starting a cycle club

[Dottie]

I do so want to start a cycling club here in the thumb of Michigan since there aren't any. How do I go about it?

[Irulan]

develop a mission statement, bylaws, get insuranace, get the word out through local shops and publications.

Do some web searching and you can find a lot of stuff to use for examples and to model your club after. I think the goals and mission statement are really important as they will help guide the club as it grows.

I am on the steering committee developing a mtb- specific club for my area. so I am right in the middle of this process.

Irulan

[bikergirl62]

I have belonged to two types of clubs (well three). One was started and sponsered by a cycle shop, another was the Plano Bike Assoc. in Plano Texas. I am not sure how they started, but I do believe they have a web site. Another was started at the health club that I belong to. Get a bike shop involved no matter how you start. They can do classes on safety and repair for you. An informal group that I belong to is buying a bike for a jr high girl for Christmas. We made it an essay contest. Let us know how you do with this. JIl

[fultzie]

There are actually quite a few clubs in the Thumb and SE MI... have you seen any of these sites?

http://www.lmb.org/clubs.htm

http://www.bicycle-gifts.com/busami.htm (tri-city cyclists looks like it's in your area)

http://bicycling.about.com/library/clubs/blclubmi.htm

i don't know how far you're willing to travel to ride with a club... there are also a ton of organized rides in MI throughout the summer. check out http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/ for a great list of midwest bike rides. a google search for "michigan bike rides" turns up quite a few hits as well.

also, if you're a mtn biker, check out www.mmba.org. they have a TON of resources for Michigan Mtn bikers.

good luck, and happy riding!

[Barb]

I'm from South East Michigan also. There are clubs around. I don't know how far up the thumb you are. tell me what county you are in and maybe I can help.

[Dottie]

Thank you for the replies about starting a club. I live in tuscola County.