Welcome to the COBRAS!
It is with sincere pleasure that I welcome you to the COBRAS and offers you this information as a way to get started quickly and efficiently.
The COBRAS was founded in 1991 by Frank Schneider as a way for the over-45 individual to begin racing or keep racing if they have been already. Today, COBRAS membership is open to senior or master racers of any age. COBRAS is a lot of things: a bicycle racing club, a social club, and a place to exchange cycling ideas about racing technique, bike maintenance, nutrition, and training.
We want you to be as involved in our organization as you want, and encourage you to volunteer or just race as much or as little as you wish. We are primarily a developmental club; we want to help people make the transition from a recreational cyclist to a competitive one.
Our website is our main communication tool for our members. There you will find out when the next training ride is and other important information regarding club events.
We also carry our own line of bike apparel, which is available to you at cost. By using the Clothing Store at our website you can outfit yourself in our kit, which includes: jerseys, shorts, bibs, jackets, vests, caps, socks and arm warmers.
We hold an annual party in November each year to celebrate our COBRAS Championship Challenge. It is one of several functions throughout the year that comes with the membership and at no additional cost to you.
Sincerely,
President
Now That I’m a Member, What Do I Do Next?
Training
Check the COBRAS website for upcoming training rides and special training events which are held during the week and on weekends. These events accomplish a multitude of things such as endurance training, hill climbing, sprinting and all around fun. Sometimes members stay afterward for a meal and conversation. If you are looking for a good route to ride, we post our training ride routes to our website as well.
How do I use the COBRAS website?
Our website is our main communication tool and is managed by a board member of COBRAS. As you found out when you first located COBRAS it was an initial source of membership information, training ride schedules, etc. For Members Only information that is password protected, use our Contact Us form and request the password. We want our website to be as helpful as possible without being intrusive. The website keeps up to date information on the COBRAS Championship Challenge.
What is the USA Cycling (USAC) and Bicycle Colorado and How Does it Affect COBRAS?
USAC is the national governing bicycle racing organization that permits races, provides the officials and insurance for racers and the club that runs the race.
Bicycle Colorado is the governing body over the races in Colorado. Bicycle Colorado works with promoters, clubs, teams, racers, and municipalities in a wide range of duties that helps events happen in a safe regulated manner. Bicycle Colorado provides trained officials to all sanctioned events to score the race. COBRAS is a member of Bicycle Colorado and promotes the Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trials at Cherry Creek in the spring within the structure of Bicycle Colorado. All events share proceeds with Bicycle Colorado to keep them functioning on our behalf.
How Do I Sign Up For Races?
Look for the race you wish to enter and click on the flyer for the advertisement of the race or the website which normally has the registration link where you will be required to register using your USAC license number. Each race also requires a “Waiver” signed that releases the promoter from any liability. They often want these at check-in on the day of the race when you pick up your bib number. The race promoter often publishes start times in advance for Time Trials (TT’s) otherwise, if for criteriums, hill climbs or road races you will race by category of age.
What Equipment Do I Need For Races?
Other than your cycling clothing, helmet, shoes and gloves, you might need a trainer which you put your bike on to ride to warm up before your race. A few cyclists often carry additional wheels, tires, tubes, changing tools and additional foul weather clothing in a bike bag much like you take to the gym. It is always advisable to bring a few energy bars, and power drink and recovery drinks of your choice to make sure you are fully energized. See our Racing FAQ for more information.
How Do I purchase COBRAS clothes?
We have an online clothing store on our website where we try to keep a selection of our most popular items and sizes. We accept checks as well as credit cards and PayPal for payment. Purchased items can be mailed or picked up from our clothing chairman, often at a Saturday ride.
We also have a relationship with Pactimo where you can order kits. Pactimo requires a minimum order of $300 and the website for the COBRAS is not always available. If you want to look at their catalog and order clothing, email [email protected] and request that the Pactimo store is opened.
Can I Get More Involved in COBRAS by Volunteering for a Committee?
Of course! It is through volunteer efforts that our club exists; we have no paid positions on the Board of Directors. You might watch to see where you might be of assistance and then approach our President about additional involvement
