When a group of cyclists got together last November to form a cycling club for enthusiasts, they made a good call.
When a group of cyclists got together last November to form a cycling club for enthusiasts, they made a good call.
With around 88 members already signed up, the Saints & Sinners cycling club are inviting cyclists of all levels and ages to join them and enjoy the ride.
The Club has an open-arms policy that caters for men and women, girls and boys.
“The average age is young, if not always in years, at heart,” says club chairperson Doug Cuppleditch. There is a variety of options available to members: ‘Kids on Bikes’, ‘Get Riding’, ‘Club Rides’ and ‘Regular Rides’.
These provide opportunities for beginners, non-members, children, and anyone wanting to combine fun and cycling with an opportunity to do just that.
To keep members savvy about cycling, the Club runs regular coaching clinics in which the principles and practices of cycle training are discussed.
The next clinic is scheduled for 26 of March with a feature presentation by Andrew Todd from the Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department at Rhodes University.
According to Cuppleditch, one of the biggest challenges the club faces is that of people thinking they are not good enough to ride with the club.
“We try hard to correct this perception, as the club has been formed for cyclists of all levels to join and enjoy themselves. There are a few ‘racing snakes’, but not many. The vast majority of members are just like you and me, people who enjoy getting out and riding whenever they get a chance, whatever the pace,” he said.
The name of the Club puts a spin on Grahamstown being known as ‘the City of Saints’ by including the fun side of the town as well.
HOW TO JOIN: The best way to join is to visit the Club website at www.saintsandsinners.co.za, or to get an application form from The Motion Shop in Cuyler Street. Alternatively, keen riders can visit the club’s Facebook page which offers daily updates on activities and events. The annual membership fees are R500 per family, R150 for Children/Students/Pensioners/Unemployed and R250 for everyone else.
'Join the Club' is a series of short profiles on sports clubs in Makana.
