The League of American Bicyclists is proud to announce the 2008 Clubs of the Year, as determined by the League’s staff and Board. Typically, six awards are given – one per region. However, 2008 proved to be a great year for cycling and for Region 5 where the League named two Clubs of the year.
The League’s Club of the Year program recognizes outstanding clubs for their hard work and dedication and for encouraging cycling and providing a forum for their community to ride. The League’s membership is comprised of many successful and motivated clubs, making the decision process difficult. Andy Clarke, President of the League, said, “The League is delighted to recognize all of the 2008 Clubs of the Year for their efforts to promote cycling and camaraderie amongst cyclists. We applaud these clubs for their willingness to invest time and effort to make cycling fun and beneficial to their region.”
See who won when you read “more”…
2008 Clubs of the Year
Region 1. Narragansett Bay Wheelmen. Rhode Island. The NBW is a stalwart member and supporter of the League’s education programs and is one of the largest and most active clubs in the Northeast. They offer hundreds of rides each year – there are cue sheets for more than 150 great rides on their website – and maintain close connections with statewide and local advocacy issues, including the Providence Bicycle Coalition.
Region 2. Sussex Cyclists. Delaware. Sussex Cyclists is a relatively new and small club that took the initiative to address a high bicycle crash rate among international workers in the Delaware shore area.
Region 3. Richmond Area Bicycle Association. Virginia. A long-standing League affiliate with an incredible ride schedule – a dozen members rode more than 100 club rides in 2008, including one who rode on 245 rides – and an increasingly active role in local advocacy and charitable activities.
Region 4. Silver Wheels Cycling Club. Ohio. Silver Wheels is a classic League club! Just over ten years old, they have around 200 members, one major ride (Dog Days Wine Tour) and a menu of more than 400 rides to choose from during the year. They have an active education and outreach program to draw more people into cycling in northern Ohio.
Region 5. Twin Cities Bicycling Club, Minnesota, and Colorado Springs Cycling Club, Colorado. This region covers such a vast amount of territory we had to pick two winners this year. The Twin Cities Bicycle Club boasts one of the most extensive and well-run ride programs in the country and one of the most informative websites around. The Colorado Springs group offers every kind of ride from beginner to monstrous hill climbing and advocates locally for bicycle trails, lanes, paths and rider support facilities throughout the Pikes Peak region.
Region 6. Conejo Valley Cyclists, California. The CVC’s members are our members, and they have recently been getting quite involved in making Thousand Oaks and surrounding communities more bicycle friendly. This year they celebrate the 25th anniversary running of the Cruisin the Conejo ride.
If you would like to nominate a club for 2009, contact your regional League Board member this fall. Nominees are chosen by each regional board member. They will provide nomination details at that time. The League thanks all of our affiliated organizations – clubs and advocacy groups – for the incredible work they do to give people the opportunity to ride.
About The League of American Bicyclists
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.
