It’s Time to Ride…with the Bicycle Sport Shop Cycling Club!

Ever thought about joining a cycling club or team?  Wonder why folks do or what’s expected?  While it varies from club to club, the general premises of each of them is the same—to have a group of folks to ride with and have fun!

For the second year Bicycle Sport Shop wrapped up January with a launch party for its Cycling Club. Last night over half of the nearly 200 club members stopped by the Lamar store to socialize, pick up club gear, eat, drink, and be merry.

Last night’s club get together was held at the Lamar store.

Actually comprised of four clubs—road, mountain, triathlon, and cyclocross—the Bicycle Sport Shop Cycling Club started last year as a way to bring together folks of all skill levels and all types of riding. To date, the club boasts Ironman winners, pro mountain bikers, women track racers, junior and masters cyclocross champions, as well as folks taking on their first tri, riders that are just learning off road riding techniques, beginner road riders and first time road racers, and members that are just learning what cyclocross is.

Members of the club get together for a recent MTB clinic held at Walnut Creek.

While a portion of the members race their preferred disciplines—yes, even our triathlon club captains have given cyclocross a shot—the vast majority of club members never toe the line. Instead, many of the riders take to the club’s various weekly rides or workouts, attend clinics hosted the club’s captains, or go to events hosted by the club’s amazing sponsors. Those sponsors support the club not only by offering riders discounts and perks, but also by helping fund things like the club’s race reimbursement program.

Triathlon captain Claudia hams it up with Laura and Hill last night.

Captained by seven dedicated and passionate riders—including me—the club is a chance for new riders to learn the ropes from more experienced cyclists.  Not only are club captains available to answer questions and offer advice, but for this year there is a mentor program where riders can get paired with another club members for advice on anything riding related from equipment choices, to favorite commuter routes, to race tips, to favorite trails.

Road co-captian Todd leads the Sunday ride out of the Lamar store.

While the mentor program givers members a chance to give back one-on-one, many folks give back to the cycling community at large through the club’s legacy program.  These folks volunteer a set number of hours a month and help make things like the Real Ale Ride the great time that it is for the rest of us. And for their efforts, legacy program members carry special perks and benefits throughout the year.

Junior cyclocross rider Piper tore it up this season and had a blast at the same time.

Everyone at the shop is excited to see the success of the Bicycle Sport Shop Cycling Club and the enjoyment that the members have in being a part of it.  While you can find lots of information about the club on-line, swing by the shop and talk with a staff member about the club. Or better yet, come ride with us and check it out!

Happy riding!