~West Valley Cycle~
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Editing Note: One West Valley group shining a fun and bright spotlight on our community is West Valley Cycle. If you've been out and about on an early Saturday morning, you may have seen them flying by on road bikes. Many of their members participated in the recent Trails4Trials event raising funds for cancer research. And they have an active Facebook page motivating riders to keep fit, stay safe, and enjoy all 'our side of the valley' has to offer.
Founder, David Herzog, was kind to answer a few questions about West Valley Cycle. |
Q: When and how did you get hooked on cycling?
A: When I moved to Goodyear 18 years ago, I met a neighbor Joe Lozon and started mountain biking our local trails. Soon, we got into racing MTN bikes throughout Arizona. Joe and I struggled to advance into the higher racing brackets. We then realized the top racers spent most of their time training on the road where you can get more miles. We soon met a few friends that were strong road cyclists. Forward two years, we were competing in the top bracket!
Q: How did you get the idea to start up West Valley Cycle?
A: After a year of road riding with my new friends, I got the idea that while having four riders is nice, what if we had 10 riders? What would happen if we set a standard route every Saturday for more to join? At that point, I decided to start West Valley Cycle. Through word of mouth, we met every Saturday at Starbucks and rode 30 miles. I remember the day we got 10 riders. This lasted a couple of years with very limited growth. After much brainstorming and with advances in social media, I realized if I was going to grow this group, I need to improve communication and set forth a unique experience for all to enjoy. In 2003, I built a web site and started recapping each weekly ride by email. In 2006, Vicki Young moved to Goodyear, top road cyclist from Vegas, and was willing to help me promote the group.
A: When I moved to Goodyear 18 years ago, I met a neighbor Joe Lozon and started mountain biking our local trails. Soon, we got into racing MTN bikes throughout Arizona. Joe and I struggled to advance into the higher racing brackets. We then realized the top racers spent most of their time training on the road where you can get more miles. We soon met a few friends that were strong road cyclists. Forward two years, we were competing in the top bracket!
Q: How did you get the idea to start up West Valley Cycle?
A: After a year of road riding with my new friends, I got the idea that while having four riders is nice, what if we had 10 riders? What would happen if we set a standard route every Saturday for more to join? At that point, I decided to start West Valley Cycle. Through word of mouth, we met every Saturday at Starbucks and rode 30 miles. I remember the day we got 10 riders. This lasted a couple of years with very limited growth. After much brainstorming and with advances in social media, I realized if I was going to grow this group, I need to improve communication and set forth a unique experience for all to enjoy. In 2003, I built a web site and started recapping each weekly ride by email. In 2006, Vicki Young moved to Goodyear, top road cyclist from Vegas, and was willing to help me promote the group.
Q: What year did you start and how many participants do you have now?
A: We have 600 riders on our weekly email distribution, 730 riders on our private Facebook Group page, and we get over 400 hits on our www.westvalleycycle.net web site every month. Average 125+ riders every Saturday. Promote 10+ weekly rides for additional training and connections. We have annual awards and rider of the month. 1,000+% growth from our start!
Q: What kind of "groups" do you have and what do you recommend before someone decides to jump in with you?
A: Lots of thought goes into creating a great riding experience for all levels. We formed an A, B, and C group. Each group taking a slightly different route that allows us to meet almost simultaneously at the Elliot Market for our first water break and Bashes in Verrado for our 2nd water break. In total, we cover approximately 56 miles each Saturday and 75% of the riders complete the full route.
West Valley Cycle has very strong Core Values: 1. Welcome all new riders. 2. Camaraderie is foundational: 3. Support all riders in developing their physical fitness. 4. Give back to our community. 5. Safety is primary!
We have ride leads for each group. Riders can move up based on their physical fitness. Our C group strives to be a no drop ride, but recommend riders get practice and base miles in before joining the group. Helmets are mandatory and our web site has links to safe group riding and rules of the road. WVC also participates in Goodyear’s “Adopt a Road” and we are major contributors to the annual Trails4Trials race which funds cancer research.
Q: Do families get involved?
