Racing- picking a team

This is probably the first of many questions on the subject of MTB racing. I apologize in advance.

I've been toying with the idea of racing for awhile now. Had my first race picked out, and then the weather and life squashed those plans. So no race this year...

I always assumed that I needed to race a few times on my own before I joined a team. Apparently this assumption is wrong. My friend is trying to get me to join her team (sponsored by a large regional chain) and the owner of my favorite independent bike shop is re-forming his team and has spoken with me about racing, despite the fact that they both know I've never pinned a number on. So I've gone from Team GDI (Gosh-Darn Independent) to discussions with two actual teams. And there are at least 2 others in the area...

So how does one go about picking a team? I have some less-than-favorable impressions of both my friend's teammates and the shop that sponsors them. But I don't want to appear disloyal to her- she's the one who's responsible for me even considering racing, and she's been very supportive and encouraging. On the other hand, I love the idea that the indy shop's team is focused on beginners and juniors, the shop owner is super-nice (even though he knows that I work occasionally for some of his competition), and I could get a team deal on a Niner. (Whole 'nother question...what's a suitable race bike when one has access to some sweet team deals? And is it wrong to sign up with a team just to get a deal on a bike?)

Decisions, decisions.... Any advice is welcome!

If everything else is the same, go with the shop you like better.

For me, I had several options and took the deal with the best discounts. I'm hoping to hear back from Kona's Grassroots program sometime soon to see if I'll get to race/coach for them. About 50% off bikes! Please please please!

Good luck with whichever one you pick and rubber side down!

Jeni

Having a friend recruit you is good, but it's not the be-all-end-all. I have lots of friends on other teams, and we might beat the snot out of each other on the singletrack and then laugh about it over beers later. Ain't no thing.

I think the team's personality has the most sway for me. Do people just show up to the race and then leave straight after, or do they bring their families and lawn chairs, grills, and coolers? Would you be expected to do all the races in a series, or do volunteer work, or pay a membership fee? Can you get coaching, are there group rides outside of races, and is there a mix of hammerheads and caboose riders?

I started with an all-women team that did road and mountain, lots of focus on beginners, tons of group rides, but little true racing. I eventually switched to a rowdier co-ed team that brought kegs of beer and cheered/heckled absolutely everyone on the course. Each was the right thing for me at the time.

Oh, and as for the team deals, I believe the statement still holds: get the best you can personally afford. What changes is that what you can get for the same amount of money goes up.

-- gnat!