WWU Cycling Club Revives Weekly Rides in Red Square

Western Washington University students have a new option for outdoor exercise as the campus cycling club resumes regular activity. The group, led by student Theo Newcomb, holds weekly rides that begin in Red Square and range from 10 to 30 miles. These outings are open to riders with varying levels of experience and focus on both physical activity and social interaction.

Newcomb, a former member of the university’s men’s rowing team, began cycling while recovering from an injury sustained during his rowing career. The activity evolved from a personal recovery regimen into a community practice after he connected with other cyclists in Bellingham. He described the appeal of the sport as the ability to move at a different pace while enjoying the outdoors.

The cycling team had previously operated as a competitive unit, hosting criterium races and traveling to compete against other universities. Local sponsorship from a Bellingham garbage and recycling company helped fund the team’s activities. However, participation dropped sharply during the pandemic, as mask mandates and quarantine protocols made group riding difficult. The club effectively stalled as a result.

Newcomb decided to restart the club after speaking with a married couple during a group ride. The wife was a Western alum who had rowed for the women’s team and cycled for the former Western cycling team. Her husband organizes an annual cycling event. They encouraged Newcomb to bring the program back, noting that they missed seeing the Western students participate in local races.

During the fall semester, Newcomb focused on administrative tasks to legitimize the club’s return. He rebuilt the organization’s constitution and re-registered the group with the university. To communicate with potential members, he manages the club’s presence on Strava, a fitness social platform, and has taken over the team’s previous Discord server for internal communication.

The revived club currently operates with a casual structure. Weekly meetings provide opportunities for students to mingle and learn basic road skills. Newcomb emphasized that the goal is to create a safe and fun community space where members can practice road biking etiquette and safety. He hopes the club will eventually support students interested in competitive racing and endurance sports.

For those new to cycling, Newcomb advises patience during the training process. He noted that endurance sports can be challenging and that it is easy for new riders to burn out or doubt their progress. He suggested that interested students who do not own a bike look for affordable second-hand options at The Hub Community Bike Shop in Downtown Bellingham or through Facebook Marketplace.

The next scheduled team ride is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. in Red Square. The event is open to all experience levels and serves as an opportunity to meet other cyclists. Participants are required to bring a bike and a helmet. Further details and sign-up information are available on the Western Washington University Cycling Strava page.