Whether you’re new to biking or a regular on the trails, UNMC’s new Cycling Club promises a summer of fun and fitness.
The UNMC Cycling Club is designed to increase awareness of the benefits and enjoyment of cycling; assist employees, students and their families in getting started in a regular cycling program; and build camaraderie among cycling club members.
“This is a great opportunity for employees to focus on activity and make it fun,” said Jayme Nekuda, manager of health promotion at UNMC. “Cycling is a great family activity and the club is another way for employees to find colleagues who share an interest in cycling.”
UNMC employees who are avid cycling fans formed the club, along with members of the Center for Healthy Living and Team Kaos, the state’s competitive cycling organization which is sponsored by UNMC, UMA and The Nebraska Medical Center. Riders of all levels and abilities are welcome to join and participate in the club’s scheduled activities, which are listed on UNMC Cycling Club Web site. As a result, the UNMC Cycling Club is offering organized Tuesday evening rides beginning April 5 and continuing through May 10, as well as a cycling incentive program, complete with prizes.
The goal of the incentive program, which runs from April 1 to Sept. 30, is to increase a person’s fitness level and become conditioned enough to participate in, and enjoy, the Corporate Cycling Challenge on Aug. 21, where cyclists choose to ride 10, 22 or 45 miles. As part of the incentive program, participants can earn points for various rides and receive prizes. The program is free to all UNMC employees and students (families and friends can join for a fee).
Upcoming cycling events include:
- Tuesdays on the Trail – Organized Tuesday evening rides begin April 5 and continue through May 10. In the case of inclement weather, call 559-5254 or visit the UNMC Cycling Club Web site to check the status of the ride. Cyclists will meet at the gravel parking lot, in Roberts Park, just north of Cass Street on 78th Street, where a member of the cycling committee will be stationed from 5 to 6 p.m. Riders may traverse the Keystone Trail for as short or as long as they want then meet at Sam and Louie’s New York Pizzeria, 7641 Cass St., between 7 and 8 p.m. for pizza specials for UNMC riders. On April 5, representatives from Bike Masters will be on hand to check tire pressures and lubrication of bikes.
- Basic Bicycle Maintenance Workshop on Wednesday, April 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Center for Healthy Living gymnasium. Bring your bike if you like or just listen and learn as representatives from Bike Masters and experienced UNMC cyclists will help campus employees with basic tune-up and maintenance issues. Learn how to do a pre-ride safety check, change a flat tire, lubricate and make minor adjustments on your bike. A mechanic will be available to evaluate your bike. He can diagnose problems and let you know what it would take to repair them.
- Bike Expo to be held the first part of May in the Durham Outpatient Center West Atrium (details to be announced). Employees will have an opportunity to talk with representatives of Bike Masters and experienced UNMC cyclists about any of your bicycling questions. See some of the newest cycling technology. Learn about selecting and fitting a bike. Find out about the skills and equipment necessary to make your bike rides safe and enjoyable.
Anyone interested in learning more about the UNMC Cycling Club should visit the Web site at UNMC Cycling Club Web site. The site includes riding events/workshops, links to area trails, a forum for members to exchange information, a section to buy, sell or loan cycling gear, safety tips, as well as links to related cycling sites.