The purpose of the Boulder Cycling Club is to provide a safe and social alternative to the competitive riding style of most clubs.  We are more about fun than competition.  Our mission is to “Create a Better Community through Road Biking,” not to train competitive athletes.  Our rides are no-drop tours that leave you time to look at the scenery and chat a bit – not intimidating and boring training sessions.

We offer:

• Scheduled weekly rides with socializing before and after
• A and B routes to accommodate all levels of riders
• Free weekend SAG wagon rides
• Great discounts at local bike shops and other merchants, including a 10% discount on bikes at Bicycle Village (one per year)
• Member insurance with up to $10,000 in coverage for medical costs and bike damage
• Monthly newsletters with Club updates and informative cycling articles
• Quarterly social and educational events
• Informative website
• Special rides and outings
• Ride Leader safety training
• A members-only section of the website
• Cycling safety and group ride polices

The BCC is:

• A non-profit corporation
• A member of the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking and Walking giving us access to their great resources for improving clubs
• Managed by volunteers with no compensation paid to officers.

Our officers and directors are volunteers and receive no compensation for their services.  Please do your part to support the club by volunteering at the BCC table at the Kick-Off Party.

The Club’s approach addresses two of the biggest issues that deter people from road biking:  1) safety concerns and 2) the exclusivity of elitist clubs.

Safety

The BCC is developing cycling safety education programs for our members and the community. We have a training program and 30-page guide for Ride Leaders based on one of the best programs in the country. We have 15 trained ride leaders and additional trainings will be offered periodically.  BCC Ride Leaders use gentle safety reminders, assist with repairs, and help our groups avoid dangerous situations on the road. We have educational events several times per year.  Ride Leaders do not need to be expert cyclists, and new ride leaders start out in support roles without responsibility for the entire ride.  We encourage all BCC ride leaders to take road safety and cycling skills training from a Certified Instructor from the League of American Bicyclists. Please contact the Club if you are a member and would like to serve as a Ride Leader.

We strictly observe all traffic laws, including coming to a full stop at stop signs.  After all, we are a social riding club, and stops are a chance to chat a little in route!  Because of increasing concern in the cycling community about injuries resulting from bike-on-bike accidents, we require minimum following distances to prevent pile-ups.  Our Ride Organizers continually provide more safety education in each pre-ride announcement.  We have been guided by Cascade Bicycle Club of Seattle and Bicycle Colorado in developing safety policies.

No Cycling Elitism Here

Our members are welcoming and not elitist.  We want riders of all levels to feel welcome, so this year we are offering A and B routes on scheduled rides.  Both routes start and finish at roughly the same time.  The B route is shorter and the average speed is less than on the A ride.  We also welcome experienced riders who want to take a break from hammering and have some fun.

We  welcome and support women.  Susan Weaver’s book A Woman’s Guide to Cycling argues that the greatest deterrent for women interested in cycling is the male-dominance of the sport.  She asks the rhetorical question, “How should women react when male riders ignore them during club rides?”  That won’t be a problem on a no-drop BCC ride with a trained Ride Support Team!

BCC Weekend SAG Wagon Rides

The club organizes three longer rides (60-90 miles) on weekend days and provides SAG Wagon support including food and beverage transportation and limited mechanical and first aid supplies.  We think this type of ride is better than a typical organized mass-participation ride because:

1) It is be safer due to fewer people and trained BCC Ride Leaders
2) You receive personal and prompt service from the SAG Wagon
3) You have the option of bringing the fresh food of your choice

Club volunteers will operate the SAG vehicle.  Dave Benson will be conducting a survey to determine preferred dates, routes, length, food, and interested volunteers.  We are anticipating one ride in July, August, and September.  We may offer an alternative shorter route for each ride.  Dave will have a table at the Season Kick-Off Party where you can take the survey and express your interest in participating and/or volunteering.