Rocket City Cycle Belles
I once biked with a couple of friends on a never-ending trail that left my knees sore for two weeks. That was enough for me to put up my bike for a long time.
Who needs that?
With Rocket City Cycle Belles (RCCB), ladies of all ages can simply get on their bikes and ride for fun, without the pressure of pushing their bodies to exhaustion.
[sws_pullquote_right]The RCCB was designed to provide a safe, friendly, and encouraging environment for women to pursue cycling. No rider is ever left behind. We teach safety. We cheer each other on at every turn, no matter what. [/sws_pullquote_right]Jana Payne, Vice-President of the Rocket City Cycle Belles, says, “What I love about our group is that it’s so open, non-restrictive, and encouraging when it comes to anything that has to do with women and cycling. If you’re new to cycling, a seasoned racer, have an old bike or a new expensive one; if you’re over 65 or under 21, if you’re a stay-at-home mom or have a full-time job aside from your home life, you’re accepted and embraced with enthusiasm and unconditional support. If you want to talk about the best shorts to wear, the race you won, your first bike ride, your kid who just got a new bike, or that car that hassled you, feel free to chat away. The rides we do are great, too. No rider is ever left behind. We teach safety. We cheer each other on at every turn, no matter what.”
RCCB rotates their weekly and monthly meetings at convenient locales such as bicycle shops, high schools, bike trails, or greenways. RCCB periodically offers cycling clinics throughout the year. Trailhead, Inc. bike shop recently taught the ladies how to change a bike tire. Trailhead even offered food at the meeting!
According to their website, “The RCCB was designed to provide a safe, friendly, and encouraging environment for women to pursue cycling.” Jana says that there is no need to have fancy biking gear or expensive biking clothes. Just bring your bike, a helmet, and your water bottle, and you’re all set to join the fun!
Jana says that RCCB is a women-only group, although they do have honorary male members who have gone above and beyond to promote the group. However, unless it’s a special occasion, the men do not ride with the RCCB.
Jana and her friend Grace established RCCB in 2013. Jana says, “We never ever expected the huge response the group has received—we’re growing every day. Grace and I get told all of the time that the group has changed the face of cycling in this town.”
Member Benefits:
- Discounts at local bike shops
- Free socials where members get a lot of free stuff, including food and beverages
- Crafts at Christmas – last year they made ornaments out of bike parts!
- Members can purchase the club’s cute riding outfit at an excellent price
- Insurance coverage (a future benefit)
Fundraisers or upcoming/annual events:
- Bike MS: North Alabama (RCCB rode as a group on June 7th)
- Ride For Reading: Huntsville, AL
- Community service projects
- Big annual social and membership drive in May
Details:
Visit RCCB Website at www.rccyclebelles.com or email Jana Payne at janapayne1@gmail.com.
Stephanie was born and raised in rural south Alabama. She escaped L.A. in 1994, after college graduation. Stephanie met her best bud/hubby at a single’s group at church, and they have now been married for 15 wonderful years. Before having their daughter in 2004, Stephanie worked as a technical writer/editor. Since then, she is busy with wife-life and mommy-hood, freelance writing/editing, tutoring Asian students in English, and starting a blog about “Life and Culture with a Little Alabama Twist” at www.thewritesteph.com.