What is a USA Cycling License and why do I need one?

Racers need to present a racing license every time they enter a race. Although this may sound intimidating, getting a racing license is an easy process. Where do you get one of these licenses in the US? The answer to that is USA Cycling.

USA Cycling is the governing body of bicycle racing in the United States. It oversees everything from selecting and sending athletes to the Olympic Games to determining the categories of racing that beginners enter into. USA Cycling distributes racing licenses to help organize, categorize and rank racing cyclists of all levels. It also keeps track of all the bicycle racing clubs around the US.

USA Cycling oversees road racing, track (velodrome) racing, mountain bike racing, cyclocross and overall BMX racing. It also provides avenues in which race promoters can obtain officials and insurance for their races. The road racing portion of USA Cycling is called the United States Cycling Federation (USCF). The USCF oversees velodrome and cyclocross racing as well. The mountain bike portion of USA Cycling is called the National Off Road Bicycle Association (NORBA).
 

How much is a USA Cycling license and how long is it good for?

For 2007, a USA Cycling license for either the USCF or NORBA was $60. All licenses expire at the end of the calendar year.

If you want to try racing for just a day, you can purchase a one-day license on-site at the race for around $10. 

If you plan to race both road and mountain bikes in a particular year, you can have both a USCF and NORBA license. If you choose USCF as your primary license, you can add on a NORBA license for only $30 and vice versa.
 

How do I get a USA Cycling license?

You can apply online at www.usacycling.org or with a mail in form at: http://www.usacycling.org/forms/license_app.pdf

Do I need to be a member of a bicycle racing club in order to get a USA Cycling license?

No. Anyone can apply for a USA Cycling USCF or NORBA license. If you belong to a cycling club that is registered with USA Cycling, write in the name of the club on your license application and it will appear on your license. If you do not belong to a cycling club or your club is not registered with USA Cycling, the words "unattached" will appear on the license where the club name would otherwise appear. To see if your club is registered or to look for a club near you, go to: http://www.usacycling.org/clubs/

New to this all and wanting guidance? A Wenzel Coach can help you through the process of becoming a bike racer and competing in your first race. For information on working with a Wenzel Coach, please visit our information page.

What is an OBRA license and why might I need one?

The Oregon Bike Racing Association (OBRA) governs bike racing in much of the State of Oregon. Oregon is one of a handful of states that has its own bike racing association that covers many of the duties that USA Cycling covers for promoters in other states. Promoters in Oregon have the choice of making their races either USCF or OBRA sanctioned, and most find it economical to go with OBRA.

All riders racing in OBRA sanctioned races need to present their OBRA license whenever they register for a race. An OBRA license is $20 for the calendar year or $5 for a one-day license. You can apply for an OBRA license online or through a mail-in form here and the USCF recognize each other's racing categories, so you race in the respective category you are in regardless of race sanction.