New to Bike Racing?

If you have experience riding a road bike and you’re curious about racing in a group, welcome! Starting your racing career in Central Park is easy with CRCA support. Questions? Get in touch with the Vice President of Rider Development!

Here’s what you need to start racing:

  • Road bike with drop handlebars and gears

  • Helmet and a jersey/shirt with sleeves

  • Race registration for non-CRCA members happens through BikeReg, where you can find individual event details and sign up.

  • Inspect tires, wheels, brakes, and chain before a race. Accessories like saddlebags, lights, or fenders are prohibited.

New Racer Clinics for Beginners:

  • New Racer Clinics are coached races designed for cyclists new to racing.

  • Pre-Race Coaching: Licensed coaches will guide you through essential skills, including riding in a group, understanding field dynamics, and working with other riders.

  • On-the-Bike Mentorship: Experienced mentors will ride alongside you, offering real-time coaching and support throughout the race.

  • Podium and Awards: Top finishers and other achievements are recognized after the race, captured by professional photographers.

New to the CRCA?

CRCA is a volunteer-run community organization offering membership options for a range of budgets and schedules. Members can race in the iconic Central Park Club Series, join year-round coaching programs, and enjoy other perks. Beginner and Development racers should check out CRCA’s Development Series for additional opportunities. Questions? Get in touch with the Vice President of Rider Development!

Here’s what CRCA membership gets you:

  • Skills coaching sessions for members

  • New Racer Clinics for Beginners (Cat 5/Novice)

  • Free entry (for Season Pass members) to 12 races in the Club Series, or pay per race as a Basic member

  • Access to joining a CRCA sub-team

  • Professional chip timing

  • Offers by CRCA Member Partners

  • Opportunities to volunteer

Here’s what you need to race as a CRCA Member:

  • Road bike with drop bars, clipless pedals, helmet

  • Season Pass holders must commit to a marshal requirement*

  • Complete a New Members Skills Coaching Session*

  • Wear a CRCA club jersey, CRCA arm bands available at the start line, or a CRCA sub-team jersey if racing on a team.*

*scroll down for more information on member requirements

Join the crca
“... I had a friend who encouraged me to do the CRCA women’s clinic.... CRCA (Century Road Club Association) is an awesome organization. That was June 2008. That was my first race. ”
— Evelyn Stevens (Velonews.com)
Embed from Getty Images

Marshaling Assignments

Each racing member must “marshal” during the racing season, which runs March through early September. Marshals, required by the NYC Parks Department, are stationed on the Central Park course to ensure the safety of racers and other park users. Marshals also serve as ambassadors of the club for those who stop to ask for information. CRCA Members select their Marshal dates upon joining or renewing their membership. Read the CRCA Marshaling Policy here.

New Racers Skills Coaching Session

Before participating in the CRCA Club Series, all new club members who are USAC category 4 and Novice riders must participate in a free New Member Skills session to learn essential bike handling skills for staying safe in a race. Check for the next session on the Calendar.

CRCA Jerseys

All CRCA members must wear a jersey with the CRCA logo to participate in the Club Series. Exceptions are granted for jackets during the cold early-season races.

  • Riders on one of the club’s various sub-teams must wear their sub-team jersey with the CRCA logo. Logo placement must follow CRCA Sub-Team Rule 9.

  • Riders unaffiliated with one of the Club’s various sub-teams have two options for compliance:

    • purchasing the CRCA Club Jersey/Kit

    • attaching an official CRCA logo to both shoulders of another jersey. Heat-transferable CRCA logos and/or arm bands are available for purchase at Membership Number Pick-up events and every Club Race.