BRUNSWICK — Merrymeeting Wheelers Bicycle Club of Brunswick is celebrating 20 years of encouraging safe bike riding in Midcoast Maine. Record numbers of people are coming out each week to participate in rides for all abilities.
The club was started 20 years ago with three people. Now, MWBC has 175 members, and new members are always welcome. Dedicated and passionate people work hard to promote the club and keep it growing year after year, creating events and activities that appeal to riders of all abilities. All members benefit from work that many volunteers do behind the scenes. In addition to volunteering at events, such as bike rodeos and time trials, members are active on boards such as the Brunswick Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Safe Routes to School and after school cycling clubs. This spring, many participated in a “bikability audit” of local roads. MWBC also established a grant program to help other organizations promote safe cycling.
In March, the club presented Tom Legare of Brunswick with the “Golden Sprocket” Award. This award is given to those who make significant contributions to improving bicycling. Legare was a founding member of the MWBC 20 years ago and has been an active member ever since. He was given the honor due to his vision for the club, his dedication to promoting safe cycling over the years and his enthusiastic encouragement to others to join in the sport.
Up to 60 cyclists of all ages and abilities bike together on six routes every Wednesday. A women-only ride takes place on Mondays, and longer rides out of Bath and Brunswick take place on Saturdays. Several members also just returned from a week long bike trek on Prince Edward Island.
Special events are scheduled throughout the remainder of the summer, and interested cyclists are welcome to join at any time.
¦ IN ADDITION to its regular programs, the Merrymeeting Wheelers Bicycle Club of Brunswick is sponsoring some special events during its 20th anniversary celebration.
— July 25, special Wednesday ride: There will be up to six ride choices and the routes vary from 8 to 35 miles depending on the ride level. In addition, the group will be hosting an ice cream social after the ride. Members should wear their MWBC jersey.
— Aug. 2 to 3, Cycle Tykes — ride to Chewonki: A group of younger riders are riding from the Water Street bike path parking lot to the Chewonki Campground in Wiscasset. The ride will include several rest stops along the way and overnight camping and use of the campground’s amenities. The riders return on Friday.
— Aug. 12, time trial as part of Maine Time Trial Series. MWBC is hosting a group of cyclists from across the state and New England who compete in 12 races throughout the summer. The group is looking for volunteers and participants. For more information on events, contact Bob Bruce at bobbiker@roadrunner.com.
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