For south Jersey resident cyclists, the Paramount Cycling Club extends a hand to help you improve. From teaching how to ride in a peloton, or single-file line, to improving fitness, Paramount does a bit of everything. Since its inception in 2007, the group has produced racers and fitness riders, and has given back to the community. Grab your bike, download the GPS ride maps and join them.
History
Cyclists Jerry Dowd and Dennis Gunn felt the need to give back to the cycling community. By forming the Paramount Cycling Club, they offered a place for riders to learn the sport without fear of being dropped or left behind during a ride. They cheerfully ask questions to evaluate skill level before recommending which regular ride to start with so that you are comfortable with the group.
The League of American Bicyclists recognizes Paramount Cycling as an affiliate member.
Membership
Annual membership fees, as of 2010, ran $25 for an individual or $30 for a family. Download the form on their website and bring it to a ride to join. The fee includes ride insurance, including $10,000 medical coverage in the event of an accident during a club ride or event.
Activities
Paramount offers organized group road rides twice a week. Rides start out at the Merighi's Savoy Inn, on the corner of Landis and Union roads in Vineland.
Sunday rides start at 7:30 with two options. For those in race training or excellent shape, the longer, faster ride loops 38 miles with average miles per hour speeds in the low 20s. A link is available at Paramount's website that describes the exact route and provides GPS information. This training ride runs January through about March. The second Sunday option provides a 31-mile trip at a 16- to 19-mile per hour pace designed more for the starter cyclist. While the latter may sound like a long ride, group cycling in a peloton, or line, involves drafting much like Nascar racing. As long as you have a road bike, and have been cleared medically for cycling, get out there and discover the joys of group cycling.
Tuesday night offers the longest ride of the group. A whopping 45-mile ride at average speeds of 19 to 21 miles per hour offers a test of endurance for the rider who has some time under her belt.
Benefits
Paramount Cycling gives back to the community as well as to its riders. In 2009, the group participated and helped organize the cycling portion of the Barbara Cook Run Ride Walk at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. The event raised over $46,000 for funding cancer research. For 2010, the group organized 63-, 31- and 12-mile bike courses in support of this event.
Opportunities
Many riders have gone on to place in the top rankings at state level USA Cycling sanctioned events. Both men and women racers have climbed the categories to compete at more advanced levels. If you desire a taste of what others call a chess game on wheels, ride the longer, faster rides to get in race shape. Join the group. Buy the jersey. Race and enjoy yourself.
The group also offers a smaller mountain bike portion. Contact the Paramount Cycling Club for specific ride information.
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