New club helps Edmontonians enjoy accessible cycling
A new bicycle club offers Edmontonians a new way to cruise the outdoors and connect with new people.
Semi-Social Cycling Club offers guided bike rides through the city at three difficulty levels. Each ride ends with a visit to a local brewery for a chance to get to know fellow club members and enjoy an optional crisp pint or non-alcoholic beverage.
Paul Manning-Hunter, one of the club organizers, told CTV News Edmonton the club was formed after he wanted to join a cycling club but had to go through tryouts or make regular commitments.
"(It all) seemed like a lot of pressure," Manning-Hunter said. "I just want to ride with people.
"We just thought there was a gap for that sort of thing in Edmonton," he added. "So we figured, let's make our own."
The club offers casual rides of five to 10 kilometres up to challenging routes of around 30 kilometres.
"We just wanted it to be for everybody," Manning-Hunter added. "No pressure on skill level, age, ability or anything like that."
"It's fun to ride with people. It's a lot more fun than doing it on your own. We thought it was a good way to get people out, meet some new people, and have a beer."
The club has been met with huge fanfare, Manning-Hunter said.
"It's just positive vibes all around," he said. "Go chill if you want. Go hard if you want. It's for everybody."
Marianne Stover, who is a member of several other cycling groups, said she enjoyed the laid-back attitude the club promotes.
"This is a nice casual option," Stover said. "It's just a nice reason to ride."
"I love to bike. I love beer. So that combo got me pretty immediately," she added.
For more information, visit the Semi-Social Cycling Club's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.