Biking Kids Invited to Join New Rochester-Based Cycling Club

Justin Kreger entered his first bike race at age 7 at the urging of his dad.

Turns out, he loved it.

"It was fast-paced and exciting," he said of the seven-and-a-half mile race.

In the five years since, Justin has become nearly addicted to cycling and has entered dozens of races. His most recent bicycling achievement: a 72-mile endurance event, which he finished in 10 hours. 

Justin, who lives in Pontiac, is also one of the first members of Rochester's Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association Club, a middle school and high school cycling club that will compete this Sunday in a race at Stoney Creek Metro Park.

Coach Bill Edgerton said the team has four youth members so far and is looking to grow. The team meets Thursday nights for practices at the , the team's sponsor.

Edgerton said all potential members need is a bike, a helmet and to pay a $50 fee, which goes towards membership fees; cyclists can compete for medals and scholarships.

Despite what the current team's high-tech bikes and matching spandex suggests, Edgerton said the group is not a racing team. Though they will race, he said its is more about getting kids together with a shared interest in cycling.

"The kids can have a good time," he said. "They will be riding at their own skill level." 

Edgerton said the club will be a good chance for kids in the area to meet friends with similar interests, in addition to exposing them to the area adult cycling community, a group of people he said make great role models.

If that wasn't enough, it also happens to be a great, low-impact form of exercise, he said.

"It is the best form of cardiovascular activity," he said. "It is is a lot less impact on your body (than running)."

Edgerton said because of cycling's relaxing, accessible and exciting nature, it is a sport that many people enjoy throughout their entire lives. The same cannot necessarily be said of some high school athletics, where many end their interest after school ends.

"It is a sport they can be able to do for the rest of their lives," Edgerton said. "I ride with some who are 60 years old; it keeps you in good shape."

For details about the club, visit miscabike.org. Sunday's race at Stony Creek Metro Park begins at 10 a.m. For details about that race, click here.