Bike club spinning into spring

The days are getting longer, which means cycling season is almost here.

To get St. Albertans back on their bikes, or hopping on for the first time, the Sturgeon Valley Athletic Club will be holding a 10-week spin class to raise funds for the St. Albert Bike Association.

The bike club formed last May with the goal of exposing riders of all ages and skill levels to the sport and to learn more about cycling culture.

“We’re so new this is actually the first program that we’re offering and we are hoping to offer more throughout the year,” said Jason Wywal, president of the association.

The club held weekly group rides on trails around St. Albert last summer. By the end of 2013, they had 14 members.

With funds raised through the 10-week Spin Into Spring class, club founders hope to hold more events this season, including bike maintenance workshops, safety workshops and presentations at schools.

The spin class begins on Feb. 13 at the Sturgeon Valley Athletic Club and will be lead by instructor Brian Hill.

Athletic club manager Christine Rawlins said the class will be a cost-share venture between the bike club and the athletic club.

The registration cost of $100 will go in part toward an instructor fee and a facility fee; the rest of the proceeds will go to the bike club.

Rawlins said this is the first time the gym has partnered with a non-profit society like the St. Albert Bike Association.

“We want the bike club to have the opportunity to experience some quality fitness training as well as expose new people to the club,” she said.

“Ultimately we want to give back to community.”

“If there are any other community groups that are interested in this type of programming we would definitely be open to entertaining their proposals and suggestions,” added Rawlins. “And working with them to help make St. Albert a healthier community.”