Racing through the streets of suburban and rural Athens, they are mere streaks of red, white and black. 

Rain or shine, the men and women of UGA Cycling are happy to kit up in their school color spandex and go for a 15-mile ride any day of the week. But with close to 50 members on the club sports team, the cyclists just want to ride, not cause a stir.

UGA club cycling invites students of all skill levels to participate in the spring collegiate race season, which runs from February to May. Photo by: Ashley Strickland

“We try to get out of town as fast as we can,” Hunter Garrison, team captain and club president, said. “But Athens is a really good town for it. There’s a big cycling community here.” 

The main way students find out about UGA Cycling and join year after year are themed-races like the Twilight Criterium hosted in Athens in April. Interest motivates the search and discovery of the club sports team. 

“With cycling, there is no NCAA,” Garrison said. “But with club sports teams, it’s the easiest way to get involved with a sport while you’re in college.” 

The group caters to avid cycling fans and beginners alike, and their goal is to be a welcoming place for everyone.  

Each week, e-mails are sent out detailing when and where the rides will take place, in addition to what type of rides are to be expected.

Some rides are considered “no-drop” and geared more towards beginners, meaning that no matter the pace, no rider will be left behind. 

Students like Garrison and club vice president Andrew Smola, who have been active members for multiple seasons, show new members the best routes in Athens.  

With bike lanes just about everywhere and widening roads, now is a good time for those interested in the sport.

During the spring, members often meet up at Snelling before taking an afternoon ride. New or old, anyone is welcome to come along, but don’t forget the essentials before hitting the road.

“Get a bike and get a helmet,” Smola said. “You don’t want to show up without a helmet.  We don’t want to see anyone get hurt. It’s a safe sport, but it’s all up to chance.”

But ask just about any serious member of UGA Cycling why they joined or what they love most and the answer is unanimous: racing.

Of the 50 members, 15 to 20 of them will participate in the active collegiate race season that stretches from the first weekend in February to nationals in May. 

The races begin south of Athens and work their way north from the University of Florida to Georgia Tech.

“Racing is my favorite part,” Smola said. “You train hard, have a good time, meet people and make a lot of friends. I live with Hunter and two other kids I met cycling. I remember going to my first race at the University of Florida and it was so much fun.  We just had the best time. It’s probably my best memory.”

Other members enjoy the spirit of competition that drives the races.

“I like to race,” Garrison said. “It’s competitive, but it’s not as intimidating as it seems.”

For students just starting at the University, collegiate racing is part of the club’s allure. Most high schools don’t offer an experience like the spring season for cycling.

“I’m going to race as much as I can,” Nick Taylor, a freshman and new member, said. “I want to improve and enter in road races. By the end of four years, I want to move up from a category 5 to a category 1 [in racing].” 

But how does a sizable team that regularly participates in arduous rides and races balance its organization on the backs of college students?

Simply enough, by having fun.  

UGA Cycling has been approached by companies before that are willing to supply coaches and full fundraising, but they aren’t interested in becoming an official entity. 

“We want to keep it fun,” Smola said. “If you want to come to one race, that’s awesome. If you want to train like crazy and go to nationals, that’s great. But at the same time, if you’re content with just riding and getting experience, we’re here for that, too.”

Perhaps the most intimidating aspect for beginning cyclists is the expense of the sport. Even if someone is starting from scratch, there are options to ease the burden on a student’s budget.

UGA Cycling not only provides a network of support and advice, but supplies for cycling as well. While members are encouraged to invest in a proper bike and helmet, the team is there to help out, from winter jackets to extra helmets.

“The team provides a wealth of second-hand stuff,” Smola said. “My first year, I didn’t have anything that was new.” 

The team also works with bike shops around Athens that are willing to help students who are interested in cycling gear. One company, Specialized, is dedicated to providing students with proper bikes. 

Another advantage of racing with the team is that it lessens the expense of entry fees. Combined, club dues and race dues for the entire seven-weekend season total $100. That covers entry fees and hotel expenses. 

Outside of collegiate racing, an entire weekend can cost the same amount.

“Look at it like an investment, not only of monetary value, but in your health and peace of mind,” Smola said. “Cycling is really cathartic, so it’s good for people to just ride and think about things while they exercise around other people.”

Good exercise alongside people with similar interests is just part of the fun, Taylor said. The friendships and routines they establish now are not things the team members are likely to abandon.

“I’ll probably ride forever,” Smola said. “When I was little, I wanted a BMX bike and my parents thought it was a fad. It’s been a constant my entire life. I do it just because I enjoy it. I think everyone should come out and try it, especially if they have an interest. There are people out there that will enjoy it with you.”

Online: www.uga.edu/cycling

Email:  Hunter Garrison at huntgarr@uga.edu or Andrew Smola at asmola@uga.edu