team Time Trial.

How do I clean my uniform? Can I put it in the washer and the dryer?

Keeping your uniform clean is important, and how you clean it is equally important. Ideally, you should use a sports garment-specific detergent, such as Sport Wash, which is available at Kroger and other stores, but woolite or any gentle detergent will work. Wash the uniform as soon as possible to prevent any stains from setting. You should hand-wash, in cold water, and hang-dry your garments. We've found the gentle cycle with cold water in the washer works OK too. First, close any zippers, this will help prevent any damage from the zipper. Second, turn inside out to protect the printed surface and prevent fading, if dried in the sun. Third, don't wash gloves with your uniform. The velcro will stick to the uniform and damage the fabric. Whatever you do, DON'T USE THE DRYER. The heat can destroy the lycra and shrink a perfect fitting uniform. Remember, these have to last you the entire season, so be gentle.

I'm racing this year and have three questions: Do I have to shave my legs? Why do cyclists shave their legs? How do I go about it?

The question everybody wants to know the answer to, but is afraid to ask -- well, almost everyone. First, there is no rule that you have to shave your legs. It's just the way it is. Pros and amateurs do it. It is a convention of the sport. 95 percent of the racers do it and those that don't get some teasing. In Category 5, you will see a couple of "newbies" with hair, but in the higher categories it begins to look a lot more pro. You can check out To Shave or Not to Shave (legs) at bike forums.net for a more thorough discussion

If you decide to shave, there are a few methods, all of which have plusses and minuses:

• Electric Razor Plus: Easy to do. Minus: Doesn't last long.
• Razor and shave cream Plus: Easy to do. Minus: Cuts and razor burn.
• Depilatory Cream Plus: No cuts. Minus: Smells bad and doesn't last.
• Waxing Plus: Lasts 6 weeks and very smooth. Minus: Painful and expensive.
• Laser Plus: Lasts forever. Minus: Lasts forever.

Here is an article that may help you decide. Tips on Shaving Down for Your Next Race

How much does it cost to get into racing?

It depends. If you have a bike you can race with, that will save you considerable expense. If you need a race bike, the cost begins around $1000.00. Lets break it all down, assuming you have a bike and purchase items at a discount through sponsors:

• USA Cycling Racing License: $60.00
• Uniforms (two in case you have an accident): $210.00
• Helmet: $50.00
• Gloves, socks, arm-warmers and leg warmers: $70.00
• Shoes, cleats and pedals: $180.00
• Accessories, food and miscellaneous: $100.00

That totals $670.00. The good news is that you don't have to come up with all of that at once. Also, we are soliciting donations to offset some of these expenses. We don't begin racing until February or March, so you should have enough time to plan a strategy.

If I am on the race team, do I have to show up for all the races?

Not unless you want to. After a bit of training, you'll know your strengths. You'll want to concentrate on those races which offer the terrain best suited to your abilities. There are five types of riders:

• GC (General Classification) Riders can do all types of races. Eddy Merckx is an example of a GC rider, and probably the greatest all-round cyclist
• Sprinters do best on short, flat courses, tend to have a larger build and can produce a short burst of speed at the end of the race. Mario Cipollini is one of the most famous sprinters.
• Climbers show their endurance in the mountains, and tend to have a slim, lightweight physique. Flemish cyclist, Lucien Van Impe, is the epitome of a climber.
• Time Trialists can maintain high speeds for long periods, have a high lactate threshold and an ability to take in lots of oxygen. Fabian Cancellara is the current World Time-Trial Champion.
• Domestiques supports the team and helps the leader win the race. George Hincapie performed this role for Lance Armstrong and the Discovery team.

I'm not on the team, can I buy gear through your sponsors?

Sorry, only team/club members are eligible for deals through our sponsors. Our uniforms, though, are not sponsored and may be purchased when we place an order.

What's with the zebra-print uniforms?

Two reasons. One: We became known for that on the racing circuit. After we went to a few races, you could overhear people say "Hey there's the zebra-guy" or "There's the Cipollini guy" (referring to Mario Cipollini from the Domina Vacanze team -- known for outlandish clothes). Two: The uniforms from other teams tend to look too similar and being able to tell your team-mates apart from the rest of the peloton is essential in a race.

Why do you need donations and corporate sponsors?

The University Cycling Club is part of Campus Recreation and not part of the University's sports program. We receive some funding through the school, but this does not cover all of the costs. Cycling in the US is commonly referred to as a "Gentleman's sport" (no offense to the ladies), meaning you supply your own equipment, pay your own racing fees and travel expenses. In order to make the club more accessible to students, we develop sponsorships with businesses and raise donations to reduce the costs and offset some of that expense.

What does "sag" mean in cycling?

Support stations for riders in need of mechanical or medical assistance are called "SAG stations". A vehicle which follows the riders providing water, food, and mechanical support is called a "SAG wagon". No one is really sure what it stands for, but best guess is "Support And Gear".

What is a "domestique"?

In French it literally means "servant", but in road bike racing it is a team-member who works for the benefit of the team leader. Another term used to describe this position is "water-carrier". Less glamorous than a "star" rider but necessary to the functioning of the team. Domestiques carry water and food to other riders, shield them from wind (drafting) and sacrifice a wheel or entire bike to the leader if he needs it.

Do I have to be a member to buy a uniform?

Anyone can buy a uniform, we order our uniforms in November after we have confirmed all our sponsors and completed the design. You may go to the Team Gear page for more details.

What if I don't race?

No Problem. Our club is open to all riders. We encourage you to try racing, but it is not required. If you are interested in recreational rides only, just show up for one of our scheduled team rides. Our group tends to break into smaller groups based on speed. There will always be a group for your level.

What's the difference between the club and the team?

The Washington and Lee University Cycling Club is organized through the university and follows all the club rules and regulations. Team Traveller is the name used in the USA Cycling organization (think of it as the Cycling Guild) where one applies for racing or coaching licenses, upgrades racing categories, buys insurance etc. We use the terms interchangeably, but technically the members of Team Traveller are licensed through USA Cycling.

What kind of racing do you do?

We participate in non-NCAA, USA Cycling-sanctioned, amateur road races, time trials and criteriums up and down the eastcoast. These races use road bikes on paved roads.

What are the differences among road races, criteriums and time trials?

Road races are mass start events which take place on public roads. They can be point-to-point races or long loops of five to 25 miles in length. Multiple events, held over several days, are known as stage races.

During a road race, team members work together to gain an advantage over other riders, usually designating one person as the leader for the day based on terrain, fitness and the competition. The leader’s teammates will help in any way possible, from carrying food and water, to letting him or her rest in their draft, to giving up a wheel -- or a whole bike -- if the leader has mechanical problems.

The most common form of American racing, the criterium, is a multi-lap race of 25 to 60 miles held on a closed course generally a mile or less in length. These races, which usually last one to two hours, are extremely fast -- 30 mph and up -- as the cyclists jockey for position and sprint for lap “primes” (cash or merchandise prizes, pronounced “preems”). The short closed course, generally with both right- and left-hand corners, makes this type of racing easy to watch for spectators and more accessible for the media.

Often called “The Race of Truth,” the time trial pits individuals or teams against the clock to determine the winner. In the individual time trial, racers start at specified intervals and try to post the fastest time over a preset course. The course is usually an out-and-back route with a single turnaround, though some courses may cover a circuit or run from point to point.

What are the rules and regulations for racing?

The USA Cycling organization decides the rules for amateur and pro racing in the United States. Here are the most up-to-date rules. This rulebook includes every aspect of road and track racing. For cyclocross and mountain bike racing, there are separate documents available on USA Cycling organization