Rapid Wheelmen Inc

 

 

 

The Rapid Wheelmen welcome new members of all abilities.  Members receive a monthly newsletter, and are welcome on all club rides and monthly meetings. We welcome individuals, families, racers, tandem enthusiasts -- there is something for everyone.  Come on out and make some new friends and improve your level of fitness!

Our membership year is January 1 to December 31 and costs $20 for individuals or families or $50 for a 3 year membership. 

Need a map to the starting location of a club ride? Click here for our map page.

Download the 2008 Rapid Wheelmen Mileage Log from the Rapid Wheelmen Yahoo! group. 

2008 Logbook
2008 Logbook Jr
*

2008 Logbook acrobat (pdf) format

*Jr version works exactly the same as the regular one, but the “Milestones” are reduced considerably for our Jr riders.

  Mark Hagar markpedal@dialup4less.com 

Ride Captains: download Ride Attendance form with Ride Waiver:

http://www.rapidwheelmen.com/waiver.html

Need to deposit Rapid Wheelmen funds or request a reimbursement? Go here:

Deposit and reimbursement forms

JOIN THE WHEELMEN!


Join at active.com!

Map and information on Wheelmen monthly meetings.

Display a print-friendly Acrobat (pdf)  form for
joining the Rapid Wheelmen

OR 

Email: Membership Chair for info.

Rapid Wheelmen Constitution
(Acrobat)

 

Rapid Wheelmen
P.O. Box 1008
Grand Rapids, MI 49501

 

 
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Wheelmen Board of Directors

Contact any Director via email by clicking the links below or by mail 
c/o Rapid Wheelmen, PO Box 1008, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

 

President

Jeff Festian

president@rapidwheelmen.com

 

Vice-President

Bob Ayers
 
vp@rapidwheelmen.com

  

Past-President

Geri Finch

  

Secretary

secretary@rapidwheelmen.com

 

Treasurer

Ron David

treasurer@rapidwheelmen.com

 
Ride Captain

John Crankshaw


ridecaptain@rapidwheelmen.com

 

Safety Chair

Jochen Ditterich

safety@rapidwheelmen.com

 
Race Chair

Joel Bierling

race@rapidwheelmen.com

 

Membership

Jim Steenwyk

membership@rapidwheelmen.com

 

Newsletter

John Kowalczyk

newsletter@rapidwheelmen.com

 

  5

Internet Directors

John Crankshaw

website@rapidwheelmen.com

Mike Burden

secretary@rapidwheelmen.com

 

Special Events

Linda Doran


events@rapidwheelmen.com

 

 
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Rapid Wheelmen Inc: A History 

The club was organized in April, 1970 in the back room of Alger Schwinn Cyclery then located in Alger Heights in SE Grand Rapids. Early activities centered around club rides, meetings, picnics and camp-outs. 

The club hosted its first invitational ride the “One Hundred Grand” in 1973. 1973 was also the year of the first Arab oil embargo which led to a shortage of bicycles and a boost in membership. 

The Rapid Wheelmen enjoy hosting invitational rides like the One Hundred Grand and the Colorburst. They're advertised nationally, so many visitors join us: bicycling in our area with maps and cue sheets furnished by the Wheelmen. The club also provides food, rest stops, road arrows, embroidered patches,
T-shirts, SAG, and other amenities. 

Our club members go to other clubs invitational rides in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and other states.

Because of the volunteer help, these invitational rides are a bargain for riders and a good fund raiser for clubs. 

Over the years the club has branched out into racing, mountain biking, additional invitational rides, safety education programs, advocacy for cyclists’ rights and
facilities, amd fund raising for charities. We try to be all things to all cyclists -- future activities will likely be determined by new trends in cycling. 

The core activities of the Wheelmen are the monthly meetings, weekly rides, a newsletter, and enthusiastic members. At monthly meetings we handle club business, see entertaining programs, feed hungry bikers, socialize, and talk shop.

Weekly rides include all speeds, distances, and terrains, even competitive events. Since not all members can attend all meetings, the newsletter keeps them connected.

Long story, short -- we're an eager band of bike nuts who donate their time and energy to make the Wheelmen thrive.

Join us!


Join the Rapid Wheelmen