Whether you’re interested in competitive racing or simply enjoy riding your bike, PSU Cycling has a place for you. The club has been around since 2004, and along with competing in local events year-round, they organize group rides on a regular basis.
“I think that it’s important for people to know that we’re open to any skill level,” club President Colin Ross said.
Ross stressed that there are also distinct social benefits to joining. Whether it’s having people with whom to ride and train, to argue the finer points of competitive racing, or to discuss good routes and rides in Portland, the members of PSU Cycling consider being involved in the club just as important as competing in races. This is exemplified in the club’s adoption of a “No Drop Rule,” which means that they schedule periodic stops during rides to make sure every member is able to keep up and no one is left behind.
There are also what Ross describes as the official perks of joining PSU Cycling: Perks like travel and lodging at out-of-town races and financial coverage of entry fees. Members of the racing team also have access to a coach and training program. The team competes in the Northwest Collegiate Cycling Conference and Oregon Bicycle Racing Association events, traveling across Washington and as far as Montana at least once a year.
“[It’s] a good opportunity to get out and meet other people, see other places,” Ross said. The team typically begins training in the fall, with more advanced rides and workshops taking place in the winter as they prep for the spring racing season.
At 10 a.m. on Saturdays, the members of PSU’s Cycling club and University Cycling Team gather for their weekly ride. They meet in front of the PSU Bike Hub, located next to the Southbound MAX stop on the corner of Southwest Sixth Avenue and Harrison Street.
I asked Ross if there was anything else he wanted people to know about PSU Cycling. “Yes,” he replied. “It’s fun.”
More information about PSU Cycling can be found at cycling.pdx.edu. Students interested in joining can email cycling@pdx.edu. PSU cycling hosts events year-round