Recognizing that Southwestern Michigan offers a rare combination of good bicycling roads and great scenery, several cycling enthusiasts got together in 1971 to form the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club. They wanted to support and encourage other riders in the area, to promote the sport of bicycling, and to have fun. As shown in the Club Mission, that tradition continues today in the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club.
Club Mission
The purpose of the Club shall be to promote bicycling; to encourage and facilitate touring, races, bicycle outings, and all forms of recreational bicycling activities; to defend and protect the rights of bicyclists; to secure a better understanding and recognition of the need for safer riding conditions; to encourage the allocation of facilities for bicycling on public lands; to cooperate with the public authorities in the observance of all traffic regulations; to provide an opportunity for members to socialize with others who have an interest in bicycling; and to recognize bicycles as vehicles used for pleasure, fitness and transportation. The Club will cooperate with other organizations with a similar goal and purpose.
The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Constitution is viewable here.
Club Leadership & Meetings
KBC is led and managed by an Executive Committee and Board of Directors, all of whom are volunteers. The current list of KBC Officers can be viewed here. KBC holds regular monthly meetings at 7 PM on the second Tuesday of the month, at the YMCA on Maple Street, to discuss the club’s business. Members and the general public are invited to attend.
Club Rides
KBC sponsors road bike rides nearly every day of the week from April to October, starting from several different sites in the county. The weekday rides range from 12 – 45 miles in length, and bicyclists at any skill level – from recreational to racer – are welcome. There are KBC ride leaders at most of the scheduled rides to help teach group riding skills and to promote safe biking. Read more about Club Rides
PedalPress
The monthly KBC Newsletter contains a calendar of events, announcements of special rides, tips on biking techniques and mechanics, reports on past rides, and general information on the state of the sport. The PedalPress also includes monthly KBC Board meeting minutes, keeping members abreast of what is happening in the Club. Go to the PedalPress page.
Tours
KBC organizes a major local bicycle tour (and Club fundraiser) in June, the KalTour, with marked 15-100 mile routes available, food stops, and prize giveaways. KBC also sponsors several extended or daylong weekend tours during the summer, including the Ride to South Haven, the “W” Ride, the Anniversary Ride, and the Ride Around Kalamazoo County.
Race Team
The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club sponsors a USA Cycling Sanctioned racing team. All club members have the opportunity to try out for this team. For the 2016 Season the team’s title sponsor is Clark Logic. Team Clark Logic helps to run KBC’s Tuesday Night Time Trial.
Membership in KBC has many benefits including:
- Contact with and access to experienced riders for bicycling advice and training tips
- The opportunity to ride with others who share your fitness level and interests
- Safety on the roads that comes with riding in larger groups
- Chances to help promote bicycling as a healthy, fun, and safe activity
- Bicycling accident insurance coverage
- Participation in all social activities planned by the club
- Volunteer opportunities
