In addition to representing the University of Washington with regional and national championship racing teams, the Husky Cycling Club is also one of the largest student-run clubs on the UW campus. Husky Cycling strives to provide opportunities in all cycling disciplines, as well as at all skill levels, to UW student, faculty, and staff cyclists. While the club has historically focused on road riding and racing, Husky cyclists are actively involved in cyclocross, mountain bike, and track as well. Our members include undergraduate, graduate, and professional students; faculty and staff; roadies, 'cross junkies, trackies, and mountain bikers; elite racers, beginners, experienced commuters, and those who ride just for fun.
Club Riding
The large majority of Husky Cycling members (about 70%) join the club to meet new people to ride with, learn new routes, and have fun on bikes. Of the various rides Husky Cycling organizes, our weekly club rides feature large year-round turnout, various distance options to fit riders' experience level and schedule, and a no-drop policy—that is, riders will never find themselves left behind alone, or "dropped," during the ride. Everyone from new members to experienced racers come out to these rides throughout the year! Club rides meet every Saturday year-round at 9:30 AM in front of the IMA. Individual riders also "call out" informal rides during the week via the club listserv.
Some specific pieces of equipment and gear are highly recommended at club rides. Please be sure you have:
- Helmet - REQUIRED
- Appropriate clothing for the weather. In cold or rainy weather, be sure to have full- fingered gloves, tights, booties, a jacket or vest, raingear, etc. – you'd rather be too warm than too cold!
- Plenty of food and water. While Clif bars and other sports bars are popular, less expensive options like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a banana are just as good!
- Full wrap-around fenders. No one wants to ride behind a fender-less bike in the rain. If you don't have fenders already, be sure to pick some up at a discounted price through one of our members-only orders!
See the calendar or contact Club Riding Coordinator Matt Conroy at conroy@math.washington.edu for more information.
Women's Program
The Husky Cycling Club takes great pride in its women's program, and puts priority on promoting women in every area of cycling. Since 2008, women's representation in Husky Cycling has grown from four members to over thirty! As of spring 2011, we field the largest and strongest women's program in the Northwest Collegiate Cycling Conference. While Husky Cycling's men and women ride and train together regularly, we additionally offer specific women's-only rides at varying levels, from short social rides to intense training sessions. Women in Husky Cycling also have access to our women's listserv for organizing rides, as well as events like women's dinners, training camps, and touring trips.
For more information about the Husky Cycling women's program, and to join the women's listserv, contact Women's Team Captain and Program Coordinator Kamila Gwiazda at kamila@uw.edu.
Staff and Faculty Riders
While many Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at the UW limit their membership to students, Husky Cycling welcomes staff and faculty riders in every part of the club. Additionally, UW staff and faculty are eligible to race as a Husky in any USAC race outside the collegiate circuit (which is only open to full-time enrolled students).
For more information about getting involved in Husky Cycling as UW staff or faculty, contact Club Riding Coordinator (and Mathematics Lecturer) Matt Conroy at conroy@math.washington.edu.
