Andrew Stacey
Contributor
This article is an expanded and edited version of one that previously appeared in the print edition of The Sewanee Purple.
Recently ranked the 9th best bike city in the country by Outside Magazine, Sewanee's secret is its charm. The Sewanee experience boasts top-notch biking environments for both beginners and experienced cycling enthusiasts. Whether cruising trails like the tranquil Mountain Goat Trail or descending the technical rock sections of the Perimeter Trail, the University Domain supports the interests of a wide range of cyclists looking for a variety of adventures.
Sewanee has a long history of bicycle racing. With access to miles of beautiful roads and cycling opportunities, road cycling has always been a popular sport in the Sewanee community, and the enthusiasm continues today. Additionally, over 30 years ago, when mountain biking was just being introduced to the cycling world, elite Sewanee riders such as Pat Irwin and Jim Perry were riding mountain bikes on the Perimeter Trail. These students formed an informal group that rode almost daily across the Southeast and even participated in the official NORBA sanctioned races held at Sewanee on the Perimeter Trail. This group, often riding for hours before enjoying burgers and beers at Shenanigans, was truly the grassroots movement of Sewanee cycling. Pictured is Jim Perry's old Sewanee cycling jersey.
Today, the Sewanee Outing Program (SOP) provides a place for student cyclists to socialize and develop a love for the sport. SOP participates in the annual MS-150, which raises funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis. This event, along with SOP-sponsored training rides, is a central part of Sewanee's cycling community and can attract more than 30 students. Sewanee's MS-150 is also what introduced current SOP Assistant Director Dan Harper to the sport of cycling as a student.
Last year, Sewanee University students began developing a club sports program that would participate in the USA Cycling Collegiate Race Series along with other cycling event opportunities. Three students, Oakley Griffin (C' 27), Chloe Sims (C' 27), and Will Stacey (C' 25), set out to create a university-recognized Sewanee Cycling Club Team. They kicked off the program last year by competing in the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships. Sewanee surprised everyone; Griffin, the club president, ranked in the top three club riders and Stacey in the top 40 among the nation's leading cyclists. These students, along with Sewanee staff (John Benson and Merritt Yackey), and faculty advisor Professor Matt Schrader, created the official Sewanee Cycling Team. The team is uniquely supported by multiple resources including the Sewanee Outing Program, University Athletics, Woody's Bike Shop, and several valuable private alumni donors and sponsors (who, by the way, we want and need even more support).
The Sewanee Cycling Team's goal is “to help students succeed both on and off their bikes.” The club sees cycling as a tool to help students grow as individuals and teammates and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. “Cycling isn't about competition, it's about pursuing self-improvement, which is a lesson I try to apply to my daily life,” says Griffin. “We encourage anyone who wants to participate in our cycling rides and races to join the club and become part of the community. The club will host rides and races in multiple disciplines, including mountain biking, cyclocross and road cycling.”
“[The cycling team] “This is an official USA Cycling club-level team and provides an opportunity to compete in the Southeast Cycling Collegiate Conference (SECCC) and Collegiate National Championships,” Griffin said.
This means student cyclists can represent Sewanee and compete against various schools across the Southeast and the country.Currently, the team is made up of eight riders: Griffin, Sims, Stacey, Abigail Walker (C' 28), Whit Uden (C' 28), Hugh Jones (C' 28), Gabe Williams (C' 25) and AJ Stacey (C' 26).There is room for growth on this team.
Just a few weeks ago, the team competed in their first conference race of the season on Saturday, September 7th at Truett McConnell University. The mountain bike race was approximately 18 miles in distance. Highlights included Griffin's ninth place in the men's cross country race and freshman Abigail Walker's 14th place in the women's cross country division. The 2024 collegiate season will consist of five regular season races and a national championship race to qualify for. The Sewanee Club Cycling Team welcomes new club members who express interest as the program develops this year or in the coming years.
For more information about SOP and cycling related events please contact John Benson (SOP Director) or Dan Harper (Assistant SOP Director). If you are interested in joining or supporting the team please see the cycling team website for more information.
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