From casual group rides on serene country roads to weekly competitive time trials, the options for cycling in South Delta have never been greater.
"There are so many people getting involved in the sport right now but don't really understand cycling, so to join a club is a great way to improve fitness, safety and the overall enjoyment of the sport," explained local bike enthusiast Brent Fahl.
"We also have some very strong juniors racing right now and the Boundary Bay Cycling Club (BBCC) is looking to create a junior racing program which is so great for the sport and the community."
The sport received a significant boost just over a decade ago when the Tour de Delta was launched and now annually brings top international riders to the municipality for a weekend of racing as part of B.C.
Superweek. Seeing world class athletes has not only pushed more kids towards competitive cycling but adults of all ages have made bike riding part of their South Delta lifestyle.
The BBCC, which is operated through the Delta Bike Company, hosts group seasonal rides on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings that begin from the Tsawwassen store on 12th Avenue. The pace and distance vary, depending on the weekly participants, and new riders are introduced to protocol and safety of a group ride.
"This is the best option for new riders to get involved," explained Fahl. "It's a great stepping stone for riders who want to take it to another level."
BBCC features a strong group of female riders who regularly participate in fund raising rides for charities.
The club also hosted weekly time trial competitions through the summer with the overall winners receiving awards at the end of the series.
Club members are treated to Delta Bike Company store discounts and there is a season wrap-up party in September at Sharkey's.
That next level for cyclists, as Fahl suggests, would be the South Delta Riders.
This group hosts three morning rides a week and start near the Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course before making its way to Ladner to hook-up with more club members.
Each ride presents different challenges.
The Tuesday group typically features older riders with a pace of no more than 32 km/h and traveling distances ranging from 60 to 80 kms. Thursday's group has a faster pace (36-42 km/h) over 60 kms in length. Saturday is for advanced riders with fast speeds and traveling as far as 120 km.
"They are a great bunch of guys and their rides are very organized and safe," said Fahl. "They're not registered with Cycling B.C. so no membership fee is required."
Also hitting the local streets on a regular basis are members of the South Delta Triathlon Club. This group typically rides on Wednesday nights with treks around Tsawwassen or to Westham Island as part of its regular triathlon training.
Fahl added he is aware of weekly informal groups as well, including some seniors who do rides from Tsawwassen to Westham Island.
For more on the Boundary Bay Cycling Club visit deltabike.ca and click on the BBCC tab at the top.
Information on the South Delta Triathlon Club can be found at deltatriclub.com.
