Kenosha-Racine Bike Club holding annual fundraising ride Saturday

The Kenosha Racine Bike Club’s annual fundraising ride is coming up this Saturday, but practically every day of the week during warmer months, you can join this friendly, non-competitive group on all sorts of other rides.

“We welcome anyone who would like to come and enjoy the riding experience,” said Club President Cathy Hicks. “We all feel that riding is a great form of exercise and a good place for social interaction. "

Saturday’s fundraising ride will start and end at Waterford High School, and riders can choose from varying lengths: 25, 44, 63 and 100 miles. Some of the $30 per adult entry fee pays for rest stops and support, but most of the money goes towards great bicycling projects in the Kenosha-Racine area. In recent years, the club used the money to buy 100 bikes for needy kids, and also helped pay for bike racks on the fronts of Racine buses, said member Barney Barber.

Organizers are expecting 125 to 200 people on Saturday, depending on the weather. Newbies are welcome, and kids with parents ride free.

“The annual ride is a good place to start,” Barber said. “We have a no-one-gets-left-behind policy and we get a lot of families.”

The group also sponsors other rides almost every day, including a ride from Common Grounds in Kenosha to Zion and back.  It’s typical of many KR Bike Club events, Barber said, in that there’s a food stop halfway through.

“Most of our rides involve biking somewhere to get breakfast or lunch, then biking back,” he said.

Hicks agreed that the Common Grounds ride is an especially good one for people who are new to biking and looking to make new friends.

“The Saturday rides are a social event, and we try to keep the group together,” she said. “Our average speed for a ride like that is about 15 to18 mph. We do spend some time during the rides at a rest stop and chat.”

Another welcoming ride is Wednesday night’s WOW ride, which was originally meant to bring more women into the sport and now attracts just about everyone. There are options for more skilled and competitive riders, but Barber repeated that the KR Bike Club isn’t about fancy gear or beating other people to the finish line.

“This group is made up of all types and that’s what makes it excellent,” he said. “It’s a club that really tries to support bicycling and bring everyone into it."


Wednesday, May 18, at 10 a.m.: Daytime Weekday Ride
The ride will start at the Town Hall in Franksville at 10 AM. The route will change with the weather, and the pace will accommodate all riders. The Town Hall is in the Caledonia/Mt. Pleasant Memorial Park, located at the corner of Fancher Road (Hwy H) and Northwestern Avenue (Hwy K). Class C Ride (12-15 mph). Leader: Barney Barber, 262-930-1260.

Wednesday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m.: WOW Ride - Women and Men
Join us for a great 20-mile ride to improve your group riding techniques and learn a lot more. Meet at the parking lot on JR just outside Petrifying Springs park. Class C Ride (13-15 mph).
Ride leaders: Cathy Hicks, 262-939-1577; Kathy Froode, 262-878-0305; and Suzanne Sasso,  262-681-1368.

Wednesday, May 18, at 6:45 p.m.: Ride of Silence
Please ride eight miles with us for this very important cause.
The ride will start and end at Racine Regency Mall, across from Starbucks (intersection of Hwy 31 and Hwy 11). Ride leaves parking lot at 7p.m., arrives back at Regency Mall at approximately 8p.m.  Helmets are required. Obey all traffic signs/lights. Riders regroup, if possible, at stoplights (the group in front will slow and wait for group in rear). Wear bright colored clothing and if you have bike lights, please use them. Please observe silence for the duration of the ride.

Thursday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m.: Thursday Night Fast-Paced Ride
Two groups of riders – A +18 mph with 30+ MPH sprints group and slightly slower group. The usual distance and riding time is approximately 34 miles (with shorter option) and 1.5 – 1.75 hours. There will be training sessions for all riders. Ride starts at Petrifying Springs County Park, Kenosha, parking Area # 5 near the north entrance. Class A-B Ride (16-20+ mph). Leaders: Cathy and Art Hicks, 262939-4577.

Saturday, May 21, all day: KR Bike Club Annual Ride
The Kenosha Racine Bike Club is hosting a recreational ride for all ages. If you like bicycling, this ride has spectacular views, excellent rest stops, and alot of fun people to be around. Starts and ends at Waterford Union High School, 100 Field Dr., Waterford. Ride distances are 10, 25, 44, 62, and 100 miles, with rest stops. Entry fees are $30/person and same day registrations are welcomed, with children under 16 riding free with parents. Included are maps, rest stops, and SAG support. For more specific information and a schedule, go to krbikeclub.com.