Local Cycling Club Nearing One Year Mark
Last updated Wednesday, October 29, 2008 2:19 PM CDT in Sports
By Josh Souza
Special to the Morning News
SPRINGDALE--It has been almost a year since Lewis & Clark racing peddled onto the local scene, and what started as small congregation of three friends, has spun into one of Northwest Arkansas' fastest rising social sporting clubs.
The club, which began holding meetings in the fall of 2007, now has nearly 40 members as well as an eight-member competitive racing team, boasting major sponsorships and an annual state-wide event.
"The club essentially started with myself, Paxton Roberts and Shain Hardin," said club president J. Rod Barcenilla. "Our goal was to make a cycling club that was open to beginners as well as competitive riders. More than anything we just wanted anyone who wanted to come out and ride to feel welcome."
The club is open to all ages and skill levels, meeting as many as three times a week. The competitive team takes part in 12 to 15 local racing events each year, running from February through October. Lewis & Clark also plays host to the Arkansas Sate Road Race, which took place on Aug. 3 in Lincoln.
"The members of our racing team try to log between 5-10 hours a week," Barcenilla said. "The season is pretty busy during the spring and summer months, but about this time of the year we like to take a few weeks off and gear back up for next spring."
The club has weekly meetings at both Lewis & Clark Outfitters facilities in Springdale and Rogers.
In competitions the races are broken down into classifications based on skill levels or "categories." A Category-5 race ranges anywhere from 25-30 miles, while Category-3 races can go up to 80 miles.
"This club is great for anyone who likes to ride, or is interested in getting involved," said team member Terek Taha. "It is a great way to stay in shape, no matter if you're an everyday rider or a beginner."
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