Chattanooga, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Chattanooga Bicycle Club (CBC) has doubled its membership since 2020, now reaching nearly 300 members. Established in 1967, CBC promotes a community-centric cycling culture, welcoming both novice and experienced riders. The club emphasizes inclusivity with various ride options and support for E-bike users. Members enjoy social aspects of cycling, including food stops during rides, making it a unique environment for friendship and information sharing. Upcoming events, such as the Cycle Sequatchie Ride, further reflect the club’s commitment to community engagement through cycling.
Chattanooga
The Chattanooga Bicycle Club (CBC) has experienced a significant increase in membership during the pandemic, with numbers nearly doubling from under 200 in 2020 to almost 300 in 2023. Established in 1967, the CBC stands as one of the oldest outdoor-sports collectives in the Chattanooga area, drawing both novice and seasoned riders who appreciate a sense of community and inclusivity.
Membership Growth and Community Focus
Among the club’s long-standing members, there is a humorous acknowledgment of the community nature of the club, with references made to it as “an eating club with a riding disorder.” Members often combine their love for cycling with indulgent stops for treats such as biscuits and ice cream. This distinctive culture enhances the club’s appeal, as it fosters relationships among members while notably avoiding political discussions to maintain camaraderie.
The growing membership statistics reflect a broader appeal to diverse cycling enthusiasts. The club is particularly welcoming to novice riders who may need extra support before cycling independently. Specialized programs for women-only rides and slower pace outings cater to different groups within the cycling community, ensuring all members feel comfortable joining. Additionally, the club allows E-bike riders to participate, addressing the needs of those who may have physical limitations.
Ride Options and Support for Members
The CBC offers a variety of rides ranging from gentle, 10-12 mph outings to faster speeds around 16 mph, accommodating varying skill levels. The ride coordinator promotes a leisurely pace of 12 mph, emphasizing the joys of taking in the surroundings while cycling. Members can choose from a diverse calendar of rides covering distances from 25 to 40 miles and terrain that includes urban neighborhoods and mountain tours, providing plenty of options to suit all preferences.
Local Infrastructure and Events
Improvements to local infrastructure, such as the addition of new bike lanes, have greatly enhanced the riding experience for club members. Upcoming events include the Cycle Sequatchie Ride scheduled for October 4, which hosts a significant number of cyclists while coinciding with Dunlap, Tennessee’s Oktoberfest celebration. CBC members contribute to this event by volunteering at rest stations, providing much-needed support for participants.
Building Friendships and Knowledge Sharing
The CBC also plays a crucial role in fostering friendships among members, who often vacation together and celebrate important milestones in each other’s lives. It serves as a platform for the exchange of valuable information, such as bike purchases and repairs, often through partnerships with local bike shops. New members are advised against using heavy bikes and encouraged to practice independent riding before joining club activities, ensuring they are well-prepared for group rides.
The club’s inclusive environment allows for various pace and terrain options, making cycling accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced riders. As the CBC continues to grow, it remains a vital part of the Chattanooga community, contributing to both individual health and communal well-being through cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I become a member of the Chattanooga Bicycle Club?
To join the CBC, interested individuals can visit the club’s website or attend a ride to meet current members and learn more about the community.
2. Are rides suitable for beginners?
Yes, the club emphasizes inclusivity with rides designed for novice riders and varying pace options.
3. What type of cycling events does the club organize?
CBC organizes a wide range of cycling events, including social rides, the Cycle Sequatchie Ride, and special women’s rides.
4. Is there support for people with physical limitations?
Yes, CBC welcomes E-bike riders and provides assistance to ensure everyone can participate.
5. What advice is given to new members?
New members are advised to practice riding independently for at least an hour and to avoid heavy bikes to enhance their riding experience.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967 |
| Current Membership | Approximately 300 |
| Typical Pace | 10-12 mph (gentle), 16 mph (faster) |
| Event Highlights | Cycle Sequatchie Ride on October 4 |
| Inclusivity | Supports novice riders and E-bike users |
| Ride Distance | 25-40 miles |
| Community Activities | Social rides, vacations, life celebrations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Bike Club Celebrates 58 Years
- Wikipedia: Cycling
- Local 3 News: Red Bank Traffic Garden Almost Completed
- Google Search: Red Bank Traffic Garden
- Times Free Press: The Velo Vixens are Pedaling Toward Empowerment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Health
- Livability: Best Cities Across Tennessee for Youth Sports
- Google News: Youth Sports Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