A: Yes! My wife Cheryl and I are just one example of couples that ride in our group. We’ve logged over 5,000 miles thus far in 2014. Talk about quality time together! Last count there were over 20 couples actively riding together in WVC. I’ve noted over the years many parent/child riders either on a tandem or riding side by side. In fact, there have been some strong grandfather and granddaughter teams on our ride. Name a sport that can have a 75 year old side by side a 14 year old!
Q: I was riding up Westar Hill on my first day back riding this season. It was a struggle and I was mortified when I knew your group was going to pass me by in roughly 15 seconds, (or less). Many of your riders shouted out positive words of encouragement to me. Then the next group came. And again, more motivational words. I was so enthusiastic that instead of focusing on my ankle injuries, I ended up having a great ride. Is "kindness" something you work on and remind your riders... or does this come naturally?
A: The reason WVC is one of the largest weekly rides in all of Arizona is because of access to great communities like Estrella Mountain. We so appreciate what we have out here! I strive for the group to show respect to local residents, cyclist, runners, and all cars. I lead our B group, and every person we pass, we make sure they feel our appreciation!
A: We have 600 riders on our weekly email distribution, 730 riders on our private Facebook Group page, and we get over 400 hits on our www.westvalleycycle.net web site every month. Average 125+ riders every Saturday. Promote 10+ weekly rides for additional training and connections. We have annual awards and rider of the month. 1,000+% growth from our start!
Q: What kind of "groups" do you have and what do you recommend before someone decides to jump in with you?
A: Lots of thought goes into creating a great riding experience for all levels. We formed an A, B, and C group. Each group taking a slightly different route that allows us to meet almost simultaneously at the Elliot Market for our first water break and Bashes in Verrado for our 2nd water break. In total, we cover approximately 56 miles each Saturday and 75% of the riders complete the full route.
West Valley Cycle has very strong Core Values: 1. Welcome all new riders. 2. Camaraderie is foundational: 3. Support all riders in developing their physical fitness. 4. Give back to our community. 5. Safety is primary!
We have ride leads for each group. Riders can move up based on their physical fitness. Our C group strives to be a no drop ride, but recommend riders get practice and base miles in before joining the group. Helmets are mandatory and our web site has links to safe group riding and rules of the road. WVC also participates in Goodyear’s “Adopt a Road” and we are major contributors to the annual Trails4Trials race which funds cancer research.
Q: Do families get involved?
A: Yes! My wife Cheryl and I are just one example of couples that ride in our group. We’ve logged over 5,000 miles thus far in 2014. Talk about quality time together! Last count there were over 20 couples actively riding together in WVC. I’ve noted over the years many parent/child riders either on a tandem or riding side by side. In fact, there have been some strong grandfather and granddaughter teams on our ride. Name a sport that can have a 75 year old side by side a 14 year old!
Q: I was riding up Westar Hill on my first day back riding this season. It was a struggle and I was mortified when I knew your group was going to pass me by in roughly 15 seconds, (or less). Many of your riders shouted out positive words of encouragement to me. Then the next group came. And again, more motivational words. I was so enthusiastic that instead of focusing on my ankle injuries, I ended up having a great ride. Is "kindness" something you work on and remind your riders... or does this come naturally?
A: The reason WVC is one of the largest weekly rides in all of Arizona is because of access to great communities like Estrella Mountain. We so appreciate what we have out here! I strive for the group to show respect to local residents, cyclist, runners, and all cars. I lead our B group, and every person we pass, we make sure they feel our appreciation!
What keeps me motivated are the success stories of beginning riders rising up to new levels. The rider that lost 40 pounds and can now ride 56 miles every Saturday. Or the rider that got dropped every week going up Cotton for three consecutive months and now leads the higher level groups up the hills. Most important, the rider that just moved to Goodyear from the east coast and now has over 100 friends wanting to ride with them every week. These types of connections are life changing and what WVC stands for! ~David Herzog
Q: Tell me about safety. As a driver, I'm more than happy to slow down or stop when your group is near. Maybe that's because I know what it's like to be on a bike with fast/texting/distracted drivers coming up on me as I ride. Unfortunately, not all drivers agree to "share the road." What is your perspective as a rider and as a driver?
