Formed
in 1960, in Speedway, Indiana, the Speedway Wheelmen is the
oldest cycling team in Indiana. The team started with fifteen
members and has seen its ranks swell to as many as one hundred.
Nearly all of the cycling teams and clubs that have formed in
Central Indiana since then have had ties back to the Speedway
Wheelmen.
Cycling tradition in Indiana has to include IU's Little 500
and the movie "Breaking Away". Did you know that Dave
Blase, a Speedway Wheelmen, was the Real "Dave Stoller",
on which the movie "Breaking Away" is based?
The Speedway Wheelmen regularly produce high caliber cyclists,
placing both locally and nationally, wearing our colors of orange
and blue. Erin Hartwell got his start as a Speedway Wheelmen
and has medalled in the 87, 89, 90, and 94 National Championships
and also the 92 and 96 Olympic Games!
CONTINUED
EXCELLENCE: Our team has produced excellent results
throughout the Midwest. Placing regularly on the podium in several
categories at the Indiana / Kentucky district championships.
This year alone, team riders stood on the National Championships
podium 4 times!
Currently, the Speedway Wheelmen is comprised of members having
a diverse set of racing skills and interests. Olympic style
bicycle racing is sanctioned by the US Cycling Federation, which
ranks riders from category 5 (least experienced) to category
1 (most experienced and most winning). Currently, we have members
of ALL ages, categories, and genders. Other sanctioning organizations
we are affiliated with include the ABR, a Midwest cycling organization
and NORBA, the national mountain bike association.
TRACK:
(Velodrome) racing is a sport rich in tradition and has been
popular in America for over one hundred years. We have the strongest
track team in Indiana. Track bikes have no brakes and one fixed
gear. Throw in the steep, banked track and you have some exciting
racing for both racers and spectators.
ROAD:
Riders also compete in road events. The team and its members
maintain a high, well respected, profile in the cycling community
through its visibility at both road races and touring events.
OFF-ROAD:
The Speedway Wheelmen are also very active in mountain biking
and cyclocross. Members of the team compete and place in local,
regional, and national off-road events. Our club promotes cyclocross
racing and is very excited to teach and share their experiences
about this European tradition.
REGULAR
ACTIVITIES: By joining the Speedway Wheelmen, you
have the opportunity to participate in:
Development
For Everyone*: "The range of skill levels is fun.
Even though some of the most talented riders in the area are
on our team, it is also one of the best entry-level teams
for folks new to the sport. It's a really great place to learn
without pressure."
Regular Meetings*: "Between
the meetings, newsletter, and the team website, I always know
what is going on, and can plan my riding accordingly."
Camaraderie*: "Its great
to have friends to encourage you and to work out with, instead
of doing it all by yourself. Fitness*: Cycling is a lifetime
sport. It isn't
abusive or pounding, like other sports, and I can do it with
my friends and family."
Self Esteem*: "It helps
your body to be active. There is an emotional benefit. It
can be very uplifting to look back on your life and see what
you have accomplished."
* Quotes from members
YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT: The Speedway Wheelmen promote development
and cycling education with their "Pedal Power" cycling camp.
Run in conjunction with the local YMCA, Children's museum, Bicycle
Garage, and Cannondale, the "Pedal Power" camp is the ONLY regularly
promoted develop-mental camp in Indiana. Young novice cyclists
are taught the correct way to ride, rules of the road, and are
introduced to bike racing at this weeklong adventure, centered
at the Major Taylor Velodrome.
INDIVIDUAL
DEVELOPMENT: Although most of the Speedway Wheelmen
work full-time, their part-time job is to stay competitive.
Most members of the team train seriously all year around. Our
certified coaches and regularly scheduled training events assist
our members in meeting their fitness and racing goals. Members
actively participate in various cross-training activities during
the off-season and winter months. Our members include state
champions in cross country skiing, and speedskating on both
ice and in-line skates.
RACE
PROMOTION: The Speedway Wheelmen promote the oldest
race in the Midwest: "The Tour of Brookside." This race has
been a tradition in Indianapolis for over 35 years. Many in
the racing community mark their calendars to race on this smooth
winding course.
VOLUNTEERISM:
Opportunities exist for both riders and non-riders. Besides
the events mentioned above, the Wheelmen have also volunteered
at the National, World, Pan-American, and Olympic levels. The
club has several Certified Cycling Coaches, as well as Certified
Cycling Officials.
SUPPORT:
Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters, we can continue
to promote quality events like those mentioned above.
We would like to thank our sponsors for their support:
Trane,
Cannondale,
Bicycle Garage
Indy,
& TrueSport.com
How can you participate? If you are an aspiring racer living
in central Indiana, and have an interest in joining the thrill
of our organization, we'd be delighted to talk with you.
