McKinney Velo Club
1. Who founded the McKinney Velo Club and how did it come to life?
The club was founded by 6 guys, Steve Weber, Paul Harrison, Jeff Steinman, Mitch Blackwell, Patrick Burke and Tony Nevotti, who were all neighbors. They were racing for one club and wanted to branch out and form a team and race the way they wanted to race. They also wanted to get back to the community and do things differently.
2. What is your cycling clubs mission?
McKinney Velo is a competitive cycling organization whose members share a passion for racing and a strong commitment to making a difference in the local community. Our members compete across multiple disciplines including; Road, Triathlons, Mountain Bike, Velodrome, Duathlons and Cyclocross.
In our Community the team is focused on cultivating a cycling culture in the Greater McKinney area through teaching safe and responsible cycling while also supporting individuals new to the sport of cycling; encouraging active and healthy lifestyles; and actively supporting local charities.
Some of our community activities include:
– Sponsoring Bike Rodeos for Children in conjunction with Richardson Bike Mart, the McKinney Independent School District, McKinney Police Dept. and McKinney Fire Dept.
– Adopt-A-Highway: Volunteer to clean roadside each quarter. Designated road is located South of the McKinney Airport
– MS 150 Frisco to Fort Worth in early May: Raise funds and ride along the route to support participants
– Supporting McKinney High School Cycling Team Bike to Bricks event where proceeds go to charities such as the
– McKinney Education Foundation to provide educational sports opportunities in the district.
3. How many members does you team/club have?
We have right around 100 members. We started with 25 when we started in 2008.
4. Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides/routes in Texas?
- The Walburg Classic Road Race- A big road race of the season that takes place in the small town of Walburg, TX.
- La Primavera Bike Race- Takes place at Lago Vista on the north shore of Lake Travis, northwest of Austin.
- Texas State Road Race- A 30 mile loop on the Fort Hood military base.
5. What would be the most valuable tips you can give to a beginning cyclist that would like to get to the next level?
- Find a group or team to ride with. It’s invaluable for learning training ideas and tactics along with riding etiquette. Also a big motivation booster!
- Cycling is a difficult and challenging sport which makes it enjoyable and hard so be patient with yourself.
6. What is the best advice someone ever gave you?
The best advice I’ve been given is twofold: one, consistency is always key and two, rest and recovery is as important as riding hard.
7. How does the club make you a better rider?
The club makes me a better rider because it motivates me to ride more and train more. I like to keep up with buddies who push me really hard.
8. What has been your most memorable experience involving your club?
The First trading camp we put together in the first year we formed in Kerrville, TX. We rode in the cold and rainy weather for 4 days. It really let us know what we were getting into.
9. How do you keep everyone motivated?
Our team is great at constantly pushing people by talking about the sport, encouraging people to ride, share their own personal experiences and ideas. Those that have headed their advice have come on leaps and bounds.
10. Do you ave any photos/videos you would like to share?
Our website has all the latest pictures of the club as well as more information about joining the team. Visit us here: http://www.mckinneyvelo.org/aboutus.html