A: Our philosophy is to yield to all motorists.
Within the group, we are very vocal to call out debris in the road and shout out if there is a car behind trying to pass. We also try to wave or give a big thumb’s up to every motorist we see at intersections. I want WVC to be a positive in our community. I reinforce safety and rules of the road in every weekly update.
Q: You've had some incredible standouts who've raced and made great strides in the cycling world. Any you'd like to tell us about?
A: Some of the top cyclists in Arizona come and train with WVC. What keeps me motivated are the success stories of beginning riders rising up to new levels. The rider that lost 40 pounds and can now ride 56 miles every Saturday. Or the rider that got dropped every week going up Cotton for three consecutive months and now leads the higher level groups up the hills. Most important, the rider that just moved to Goodyear from the east coast and now has over 100 friends wanting to ride with them every week. These types of connections are life changing and what WVC stands for! This is also the reason why Vicki and I volunteer so much of our time every week to promote WVC and support cycling in our community. With that said, there are a few shining stars in the Estrella Mountain community I must mention. Amy Vasquez is a top Xterra world competitor and Sally Aston is a top cyclist and national master’s competitor. Each of them has their roots from WVC!
Q: I am a huge advocate of helmet use for children. My heart drops every time I see a child without a helmet when on a bike, scooter, skateboard, etc. As a cycling expert and as a parent, how do you feel about helmet use for children? Do you have a differing opinion on helmet use for adults?
A: I’ve turned many of riders away from our group ride. Helmets are mandatory. Whether on the road or trail, a simple fall can change your life. Every event we support, we promote all levels of safety, especially helmets!
Q: Where can readers go for more information about your group?
A: There are great videos on bicycle safety found on YouTube or stop by our local WVC sponsored bike shops: AZ Cyclery and Avondale Trek.
A: Our philosophy is to yield to all motorists.
Within the group, we are very vocal to call out debris in the road and shout out if there is a car behind trying to pass. We also try to wave or give a big thumb’s up to every motorist we see at intersections. I want WVC to be a positive in our community. I reinforce safety and rules of the road in every weekly update.
Q: You've had some incredible standouts who've raced and made great strides in the cycling world. Any you'd like to tell us about?
A: Some of the top cyclists in Arizona come and train with WVC. What keeps me motivated are the success stories of beginning riders rising up to new levels. The rider that lost 40 pounds and can now ride 56 miles every Saturday. Or the rider that got dropped every week going up Cotton for three consecutive months and now leads the higher level groups up the hills. Most important, the rider that just moved to Goodyear from the east coast and now has over 100 friends wanting to ride with them every week. These types of connections are life changing and what WVC stands for! This is also the reason why Vicki and I volunteer so much of our time every week to promote WVC and support cycling in our community. With that said, there are a few shining stars in the Estrella Mountain community I must mention. Amy Vasquez is a top Xterra world competitor and Sally Aston is a top cyclist and national master’s competitor. Each of them has their roots from WVC!
Q: I am a huge advocate of helmet use for children. My heart drops every time I see a child without a helmet when on a bike, scooter, skateboard, etc. As a cycling expert and as a parent, how do you feel about helmet use for children? Do you have a differing opinion on helmet use for adults?
A: I’ve turned many of riders away from our group ride. Helmets are mandatory. Whether on the road or trail, a simple fall can change your life. Every event we support, we promote all levels of safety, especially helmets!
Q: Where can readers go for more information about your group?
A: There are great videos on bicycle safety found on YouTube or stop by our local WVC sponsored bike shops: AZ Cyclery and Avondale Trek.
CONNECT WITH WEST VALLEY CYCLE
ON THE WEB: http://www.westvalleycycle.net/
REQUEST TO JOIN ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/97721324552/
TO GET WEEKLY UPDATES PLEASE CONTACT: Vicki Young
BY EMAIL: David Herzog
REQUEST TO JOIN ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/97721324552/
TO GET WEEKLY UPDATES PLEASE CONTACT: Vicki Young
BY EMAIL: David Herzog