As Seen in the Daily Herald
July 1998
Founded in 1970, the Wheeling Wheelmen Bicycle Club is one of the oldest, largest and finest bicycle clubs in the region.
Club member Jennifer Pfeifer and husband John joined the group " because we wanted to ride more and to meet people who love bicycles as much as we do." She added that everyone is welcome to participate, whether they are seasoned racers, long distance cyclists or recreational riders. Riders' ages range from the late 20s on to the late 70's.
The goal of the Wheelmen is to provide quality cycling experiences for members and to generate enthusiasm for all aspects of the sport in this cycling community. The club has more than 300 members from Chicago and the North and Northwest suburbs.
Members are offered between two and six rides each weekend and evening rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Most rides begin in Cook, Lake or McHenry counties and range from 20 to 120 miles.
The group primarily rides in the spring, summer and early fall although "throughout the winter we also mountain bike, hike and cross-country ski," Pfeifer said. She noted that safe cycling is always encouraged and members are always urged to wear helmets.
The club sponsors two invitational rides each year. The Harmon Hundred is coming up in Sept. 13 and this event is named in honor of Phyliss W. Harmon, past executive director of the League of American Bicyclists and founder of the Wheeling Wheelmen. The St. Patrick's Day invitational is the other ride sponsored by the club and held in March each year.
Club meetings are at 7pm the first Thursday of each month, January through October at Wheeling High School. "we often host guest speakers and plan programs to enhance our cycling knowledge.: Pfeifer said.
In addition, members have several social gathering throughout the year, including picnics, a banquet and holiday gatherings. "Since our participation has increased, so has our list of really nice people who we consider our friends," Pfeifer added.
The Wheeling Wheelmen is affiliated with the League of American Bicyclists, the League of Illinois Bicyclists and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.