When you mix cycling with fun and friendship, you have a recipe for good times.
The “Women on Wheels” cycling club will climb aboard their aluminum horses beginning May 7, for an exciting season of exercise and good memories.
WOW is a group of ladies of various ages and fitness levels who have been cycling together for the past five years.
“It’s a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels to come out and challenge themselves,” said Diane Sutherland.
Their cycling season starts off with shorter rides, with a gradual ramp up to longer rides.
“We just want to encourage people to come out, no mater what their skill level is,” said WOW founder Karen Wierenga.
“It makes you feel young,” said Margaret Osborne.
WOW will be gathering on May 15 at 8:30 a.m. outside the Family and Community Support Services office for a go-at-your-own-rate pace ride. The ride will be approximately 36 km long. Before the ride begins, WOW will be collecting non-perishable food items for the FCSS food bank. Men are welcome to join in, and you must be over 18 years old to participate.
“Last year, we had between 18 to 20 people come out for the food drive. We were able to collect a few boxes for the food bank,” said Wierenga.
Wierenga started the club primarily to have other people to cycle with.
“I thought it would be nice to start with other women, because men can sometimes be more competitive. There has probably been about eight of us cycling together for the past five years,” said Wierenga.
WOW has already formed a schedule for their rides this year. From May 7 and on, W.O.W. will be gathering in the FCSS parking lot every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. for a go-at-your-own-rate pace ride. Men are welcome to join.
“I’m actually really excited about that,” said Wierenga.
WOW likes to incorporate food into the mix on their longer rides, to help build friendships and regain some of the energy they burn on the ride.
“We like to stop at a cute little restaurant along the way,” said Wierenga.
The club is attracting interest from people looking to train for the upcoming Queen of Hearts Triathlon, which will be held in Barrhead on Sept. 17.
“The Queen of Hearts Triathlon has really raised a bigger interest in Women on Wheels. We’ve got people responding to us, wanting to join our group because they want practise more of their cycling for the triathlon,” said Lois Schulz.
The club isn’t just about exercise, friendship and helping out the community.
“We’ve gained a lot of knowledge and experience over the past five years. Amongst us all, we’ve had lots of flat tires. We’ve learned how to change a flat tire and how to maintain our bikes. We’ve come a long way. It feels awesome,” said Wierenga.
