Cycling Community
From Mod Mania
Cycling
History
The first step toward the bicycle came about in 1817 when Baron Von Drais invented the “walking machine”. The machine was similar to todays bicycle although it did not have pedels, the rider merely sat on the seat and push their feet along the ground like that of a scooter to gain speed.
It was not until 1865 that a bicycle propelled with pedals was invented the bicycle known as “The Velocipede” was powered by the pedals linking directly through the front wheel hub. After The Velocipede further bikes were released with a direct front wheel driving system. After the Velocipede a number of from wheel driven bicycles were discovered, among them the famous high wheel bicycle. The most recognised historical bicycle for it’s obscure design where the rider was positioned directly above an extremely large front wheel. The bicycle was notorious for throwing riders over the handlebars when the wheel hit a rough spot on the road.
During the time of the high wheel bicycle women were riding a bicycle much more similar to today’s bicycles. It was chain driven to the back wheel, the rider sat to the front of the rear wheels, and handlebars were positioned directly in front of the rider. Although it actually had 3 wheels making it easier and more proper to ride.
After this invention the bicycle then developed quickly, with the hard tire safety bicycle being invented. much simular to today’s bicycle with the only difference being the tires. The tires on it bike were made of solid rubber, making the ride much rougher and unenjoyable. It wasn’t until the 1880’s that the pneumatic tube was introduce to the bicycle, with the compressed air tube it made for a much more enjoyable ride as bumps in the road were absorbed.
Today the bicycle is much the same with modifications to materials, dimensions, and construction techniques used to create a more comfortable ride, with less resistance and more efficient use of energy.
What is a cycling club?
A cycling club is a collective group of people that have come together to compete, socialise or just enjoy the sport of cycling. A club can organise events in which members of the club or even outside participants can compete against one another in races of general cycling activities.
There are many types of cycling communities, these may include; Track cycling, Road cycling, Mountain Biking, BMX, Tricycle and Veterans just to name a few. Each of these groups are slightly different in the activities that they perform, but the idea and of the club is still the same between each.
What do members do?
Some members within the club may take an active role to make sure the club is heading in the right direction. The direction in which the cub wants to go is to grow and develop a bigger and much stronger community to allow for greater opportunities. Some of the roles in which members may take up are things such as, Club president, this person being a dedicate person that is willing to spend a lot of time organising and willing to listen to ideas of the other members. Vice president, a person much the same to the president, but may not have the same amount of time available to commit to the club. Treasures, a trusted person within the club to manage funds and decide where the money should be spent in order for the club to succeed and grow. Secretary, a switched on organised person that should keep record of important information and notify other members of the club about, whether it be face to face, letters, or email.
Many other members of the club that do not take such an active role in keeping the club running smoothly are there primarily to have a good time, keep fit, enjoy the competition and develop friendships from the activities that take place.
Some of the activities that a cycling club may hold are competitions such as. Track cycling days, where members of the club come to compete against one another in order to see who is the fastest. Road cycling rides. a set route on public roads that members are directed to complete, some of which may be competitive and timed events others that may just be an enjoyable ride.
Through people talking madly about the things the love in this case cycling can bring them closer and form very strong relationships. These relationships can lead to people straying off from the organised event of the club and conducting activities among themselves, a common event for many cycling club members to do is visit professional cycling even such as the Tour De France where they can witness and express their greatest passion and the best athletes in the world doing what they do best.
What benefits come from joining such a community?
By joining a cycling club it is not only the events that one can benefit from, people within the community are often very willing to give advice to each other on riding techniques, parts to buy for your bike and parts not to buy. It is from the experiences that get passed on that members benefit most Ultimately the goal within the community is for everybody to be able to participate in the sport that they love.
References
Sydney Cycling Club. http://www.sydneycyclingclub.org.au/scc/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=80
History of the bike http://www.pedalinghistory.com/PHhistory.html
Orbea Bicycle Image
