THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 21, 1994 TAG: 9408230590
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: EDENTON LENGTH: Long : 113 lines
When it comes to promoting fitness and fun, members of the River City Cycling Club rank among the area's best spokesmen.
Not only are there nationally ranked athletes among its members, but the club's upcoming Historical Albemarle Cycling Tour next Sunday is attracting the biggest crowd ever.
``We have almost 200, and there's always some who come and sign up the day of the ride,'' said Sue Rocco, the club's president for two years.
The tour begins with a rider's meeting 7:45 a.m. at John A. Holmes High School in Edenton. Fifteen minutes later cyclists will set off on four different challenges, from the 25-mile quarter century to the full 100-mile tour. In between are 50- and 62-mile courses.
Rocco said some cyclists are even going for a double century, or 200 miles.
For those new to the sport or just not up to a longerlength, another option is the 10-mile fun ride with a tour guide at 9 a.m. through historic Edenton.
The club offers different lengths ``so we can attract several different levels of riders,'' Rocco said.
Already the number of entrants has surpassed last year's 136 and this years's goal of 150. ``We're excited because we've never had this many come out for the ride before,'' Rocco said.
Members say the increasing popularity can be attributed to a variety of things, including a heaping dose of Southern hospitality.
``We really cater to the cyclist,'' said Tracy Welker, the club's vice president. ``We really go out of our way. We really make sure they have a good time.''
Scenic roads in and around historic Edenton, Hertford and Elizabeth City are another big draw, particularly for folks living in metropolitan Hampton Roads, the area where most entrants live.
``They like to get down here on our quiet country roads,'' explained Ernest Anderson, 54, who cycles about 5,000 miles annually.
The Albemarle also has at least one other thing going for it.
``No hills!'' said Priscilla Ross, one of the newer members.
Increased popularity of the Historical Albemarle Tour also reflects a growing interest in bicycling in general and the River City Cycling Club in particular.
There are more than 100 million bicyclists in the United States, and more than half of them are adults, said Mary Meletiou of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's bicycle and pedestrian programs.
``It's at least as popular in North Carolina as it is in the United States,'' Meletiou said, ``because we have a longer cycling season than some of the states that are lumped into that national number.''
According to a 1989 North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Survey, bicycling for pleasure ranked 16th out of 43 sports. Recreational bicycling was No. 1 among 25- to 44-year-olds.
``Almost everybody had a bike as a kid. There's a sense of freedom and adventure when you're riding a bicycle, and I think people are trying to get a sense of that back again when they go for a ride,'' Meletiou said.
The River City Cycling Club resulted from the late 1980s merger of Elizabeth City and Edenton cycling clubs.
Dues-paying members now number almost 40 and range from 8-year-old Ryan Johnson of Elizabeth City to Edenton's George Whitfield, 71.
``We all have a common goal,'' Welker explained.
``To stay fit,'' club member Ursula Tolson injected.
``And to be fast,'' Welker said.
Some members are very fast. George Heintz and Dan Rocco, both Coast Guard officers, were listed last year among the nation's top triathletes in Triathlon magazine.
In addition, both Dan and Sue Rocco have competed in U.S. Cycling Federation events. Dan Rocco last month placed in the top 10 at the Military Central Regional Championships in Little Rock, Ark.
But speed and distance aren't all these folks think about, and even the most serious among them can become downright silly.
``The reason I'm so into it is because the women are so good looking,'' Anderson, considered one of the most enthusiastic and dedicated cyclists, told a reporter at a recent club meeting.
The club produces a monthly calendar for members, which usually includes 20-mile evening training rides at least three times weekly. These rides begin at 6 p.m. at the Riverwind III health club in Elizabeth City.
Weekend activities are as diverse as all-day rides to Ocracoke Island and out-of-town tours and competitions.
White-water rafting, skiing and mountain bike trips also are on the year's agenda.
The Historical Albemarle Cycling Tour costs $17 now, and brochures with a registration form are available at most cycling shops and fitness centers.
Tour proceeds will benefit local charities.
Last year the River City Cycling Club gave $1,000 to the Elizabeth City Boys and Girls Club and donated three new bikes to disadvantaged children at Christmas.
If you'd like more information on the tour or club, call (919) 338-1698 after 8 p.m. or (919) 338-1559 during business hours. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
DREW C. WILSON/Staff
River City Cycle Club members cruise along River Shore Drive in
Elizabeth City during their weekly ride. The club will host several
bicycle tours ranging from 10 to 200 miles long next Sunday.
Graphic
HISTORICAL ALBEMARLE CYCLING TOUR
When: Registration starts 7 a.m.; Rider's Meeting 7:45 a.m.;
Start-off for century, half century, quarter century and metric
century at 8 a.m.; 10-mile fun ride with a tour guide at 9 a.m.
Where: John A. Holmes High School in Edenton.
The tours include refreshment stops and restrooms along the way.
Showers will be available after the ride.
Registration: Fees are now $17. Brochures with entry forms are
available at fitness centers and cycle shops in the Albemarle area.
For more details: Call 338-1559 daytime and 338-1698 evenings.
by CNB