One of the benefits of living in the South, and in Alabama in particular, is that we have the ability to get outdoors year-round for most activities. With a little determination and the right clothing, cyclists can hit the pavement and singletrack almost every day of the year here. As a result, several established cycling clubs have popped up across the state. Here are three of them to consider joining for a ride or a race when you’re logging your #100ALMILES.
Spring City Cycling Club
Founded all the way back in 1892, Spring City Cycling Club is the premier bicycling club for North Alabama. The nearly 130-year-old club has welcomed countless cyclists to the roads in and around Huntsville, laying a foundation for the sport’s growth that’s unmatched. In addition to weekly group rides and annual races, Spring City Cycling Club is an advocate for bicycling safety, awareness, and promotion. The club also hosts the Rocket City Cycling Belles, a womens-only group for all levels of female cyclists. Regardless of your experience level, Spring City Cycling Club is the spot to be for connecting with the cycling community in North Alabama.
Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers
Hopping off the pavement and onto the singletrack, the Birmingham-area hosts possibly the best known mountain biking group in the state. Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) has been hitting the trails since 1994 at spots including Oak Mountain State Park, Tannehill State Park, and Trussville Sports Complex. BUMP’s involvement in trails goes beyond just riding them, though. They are instrumental in building and maintaining many of the best mountain biking trails in the area. According to their website, volunteers have spent over 100,000 hours in the design and construction of new trails for over the last twenty years. What a way to give back to the community!
Montgomery Bicycle Club
Located in the state capital, Montgomery Bicycle Club (MBC) offers all riding levels and disciplines with a great group setting for hitting the asphalt or dirt. In addition to providing a comprehensive website that provides information on great places to ride, MBC also organizes an annual ride in memory of a member killed in a cycling accident nearly 20 years ago. The Glassner Autumn Challenge brings cyclists together to celebrate Dr. Jim Glassner’s life and offers seven different riding routes ranging in length from 5 miles to 126 miles. The ride helps raise awareness for road safety and provides all cyclists with an opportunity to see the middle of Alabama on two wheels.
Greg Wingo is the manager of the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge Ambassador Program and owner of ROAM Projects, an outdoor recreation consulting company.