Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 22, 1995 TAG: 9511220038
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Not so says Jeaan Bruggeman, an event leader and member of the NRVBC.
"The number of people that participate in our rides vary depending on the weather, but we normally have a solid group that comes all the time," Bruggeman said.
The NRVBC combats the colder temperatures by holding shorter rides in the winter months. According to Bruggeman, the ride leaders prefer to lead club members on a "Blacksburg Loop" instead of the 30 mile rides commonly held in the warmer months.
The NRVBC is made up of local bicycle enthusiasts whose interests in the sport range from fitness to just having a good time.
"Some of our members are very serious about cycling and the physical benefits that come from it," Bruggeman said. "Others enjoy the social rides that we offer. They just want to get together with others that enjoy cycling.
"Everyone on the rides is friendly and talks to the others. That kind of atmosphere stimulates people to come out and ride more often."
Cycling has served as more than a way to maintain fitness for Bruggeman, it has served as her principal mode of transportation.
"I am Dutch, and in Holland it was just easier to get around on a bicycle than in a car," Bruggeman said. "So when I moved here, I just continued to ride my bike everywhere I went. I don't even own a car because I can ride anywhere I need to go in Blacksburg."
Membership in the NRVBC costs $12 annually, a fee that covers the cost of receiving a club newsletter and a monthly ride schedule outlining the nature of the NRVBC's upcoming ride events.
The NRVBC is popular with local people from all walks of life, Bruggeman said. The club's members range from VIrginia Tech students and faculty to residents of local areas such as Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pearisburg, Narrows and Radford.
"We have about 60 members in the New River Valley Bicycle Club," Bruggeman said. "We have people from the university, we have area residents and we have students. I'd say over half of our members are from Blacksburg."
While membership in the NRVBC is encouraged, it is not necessary to participate on the club's rides. Members and non-members alike are welcome to join in on the club's events, Bruggeman said.
"You don't have to be a member to ride with us," Bruggeman said. "All you have to have is a bicycle and a helmet."
NRVBC regulations state minors can participate on the rides if they are accompanied by a responsible adult and a waiver is signed by the minor's parents for each ride.
"The rides are safe and a lot of fun," Bruggeman said. "People interested in participating can pick up a ride schedule from any of the local bicycle shops."
The area bicycle shops have been a driving force behind the success of the NRVBC. According to Bruggeman, the shops are responsible for the increased awareness in the NRVBC's existence because they make available the ride schedules and newsletter to anyone that wants it.
People interested in joining the New River Valley Bicycle Club should contact Jeann Bruggeman during the afternoons at 231-6509, or can stop by area bicycle stores and ask for more information.
If you have an idea for a story or note about recreational sports, call Chad Willis at 381-1672 in Montgomery County or Radford or 1-800-346-1234, extension 672 elsewhere or fax to 381-1656.
by CNB