It doesn't have to be a balmy spring day for the K?State Cycling Team to be seen out and about.
The team bikes cyclo-crosses (hybrid bikes) in the winter, road bikes in the spring and mountain bikes in the fall. Members tend to ride individually, but the club's president, Tyler Whetstone, said one of their goals this year is to ride more often as a group to practice for races.
"Since you're doing a lot of things by yourself, it's nice to come back and check in with other people," Whetstone, sophomore in industrial engineering, said.
The club meets at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the K?State Student Union to make club decisions and learn more about bikes. Practices this year will consist of learning race tactics and bike-handling drills, Whetstone said.
"Everyone's welcome," he said. "If you tried the club before, try it again. A lot of cool things are happening."
Gerald Hart, senior in mechanical engineering and team member, said members compete in the North Central Collegiate Cycling Conference, which is sanctioned by USA Cycling, the national licensing and governing body for competitive cycling in the United States. K-State competes in Division I, which also includes the University of Kansas, the University of Minnesota, St. Cloud State University, Iowa State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Minnesota State University-Mankato, the University of Iowa, Winona State University and the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
The first race takes place April 6 at K-State. In past years, Hart said about six to eight K-State students have competed; Whetstone said about 20 people are now interested in racing.
"It's really taken off," Hart said. "We've got a lot of people interested this year."
Members typically ride two times a week in the winter and more often in the spring and summer, Hart said. Some ride as far as 60 miles on weekends, but Hart said people can ride for only 10 miles if they don't want to go farther.
"There are a lot of beginners and a few people who are more experienced," he said. "There's a pretty wide range. A lot of people are just starting out as far as cycling."
Hart said he encouraged people to try the club because the speed, age and distance levels vary. If obtaining a bike is a concern, Hart said the club can help.
"We can help you out with getting a nice bike to try out," he said. "We have some extra bikes."
Whetstone helped bring Critical Mass to Manhattan last year, which is an evening-long bike ride for Manhattan residents and students. He said one of his personal goals is to see everyone ride a bike.
"I do my best to further the cycling community in Manhattan," Whetstone said. "Don't worry about having the right bike or going fast enough. Just [join] to hang out with cool people."
Claire Armstrong, sophomore in public health nutrition and cycling club member, said biking and being around other club members makes her feel good. She also said joining the club is a great way to find people in the cycling community to ride with.
"You learn more about your character and more about your bike," Armstrong said. "I don't know many cyclists who have started and then quit. Usually it's a lifelong thing."
