Niagara region cycling clubs come together to form NCCA

In recognition of the need for cycling clubs to form partnerships, relationships and come together to discuss issues of mutual importance the cycling clubs of the Niagara Region of Ontarioa have launched the Niagara Cycling Clubs Alliance (NCCA). The alliance is composed of clubs across levels and disciplines with seven members.

The St. Catharines Cycling Club, Amici per la Vita Niagara Cycling Club, Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club, Forza Niagara Cycling Club, Energy Cycling Club, Bikefit Sunflowers Cycling Club and the Short Hills Cycling Club have joined together under the platform to promote the sport and help grow it’s participation base in the area. The total membership of the NCCA clubs exceeds 1,000 athletes with all open to the general public of all ages and cycling abilities including young and new riders.

All the clubs are incorporated, nonprofit and insured athletic clubs. The NCCA gives the clubs the organization structure to meet regularly, discuss issues and ideas of mutual concern, and work at develop cycling in the Niagara region. Each club is unique specializing in different cycling disciplines, types of rides or emphasis on ability within it’s structure.

St. Catharines Cycling Club President and co-founder of the NCCA, Wally Tykoliz said that riders looking for fast group rides and want to race would have the St. Catharines Cycling Club as the leader in the area.

The Energy Cycling Club is popular amoung mountain bikers, off road cyclist and off-road racers. The regions only mountain bike exclusively for women is Bikefit Sunflowers offering specialized training programs for the women only members. The Short Hills Cycling Club focuses on mountain biking with the development of trails with the spade and rake front and center.

For riders who enjoy destination rides the Amici per la Vita “Friends for Life” Niagara Cycling Club is based in Niagara Falls and offers specialized trips for members. The Forza Niagara Cycling Club offers fun, friendly, structured ridea with an emphasis on developing skills and ride etiquette for its members. Finally the Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club is a friendly and fit club to ride with.

On July 2, a Canada 150 Birthday Ride is planned to head out at 8:30 am and invites all riders and their families to join at the White Meadow Farms at 2519 Effingham St., Pelham, Ont.The ride will go along a scenic winding and rolling route through the regions vineyards, orchards and the town of Pelham. After the ride there will be a BBQ and cake. A small fee will be collected via a NCCA Canada’s 150 Birthday Ride registration website which is scheduled to be launched soon.

In 2021, Ontario hosts the Canada Games and the NCCA is hopeful to be involved in the cycling component.