So your neighborhood bike trails are getting too familiar, you’ve noticed that Ride the Rockies is going on and you’re thinking about joining a cycling club. What’s required?
Not as much as you might think.
“You’ll need a road bike, obviously, but there’s no sense in buying one of those $10,000 models,” said John Klever, membership chairman of Denver’s Rocky Mountain Cycling Club.
Klever explained that top-level bikes constructed from high-tech materials are designed for elite racers weighing an average of 160 pounds. “And there aren’t many of us at 160,” he said.
A high-quality road bike can be purchased at local bicycle shops for about $2,000 and suitable ones for much less, “although if you start with a $500 bike, real soon you’ll probably want to upgrade,” Klever added.
Those interested in joining a cycling club should do some research and find a club that fits their level, said Gordon Tewell, president of Colorado HeartCycle. There are clubs that cater to novices, while others feature accomplished racers. Some clubs emphasize social activities. Some test speed and endurance.
Colorado HeartCycle, for example, falls somewhere in the middle, Tewell said. Organized rides range from 30 to 90 miles but include “gathering points” along the way. In addition to weekend rides, the club offers about 15 weeklong tours each year, including several outside the state.
“What’s great is you see things from a different perspective on a bike,” Tewell said. “You see things that you wouldn’t see if you were just driving in a car as a tourist.”
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club caters to experienced riders, ranging from intermediate level to advanced. Its rides range from 25-mile evening rides to the four-day, 750-mile “Last Chance” ride in September that goes from Boulder to Kensington, Kan., and back.
“People that join our club are expected to be able to change a tire,” Klever said.
Most clubs begin with shorter distances so members can gradually increase their stamina.
The cost of a solid bicycle helmet goes in the $50 to $60 range, although high-end ones are $200 or more. And what about those funny- looking cycling outfits?
There’s a reason they are so bright — and tight, Tewell said. “The biggest thing that riders are made fun of is their tight shorts,” he said. “You don’t have to have them, but it’s a matter of comfort. For longer rides, I would definitely recommend them.”
Synthetic blends for tops and bottoms are a must, Tewell said. A polyester T-shirt will wick away perspiration while cotton will not.
“You don’t have to have a fancy bike jersey,” he said. “But you want something with a bright color that stands out, so people (motorists, etc.) will see you.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
Hitting the clubs
A sampling of several local cycling clubs:
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club or 303-321-1265
Denver Bicycling Touring Club or 303-756-7240
Team Evergreen or 303-674-6048
Colorado HeartCycle or 303-570-8722
Colorado Bicycle Racing Association for Seniors or 303-973-6164
