Bicycle
Bicycles now come in many different shapes, styles and purposes. And so do their riders. Some just putter around, some go for speed and distance, some need to get off the road and into the woods, and some need a little electrical assist. The Bicycle Club has members with all those interests.
At any age, but particularly important with senior riders, there is safety in numbers. Riding together with a group makes you more visible to motorists and we always help each other if there is a breakdown or other problem. Speaking of safety, we always wear our bike helmets.
Our most active group is the road cyclists, also known as the Carolina Classic Cyclists (CCC). Think skinny tires and drop down handlebars. Certainly not for everyone, but ideal for those looking for a two hour or so workout, averaging 15-16 MPH over 25 to 35 miles. We usually ride single file in small groups on roads south of Sun City and Waxhaw. A few riders from outside Sun City may join in. This group rides year around on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, weather permitting. Mornings at 9:00am in the warmer weather, afternoons at 1:00pm when its colder. We ride from Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4421 Old Hickory Road, Van Wyck, SC 29720. That's about two miles south of the Van Wyck US Post Office. Contact Steven Burke or Norm Compson for more information.
Another group of road or hybrid cyclists rides "slightly slower and somewhat shorter." Still out on some of the same roads outside of Sun City, but at a more relaxed pace and less taxing distance. Maybe averaging 12-14 MPH over 15 to 20 miles. Their schedule varies. Contact Sandi Stigant or Lynn Powell.
Some of us want to get into the woods or off the road on mountain or gravel bikes. Bigger tires, probably front or rear suspension. NOT flying break neck down mountains and dropping off big rocks. More equivalent to fast hiking on "flowy" bike specific trails at locations like Anne Springs Close Greenway or the Whitewater Center. If you're interested contact Norm Compson.
The Bicycle Club used to regularly lead groups of riders totally within Sun City. So we know there is an interest in this activity. Sun City has few level roads and many riders are challenged by our hills. The increasing number of e-bikes should reduce that problem. We just need a few people to step up and share the leadership responsibility. The Club can help. Contact Steven, Norm, or Tim.
If you like casual off-highway riding on greenways and wide trails, Jack Horan has formed a separate club, Greenway Cyclists, to travel to those locations. Bicycles on his rides are both people and electric powered. Visit that club's website or contact Jack.
The Bicycle Club also offers periodic clinics to tune up your bike. Watch this page for more info and check out the Photo section.
Contacts:
Steven Burke – [email protected], (c) 704-641-0959
Tim Cline – [email protected], (c) 803-431-3735
Norm Compson – [email protected], (h) 803-548-6484, (c) 803-415-0941
Jack Horan – [email protected], (c) 704-618-7765
Lynn Powell – [email protected], (c) 540-820-4684
Sandi Stigant – [email protected], (c) 843-318-0020