FAQ's and FUE's
Frequently Asked Questions and Frequently Used Excuses)
Q:How much do ACA rides cost?
A:Nada thing. Unless a ride is specified as a fundraiser (such as the Rosedale Ride, Race for the Roses, G.A.S.P., Armadillo Hill Country Classic, etc.), all ACA rides are free, without cost, no compensation required, fees not administered, fiscal property not extracted, gold not exchanged, money not asked for, and otherwise with no price tag attached.
Q:I think I'd like to advertise in your newspaper, Southwest Cycling News!
A:Excellent idea! ACA offers absurdly low rates to reach your target market of Austin and Central Texas bicyclists with a monthly distribution of about five thousand readers. We invite you to peruse The Southwest Cycling News Advertising Rate Card (68K pdf file) and lock in a long-term advert or two before we come to our senses.
Q:How do I join ACA?
A:Membership gets you a 1-year subscription to Cycling News and access to our excellent ride maps.. Just fill out a membership form and pay your dues ($20 Individual/Family or $30 Contributing Individual or Family). You can also get a membership form in the Southwest Cycling News found at local area bike shops, Wheatsville and most Half-Price book stores.
Q:But I don't have an Italian racing bike with those geek bar thingies that I see you guys riding.
A:You'll see road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, recumbents, tandems, tandem recumbents, etc. on ACA rides. We only use the aerobars to rest our maps on -- you mean there's another purpose for them?!?
Q:I can't read a map.
A:Neither can we. That's why we all follow you. (Maps are distributed to each rider at the beginning of the ride.)
Q:I'm too slow to ride in a group.
A: There's a sign-up sheet at the beginning of each ride where people estimate their average speed. Find people going at your pace and hook on to them. At least let somebody know if you're new and tell 'em you wanna tag along with them. We're nicer than we look.
Q:I'm too fast to ride in a group.
A: There are plenty of great groups in town to ride fast with, such as Velocity and Violet Crown, or you can come ride with us and lead a pace line. We'll be chasing you, and if we can't keep up with you, we'll sure enjoy the pursuit!
Q:I'm too sexy for my jersey.
A:Oh yeah? I'd like to see that.
Q:I can't ride long distances.
A: All rides are 'choose-your-own-distance.' There will be maps for shorter and longer rides, and you can always make any ride shorter or longer by varying the route. Usual rides are 25 to 50 miles, but some are shorter and some are longer. If you want to come out and ride 10 miles, no problem!
Q:I can't climb hills.
A:Some rides are fairly flat; others are hilly. Check the ride description to read about the terrain. Get some low gears and take it slow and easy. You'll get better and better each ride!
Q:What happens if I get tired/hungry/thirsty/need a rest stop?
A:Most rides are designed to have stores along the route. Many riders stop at the stores for a rest stop and food break. Ask the ride leader about rest stops.
Q: Ain't nobody never gonna catch me wearin' no lycra nor no bright pink!
A:That's okay; we have no dress code, as long as you're wearing enough clothing to be legal.
Q:Take me to your leader or else I'll park my spaceship in your bike lane.
A:Okay, so we don't hear that one a whole lot, but you can contact our fearless president, Scott Korcz. If you have a technical web page issue, please try to figure it out first, then, if you are beyond hope, contact the very busy nerd, er, ah, webmaster Bob Farr. See you atop the next hill!