I bet you didn’t know Roanoke has a Junior Cycling Team – neither did I until I met Wake Fulp!
Wake works at East Coasters Bike Shop and was inspirational in creating the Junior Cycling Team. I think that it is businesses like East Coasters, groups like the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and people like Wake that make our outdoor scene so great.
I asked Wake to share with me (and you) what the Junior Cycling Team is all about:
“In January of this year East Coasters Bicycles and the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club have partnered to form a Junior Cycling Team. The purpose of this team is to give youth an organized and viable outlet in which they can experience the joys of cycling here in the Roanoke Valley. We work with kids from the ages of 10 to 18, both boys and girls by providing weekly group rides that will accommodate any skill level. Team rides are held every Wednesday night @ 5:30 with rotating locations (Mill Mountain, Explore Park, Road ride from East Coasters shop and Carvin’s Cove). You do not have to be a team member to come out and ride.
Membership to join the team is $175 and for this cost kids get team jersey, shorts and cycling cap ($130 value) plus discount on bikes and accessories, team-only skill workshops and riding camps, the opportunity to race and some great fellowship!
One of our goals for the team is to also work with and sponsor youth from the Roanoke Valley who do not have the means or would not normally have the opportunity to experience cycling as a sport. We have partnered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Roanoke to work with these kids and will provide bicycles for anyone who has an interest in coming out to our team rides. We then offer full sponsorship (membership to the team and a bike) to any of these youth who show passion for the sport. Funding for this programing is provided by sponsors and membership dues.
The team also serves as the adult racing faction for the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club and features many of the Valley’s top road and mountain bike racers. We offer two levels in which folks can join the team; Sponsoring Member and Racing Member. Sponsoring Member may join the team by purchasing our team kit at retail (proceeds benefit our junior program) and have no racing or volunteering obligations. Racing Members get team kits at cost, along with other benefits but must commit to volunteering with our junior team and or bicycle/racing advocacy.
We are grateful to all of our sponsors for allowing this idea to be realized! A special thank you to: East Coasters, BRBC, Gary Roach Cosmetic & General Dentistry, Woods Heating and Air, Odyssey Adventures and Roanoke Orthopedic Center
Kind Regards, Wake Fulp (540.330.2010)”
- If you have a kid that is interested in cycling – call Wake!
- If you want to support the Junior Cycling Team – call Wake!
- Need a bike – Come to the 8/30 Free Demo Day (sponsored by East Coasters) at Mill Mountain park. You get to ride a variety of Trek & Gary Fisher bikes and the staff of East Coasters will be on hand to answer all your bike questions!
