While most sports require teams to practice together, cycling is one of the few sports that allows individuals to train on their own. Since much of the practice can be done by individuals, the UA cycling club attempts to build chemistry within the group through weekly team dinners.

Club secretary Megan White said the group also uses an app called Strava to promote a stronger team dynamic. The app tracks users’ rides using GPS. This allows different cyclists to keep each other accountable. It also allows club members to issue timed challenges to team members.

“Even though you never ride together it feels like there is more of a community out there,” White said.

Fostering a feeling of community is especially important when the club travels to compete. Members who choose to compete often find themselves on the road together about eight weeks out of every spring semester. Senior Shay Brown said training together also helps members reach their 
full potential.

“It’s just easier to keep going farther,” Brown said. “You are much more motivated if you have someone else there.”

Club president Alex Heldman said the adrenaline rush cycling provides keeps the sport entertaining, and the number of experiences he has had while riding keeps him from getting bored.

“There is always variety,” he said. “You can always find a new road.”

Heldman said the club is always looking to add new members regardless of experience level because the sport is 
relatively easy to pick up.

“It is very easy to get started in and to go,” he said. “It is very easy to see tangible results.”

Students interested in seeing the club in action will be able to watch the club race around the Druid City Arts Festival on April 11 in the Tour of Tuscaloosa.