Fast wheels bringing bicycle friends together
Friendship connects members of the Katy Cycling Club who have a fondness for speed on their rides.
“What makes us unique is that we are definitely friend-driven,” co-founder Tammy Fugate said. “We just want people to ride and have a good time.”
Members usually gather at least three times a week. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, rides are scheduled. Retirees meet more often and plan rides during the week. The group posts weekly ride times and locations on its Facebook page.
Saturday morning is the most popular time to ride. The larger group divides into smaller sections based on pace — the A group goes at least 20 mph, the B group averages 18 mph and the C group sticks to around 16 mph.
“We stick together until we’re well on our way,” Fugate said. “Typically, we’ll regroup at some point and make sure everyone is still with us and that everyone is OK. You have to agree to look out for each other on the road.”
Members ride about 45 to 60 miles. Each meeting starts out with a talk on safety — and other best practice tips for cyclists.
“It only takes five minutes or so; but it’s just kind of a time for regrouping,” Fugate said.
She recommends that individuals interested in joining start by going on organized rides. A number of events are hosted by local bike shops, she added.
“They need to be able to maintain an average 15 mph pace and know some of the rules of the road before they get here,” Fugate said.
Members in the Katy Cycling Club are also expected to know basic bike equipment and how to change their own tires.
The cyclists make sure that their time socializing isn’t limited to only when they are on two-wheels.
“It’s for people who are interested in fostering friendships and getting rid of the stress of the week,” Fugate said.
The group formed about 12 years ago, according to Edgar Ablan, one of the original members.
“We started as a few friends who lived in the area,” Alban said. “Then friends of friends joined us.”
He said that the diverse population of the area has translated to a club with members from far-away places.
“We have people from several different countries,” Alban said. “We’ve a very diverse group of cyclists.”
He said that the camaraderie of the group keeps him coming back for more.
“We’re not just cyclists; we’re a very tight group of friends,” he said. “Having people here from all over the world, who get along really well, is a plus.”
Since retiring a few years ago, Alban rides more frequently with the club, about four or five times each week.
“I love cycling,” he said. “It’s my passion.”
For Fugate, who works in the medical profession, the health and wellness factor of regular cycling is a plus.
She also values the friendships she has made along the way.
“The joy of it is really the people you meet,” she said. “That’s why you do it. Cycling gives me so much pleasure; so many great friends and so many great opportunities.”
Members look forward to bonding over bikes every week, Fugate added. The group also hopes to advance cycling in the area, supporting bike-to-work events and helping with other related events.
“We do anything we can to promote people getting out and riding,” Fugate said. “We want people to get off the couch and promote their health. People are aware of the benefits of exercise — and having a commitment to a group makes you much more likely to show up than in a solitary sport.”
The group also hopes to encourage the city to create safer cycling routes and bike lanes to connect riders all around town.
“I am a strong believer in education and communication as the main drivers to make the roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles,” Alban said. “This is something we can also get involved with working with the city of Katy and the police department offering our ideas as cyclists and as runners in the area.”
Visit https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Katy%20cycling%20Clubforinformation.