The Kennesaw State Cycling Club has begun its 2021 season by welcoming riders back for another year.
The cycling club consists of two parts — a club team that focuses on the social aspects of the sport, and a competitive team that you can find competing in races throughout the Southeast at various colleges.
Recently they had two riders, Annalise Oestreich and Lamin Wright, bring home medals in the 2021 track nationals. Their next competitive race is later this month at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky.
“That will be a good race, they have all their trails on campus which is nice to have, especially for them.” said junior Jarrett Carman, “They’re a Division 1 school when it comes to cycling, so all of their stuff is top notch. It’s a good one to go to.”
After the race at Lindsey Wilson, the team will head to their last of the season at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, a favorite of their riders.
“They’re a varsity school, and when they host this event it’s just so well put together.” said senior Connor Hofius, “Just such a great atmosphere.”
After the racing season concludes in October, the club will host an event called “Pedal-palooza,” featuring club sponsors, skill demos and getting together with other people who enjoy riding.
Gathering people who enjoy riding is foundational to what the club is all about. Outside of competitive racing, they regularly organize group rides around the Kennesaw area. With a non-competitive environment, the focus can be on building relationships with other students who share a similar interest in cycling.
“For some people, it’s a little nervewracking because they feel like if they don’t have the nicest bike or something that they can’t come ride with us,” Carman said. “As long as you enjoy riding, we’re more than happy to have you come along.”
The club is open to riders of all skill levels, and with many experienced riders in the club, there is always an opportunity to learn from somebody.
With new riders, they also stress the importance of cycling safety — reminding riders to wear their helmets and other protective gear and learning hand singles for riding on the roads.
“Just in general, as a club, we encourage kids, and anyone who wants to ride to just come and join the club even if they’re not the best ever.” said senior Josh Carpenter, “We want people to understand that it’s more than just riding, it’s more social and we want to push kids to actually ride their bikes.”
Locally, they utilize trails such as Blankets Creek and Rope Mill in Woodstock, Allatoona Creek Park in Acworth and Sope Mill in Marietta.
For more information on how to join, you can contact the Cycling Club on Instagram.
