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2007 Silver Wheels Cycling Club 440-322-7300 |
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A Short History of Silver Wheels Silver Wheels was begun much the same way that other organizations have been in the past. A common interest in cycling plus an interest in riding together with others formed the basis of its beginnings.
Lorain County Metroparks was tapped as a center of common interest so it was used as the place for early organization. On April 15, 1998, a meeting was announced by founder Ed Stewart at Carlisle Visitor Center for the purpose of discussing the possible formation of a bike club. Over 30 people showed up that first night and a core of activities were quickly put together. By the fall that year we had about 80 paid members.
The first year was nothing like the club that exists today. We had about 50 rides that year and all members tended to ride all rides. We celebrated the end of the first year with a banquet and potluck dinner, filled with hilarious antics and silly awards, traditions that have continued at each annual banquet since.
In the years that followed, Silver Wheels has grown in size and matured in experience to the fine organization it is today. In 2002 the board organized for incorporating the club as a 501 C(7) non-profit organization.
Over the years we have traveled to many places. We have ridden probably every trail in the state – and there are many. We have traveled to Michigan, Canada, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ireland. About 50 members have completed the League of American Bicyclists Bike Education Program, taught by three members who are certified instructors – a truly unique situation for a club our size.
Now the club membership hovers near 200 individuals. The age of our members ranges from the teens well into the eighties, with an average in the mid-50’s; we are about even male and female. Our membership hails from all over the Northern Ohio region with representatives from eight counties, although most do live in Lorain County.
As you can see from our calendar, we now offer many activities, totaling over 400 during the season. These activities are mostly rides of all types but also include our educational program, meetings, and non-cycling recreational activities. In the off-season we remain active with hikes and cross country skiing.
2007 is our tenth year and it promises to be our best ever. We have rides scheduled about every day and in peak season two or three rides a day. There are at least two out of state trips planned and we will be offering our first invitational.
If you are interested in adding substance to your cycling and making new friends in the process, consider joining Silver Wheels. |
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Board of Directors President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
Director Director Director Director
Membership Chair Website Administrator
Committees Merchandise Committee Newsletter Committee Mileage Minder Education Committee
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Meetings Silver Wheels Membership meetings are held the 3rd Thursday on the following months: March, May, July, September, and November at Carlisle Visitor Center (Diagonal Road in LaGrange) beginning at 7:00 pm. At each of these meetings we have a speaker and other club information. |
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About The Club |
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Bob Burkhardt Ed Stewart Darlene Wieland LaDean Hutter
John Gallagher Dan Hornbeek Steve Woosely Kathy Yourkowicz
Joe Etzler
Ed & Etta Rowe Cheryl Burkhardt Ian Cheah Ed Stewart |
