The Mission of Silver Wheels Cycling Club, Inc.
is to create and provide an environment where members and guests can:
- Ride for exercise and health
- Enjoy the social side of cycling
- Improve cycling skills
- Learn more about cycling and educate the community
- Promote cycling in our area
Constitution, By-Laws, and Policies & Procedures of
Silver Wheels Cycling Club, Inc.
A Short History of Silver Wheels
Silver Wheels was founded in much the same way as other organizations—through a shared passion for cycling and the desire to ride with friends. The origins of the club trace back to April 15, 1998, when founder Ed Stewart organized a meeting at the Carlisle Visitor Center to discuss the formation of a bike club. Over 30 people attended that first meeting, and quickly, a core group of cycling enthusiasts came together to form the foundation of what would become Silver Wheels. By the fall of that year, the club had grown to about 80 paid members.
Since its founding, Silver Wheels has grown both in size and experience, evolving into the vibrant organization it is today. In 2002, the club was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization, solidifying its status and commitment to fostering cycling in the community.
The club has traveled to many cycling destinations over the years, having ridden on virtually every trail in Ohio, as well as biking in places like Michigan, Canada, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Ireland, and Holland. A unique achievement for a club of its size, over 70 members have completed the League of American Bicyclists' Bike Education Program, taught by certified instructors within the club.
Today, Silver Wheels boasts a membership of over 300 individuals, with ages ranging from teenagers to individuals in their eighties. The club maintains a balanced gender ratio and attracts members from across the Northern Ohio region, particularly from Lorain County, which is home to many of its members.
Silver Wheels offers a wide range of activities, including over 400 rides and events each season. These activities cater to cyclists of all types, and also include educational programs, meetings, and recreational events. In the off-season, members stay active with hiking and cross-country skiing. With rides scheduled nearly every day, and multiple rides per day during the peak season, there is no shortage of opportunities to join in.
In 2008, Silver Wheels was named Club of the Year for Region 4 by the League of American Bicyclists, one of just six clubs to receive this honor that year.
If you're looking to deepen your cycling experience and make new friends along the way, Silver Wheels is the perfect place to get involved.