USA Cycling's options for recreational riders will come in two flavors in 2017 with the launch of Ride+ Membership alongside the Ride Membership introduced for 2016.

The governing body of American cycling is streamlining requirements for event organizers of gran fondos and gravel events in order to encourage more to come under the wing of USA Cycling.

Also, subject to formal approval at the next USAC Board meeting, CAT 5 racers will be able to count sanctioned gran fondos toward their upgrades to CAT 4.

USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall described the changes as "enhancing support for enthusiast cyclists".

He has been a champion of his organization's inclusion of the rapidly growing gran fondo and gravel scenes.

"The universe is adapting to changing formats and tastes," he said. "There's a robust universe of people participating in the sport. I am upbeat about that .... Our drop in road racing is offset by the growth of the sport elsewhere."

"From a pure strategic perspective the market is shifting and we must shift with it."

(CEO of USA Cycling "All In" on Expansion Beyond Traditional Racing)

Ride Membership costs $50 for the year.

For fifty bucks you receive $25,000 supplemental event insurance at non-race events, a T-short, phone pouch and sticker, 12-month subscription to Bicycling, access to discounts from USA Cycling's sponsors and 24/7 roadside assistance, including transportation for up to 20 miles if your bike is borked.

Ride+ is $150.

For the extra $100 you receive a limited edition USAC kit and 10% off in the USAC store. There don't seem to be pictures of the kit available.

Derek Bouchard-Hall at GFNY 2016 with eventual women's winner Camile Cortes (No. 1) just behind. Credit: Sportograf.
The traditional Race Membership is also offering new options with three tiers — Race, Podium and Podium+. All include a license for unlimited USAC racing.

For $70 the Race option gives you $25,000 supplemental event insurance at races and partner discounts.

Podium is the same as Ride Membership, with race license and insurance thrown in.

Podium+ adds the USAC kit and 10% discount like Ride+.

"For those who play in both worlds racing and gran fondos, the Podium memberships ... give you everything you need to do both," according to the USAC.

USAC Memberships:

Ride $50

  • $25,000 supplemental event insurance at fun rides, fondos, and gravel events
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Limited edition t-shirt
  • USA Cycling phone pouch and decal
  • 12-month subscription to Bicycling magazine
  • Sponsor discounts with Volkswagen, Training Peaks, Bike Flights, and more
  • Support for USA Cycling

Ride+ $150

Everything in the Ride Membership &

  • Limited edition USA Cycling kit
  • 10% off in the USA Cycling store

Race $70

  • Unlimited USA Cycling racing
  • $25,000 supplemental event insurance at races
  • Partner discounts with Volkswagen, Training Peaks, Bike Flights, and more
  • Support for USA Cycling

Podium $100

Everything in the Race Membership &

  • $25,000 supplemental event insurance at fun rides, fondos, and gravel events
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Limited edition t-shirt
  • USA Cycling phone pouch and decal
  • 12-month subscription to Bicycling magazine
  • Partner discounts with Volkswagen, Training Peaks, Bike Flights, and more
  • Support for USA Cycling

Podium+ $200

Everything in the Podium Membership &

  • Limited edition USA Cycling kit
  • 10% off in the USA Cycling store

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