Silver Spokes encourage new cyclists to ‘join the club’

The Silver Spokes are ready to cycle Wednesday, May 14 in Delhi. 

Chris Abbott

Editor

The Silver Spokes are a recreational road cycling club ‘with a long history in Norfolk County.’

The club provides an opportunity to socialize with fellow cycling enthusiasts ‘in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.’

“We have Silver Spokes club rides basically every day of the week,” said Silver Spokes’ John Verbakel. “Wednesday, we call it our club night because on Wednesday we have all four of the speeds represented. Mondays and Wednesdays are evening rides (starting at 6 p.m.). We have morning rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.”

Usually there are four Club Night groups, but on Wednesday, May 14th they were divided into three based on speed and distance. Sportif Development combined with the Touring group, which started ahead of Casual and Recreational groups.

“People self-select which group they want to ride with,” said Verbakel, noting the casual group is the most popular.

“Most people don’t want to go really, really fast, they just want to go at a nice comfortable speed. And while you’re riding along in the pack, you here all kinds of people having conversations with each other. Normally we ride two-by-two on the road.”

The club’s Introduction to Group Cycling rides with the recreational group. More information on Introduction to Group Cycling (May 14-June 4) can be found on the club’s website (silverspokescycling.com) under the ‘upcoming events’ tab.

“It’s really all about safety – that’s the main thing – facilitating them being safe in the group, not only for themselves, but also for the other riders around them.”

This year’s Introduction to Group Cycling has two cyclists, but some years they have 10-15. More are welcome.

Experienced new cyclists joining from other clubs pick their own groups and ‘become part of the culture.’

Verbakel said the most appealing part of joining The Silver Spokes Cycling Club, which started in 1939, is the social aspect of riding with other people also interested in cycling. And socializing after the rides.

A July 1st ride includes lunch at the Ramblin’ Road Brewery. There are also special rides outside of Norfolk.

“All of those things have appeal,” he said.

The cycling club is ‘always accepting new members with rides for all skill levels from novice to expert.’

“The most important aspect of our rides is that we’re riding at the pace ‘advertised.’ We never leave anybody behind. If somebody falls behind, the whole ride will slow down – we wait for everybody.”

To learn how to join The Silver Spokes, see their website (www.silverspokescycling.com).