Just after the sun rises but before the midday summer heat becomes too hot, members of the Delaware County Cycling Club head out for their morning ride -- races that range from 40 miles to 90 miles in length.
The club, which has been in Muncie for more than 40 years according to club vice president Jim Cartwright, meets every day from April through October.
Even though it has been around for years, the club didn't begin to have increased participation until the arrival of the Cardinal Greenway. Most bike rides start at the Wysor Street Depot, where the Greenway offices are stationed, and follow along some part of the trail.
The club's most popular rides are held on Saturday mornings and start at the depot. Club members meet at 8 a.m. and the Saturday rides are designed for riders of any experience level. The club's biggest event is the Great Greenway Tour, which includes 20-, 40- and 100-mile routes for riders. The ride follows the entire Greenway trail from Marion to Gaston. More than 250 people participated in this year's event, club member Cheryl LeBlanc said.
"It was a wonderful experience, and people really enjoyed the ride," LeBlanc said.
The Greenway Tour is different from other races because it offers a more family-oriented atmosphere, where riders can stop and socialize during the race.
"We try to keep it more of a family type of event, and we're trying to offer a unique experience," LeBlanc said.
Other popular Saturday rides include biking to Ivanhoe's in Upland and a 90-mile ride that visits every high school in Delaware County. LeBlanc said the Saturday rides help challenge beginners and experienced riders.
"We are trying real hard to have the Saturday rides reach people who are relatively new to cycling and to help challenge themselves," LeBlanc said.
The high-performance cyclists ride on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Prarie Creek in fast, long rides. Beginning cyclists are encouraged to start with the Wednesday rides, which are shorter and are restricted to the Cardinal Greenway.
Club President Mark Lohmar said a rider with any type of equipment can participate in the club.
"We have people come in with Wal-Mart blue light special bikes," Lohmar said. "If you've got a helmet and a bicycle, you can ride with us."
Students and staff members of Ball State also participate in the cycling club. LeBlanc, who is an Orchid Research Technician at Ball State, has been a member of the cycling club for five years, and she helps organize the club's quarterly newsletter. During the winter, when the cycling club does not meet, LeBlanc does what many cyclists do during the cold months.
"I use a wind machine in the wintertime that clamps on the rear wheel of the bike," LeBlanc said. "It makes it easy to train for the spring and helps me keep in good shape."
Members of Ball State's cycling club participate in the Delaware Cycling Club during the summer. They usually join the club for the time they are in Muncie but leave after they graduate, according to Cartwright.
"It's nice to have them while they're here," Cartwright said. "They get to know a lot of people with parties and get togethers. We try to make a positive experience for them."
For more information on the Delaware Cycling Club, visit www.delawarecyclingclub.com or pick up a newsletter at the Cardinal Greenway Depot.
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