Since 1971, the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club has welcomed people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the benefits of cycling. They offer multiple weekly rides, mainly in spring, summer and autumn, but even in the winter, as a fun way to tour the city, socialize with fellow riders, and get or stay fit.
Club president Lynn Cress says, "I like to bicycle, and riding with other people is more fun. Our group has people who ride every day and some who come out occasionally. So, there are different fitness levels, but we all join together and stick together on a regular club ride. We have a no-drop rule, so we don't leave anybody behind. Everybody sticks together."
Currently, the Club has 270 members, with about 30 who ride regularly. The only thing required to become a KVBC member is a bike, helmet, and water bottle, plus the yearly dues of $20 that covers both an individual and other members of the household. Lifetime membership is $150. The group also advocates for the expansion of trails within the city, laws to make cycling safer, and support of cycling around the state.
The three annual marque rides sponsored by the Club are:
· The Capitol Classic is a ride that highlights the bikeways of Topeka.
· The Cottonwood 200 is a three-day event every Memorial Day Weekend, starting in Council Grove.
· The Bruce Whaley Spirit Ride is a benefit event honoring Whaley, a young Kansas Air National Guard member who passed away unexpectedly from acute leukemia.
This time of year, the ride options include the Fairlawn Starter at 9 a.m. on Saturdays, the slower Saturday Midday Ride at 1 p.m., and the 15–17-mile Night Light Ride every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. (This ride requires front and rear lights.) As the weather warms, more riding events become available for beginner to advanced skill levels. (Check out the events calendar at KVBC.org.)
One of the longest-running weekly events is the Ol'Phogey Ride. This group of retired riders goes out every week, rain or shine. So far, they have gone out on more than 700 rides and counting.
Cress says, "I like to ride in the group, but I also like to ride by myself sometimes. You can clear your head, enjoy the scenery, and just let your thoughts wander. It helps work off stress. I'm retired now, but when I worked every day, it was a real treat to go out and ride. Even now that I have more time, I still enjoy the solitude sometimes, but I also enjoy riding with a group and catching up with friends."