What is Bike Camp?
Bike Camp is an award-winning educational and training program for beginning cyclists as well as those who wish to get back into the sport. Designed for adults and minors, 12 and up, Bike Camp provides many opportunities for families and adults to learn safe and efficient road cycling.
Begun as a one-day event in 2005, Bike Camp has developed into a multi-day program that was honored in 2014 when it received the Ralph Finneren Encouragement Award from the League of Michigan Bicyclists.
What is the format of Bike Camp?
Bike Camp’s format is a series of five (in-class and on-the-bike) sessions led by members of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club.
Session 1
Thursday, May 7th, 2020 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors (GKAR) Auditorium (click on link to see map)
5830 Venture Park Drive, Kalamazoo
During this first session we will provide an overview of Bike Camp 2020 and brief presentations on bicycle selection, bike components & fit, what to wear and what to eat and drink while cycling, and some basic road safety tips and laws. We will also ask you to fill out a survey that will help us identify your current fitness level and bicycling goals. This is an informational session only; please do not bring your bike.
Sessions 2 – 5
Saturday mornings: May 9 / May 16 / May 23 / May 30, 2020
Start at 8:30 a.m. (End time varies based on distance and pace of group training rides. See below for locations.)
At each of these Saturday morning sessions there will be a presentation about a specific aspect of bicycling or fitness followed by group training rides of various paces and distances that are led by experienced cyclists. Bike Campers at similar fitness levels and with similar distance goals will ride together. Helmets are required (as are bicycles, of course) for all four of these Saturday morning sessions.
May 9th and May 16th – will be at the Portage YMCA, 2900 West Centre (click on link to see map). These group training rides will help Bike Campers develop better bike handling skills for riding in groups while building riding endurance. Ride With GPS maps of planned routes are as follows: 5 miles; 10 miles; 15 miles; 20 miles.
May 23rd and May 30th (Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and the following Saturday): Texas Township Park (click on link to see map). These group training rides will help Bike Campers become familiar with some of the routes followed on KBC’s Monday Evening Rides while continuing to develop better bike handling skills in groups and enhancing endurance. Ride with GPS maps of planned routes are as follows: 10 miles; 15 miles; 20 miles.
What else do I get besides these Bike Camp sessions?
Free entry to KalTour
As a participant in Bike Camp, you receive a free entry fee to KalTour – KBC’s annual bike tour offering routes of various distances around Kalamazoo County. You may decide on the day of the tour (the 2020 KalTour will be on Sunday, June 28th) which of the routes to ride. This is a $25 value for individuals and a $45 value for families.
One-year membership in the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club
Bike Camp participants are also enrolled as KBC members for one year. Club membership includes receiving the club’s monthly electronic PedalPress newsletter about Club happenings as well as access to the Club’s Ride with GPS Club Account and route library. This is a $25 value for individuals and a $35 value for families. Existing KBC memberships will be extended for one year.
How much does Bike Camp cost?
- $60.00 for individuals before May 1st, $75.00 after
- $75.00 for families (of up to two adults and two minors) before May 1st, $90.00 after
How do I register for Bike Camp?
Due to the COVID-19 situation, KBC has cancelled Bike Camp for 2020. We will be back next year for more great instruction, riding, and comradery.
Below are a couple resources to help you ride safe and smart this year:
- League of Michigan Bicyclists ‘What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know’ book, click here
- League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling videos, click here
Questions about KBC Bike Camp?
For further assistance, email: bikecamp@kalamazoobicycleclub.org
Kalamazoo Bicycle Club
PO Box 50527
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49005
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