Bicycles were introduced more than a
century ago as a novelty item used by the upper class in Paris and London.
Today, bicycles have evolved and are used for entertainment, competitive racing,
efficient transportation and for a fresh-air cardiovascular workout. Armed with Schwinns and Specialized, banana boat seats and Avatar Gel Saddles, Eugene area bikers have the sport at their fingertips — should they wish to pedal.
Local and school-associated biking clubs provide plenty of opportunities for introductory biking. The University of Oregon’s Club Sports Cycling team has group rides on Saturdays at 10 a.m. that last two to three hours.
“During most of the school year, we ride
together on Saturdays and Sundays and a lot of us ride together on weekdays too,” club coordinator Jason Thorpe said. “We also have a women’s-only ride that meets on the weekends. It is pretty informal except during the racing season, which is the first five weeks of spring term.”
The team welcomes riders of all skill levels, but newcomers won’t be able to compete with the club until next season. To officially join the club, students must have the appropriate gear and a medical release form on file at the Club Sports office.
If joining a competitive team sounds a bit daunting, other groups such as Eugene Gears organize weekly group rides. Another option is taking to the trails by yourself. Either approach will allow students to learn about and practice the sport while gaining a good deal of physical benefits.
“Spending 20 hours on the bike every week is sure to improve your fitness level,” Thorpe said. “When you are training to race you can’t just focus on riding your bike, you have to learn a lot of other things too, like how to eat right and how important sleep really is. You become more aware of what it takes to be healthy and the urge to be the first to the top of a hill on a weekly ride or to win a sprint finish in a race provides the motivation to make healthy choices.”
University instructor and long-time cyclist Annie Dochnahl said Eugene’s mild climate makes it possible to reap health benefits
year-round.
“(Biking is) excellent for cardio conditioning and endurance,” she said. “In this climate, you can bike year-round and maintain a baseline fitness in the winter by cycling.”
Eugene and the surrounding areas have some great bike trails to help students reap physical benefits. Many of the city’s bike paths, like the Ruth Bascomb Riverbanks trail system, are flat, paved trails perfect for beginners and recreationalists. Beyond these paths and city limits lie several more unique rides.
“I would have to say that my favorite route here in Eugene would have to be Wolf Creek, which is about 60 miles long and has a few good climbs,” Thorpe said. “My favorite route ever would definitely be riding over McKenzie Pass from McKenzie Bridge to Sisters. The views are amazing and the ride is epic.”
Dochnahl enjoys biking southwest of Eugene in the Lorraine Valley’s rolling green landscapes. Cycling Club Women’s Team Coordinator Ashley Thrower has found local rides to suit her tastes.
“The best places to ride around Eugene are in Crow, McKenzie and in Coburg,” she said. “The roads in these little towns are away from the city and traffic and are surrounded by farmlands and forests.”
To access these trails, students will need to purchase or rent a bike, helmet, patch kit, food and water for their rides. Club members will also need shoes, shirts and
jerseys, all of which run about $50 to $100. Students who join the club team receive discounts at Wheel Works in Eugene and
other deals from various sponsors. The cost of buying and maintaining a bike is high but varies for each individual’s commitment level.
“A bike can cost a lot. Road bikes start at $600 and go up to $10,000,” Thrower said. “I would estimate that the average cost of a bike among our team is about $2,000.”
With the right equipment, a multitude of trails and a bit of motivation, students should be able to find at least one reason to hit the paths this spring.
“You can see so much scenery on a bike. I think I know more about where I live than most because I’ve experienced it on my own,” Thorpe said. “As a kid, riding my bike gave me a real sense of freedom that I could go wherever my pedals wanted to take me. I think that is still
my main motivation to get out to go ride.”

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