Hello fellow cyclists!
Kern Wheelmen is a proud supporter of Team Go Ride, an all-level cycling team dedicated to promoting awareness of heart disease and stroke risk factors. In effort to foster a healther community, Team Go Ride hosts and supports weekly/monthly rides, cycling clinics, tandem rallies, time trials, road safety collaboration and health awareness forums.
Team Go Ride is a proud ambassador of the Kern County Go Red for Women Movement in support of the American Heart Association.
Comprised of both recreational riders and a race team, Team Go Ride aims to promote cardiovascular fitness and general health, with cycling being a key component of an overall healthy and active lifestyle. Cycling alone can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 50%.
FACTS:
On average, 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 29 seconds.
One in three Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.
More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
Communities with more active cyclists boast longer average life spans than communities with lower rates of active cyclists! That is the reason that our goal is to get more people our riding bikes here in Kern County! We are on the cusp of a health revolution and we want you on board!
Most frequently asked questions:
What are the benefits of membership? The number one reason people join Team Go Ride (their words) are “for the cause.” Many people really enjoy being a part of a cycling organization
How do I become a member? Membership forms can be found on the Kern Wheelmen website and the Team Go Ride Facebook page. We can also email you membership forms or you can pick one up at one of our events. You may contact outspoken@kernwheelmen.org for questions about membership.
Where do I find your rides and how do I know which is best for me? We post a weekly ride schedule on Facebook each Sunday night. There is a sample ride schedule posted here on the Kern Wheelmen website, but make sure to check for updated ride calls by contacting the ride leader listed on the sample schedule.
Why do you call yourself a team and not a club? Team Go Ride strives to build a strong team culture, where each rider feels a sense of ownership of the team, is active and involved in their own health while reaching out to others to encourage them to create healthier lifestyles. We believe in supporting each and every cyclist from day one on the bike through learning the basics to developing as a racer, if that is what you want. We strive to create venues so that each and every member can get to know eachother – that way, when one of us needs something – whether it be advice on how to change a tube or a teammate for upcoming races – we have a core of people you can count on. Team Go Ride is YOUR team!!!
Do I have to be a racer to join? Absolutely not. We have rides suitable for each and every skill level. If you are unsure which ride might be best for you, please contact outspoken@kernwheelmen.org.
How do I become part of the Team Go Ride Race Team and what would be expected of me? You can contact outspoken@kernwheelmen.org and they will talk with you about the benefits and obligations of racing for Team Go Ride. Every racer acts as an exemplar for the rest of the team, helping out wherever they can. Some race team members lead interval training sessions while others mentor youth riders. Everyone is asked to help support new cyclists in addition to committing to their own development as racers – all the while supporting the mission of promoting heart health in our community. There is no “speed” or “resume” requirement, just a willingness to act as a leader and lend a helping hand where you can.
We do have to say, however, this race team is strongly dedicated to some major races, including the Race Across America, HooDoo 500, time trials, road races, crits and triathlons – so each team member is actively training and focused on becoming faster and stronger. If becoming faster and stronger is one of your goals, you have found the right team. Joe Petersen generously donates his time to coach the Team Go Ride Race Team and would be more than happy to help you exceed your cycling/fitness goals and aspirations.
How are Kern Wheelmen and Team Go Ride tied in together? Both Team Go Ride and Kern Wheelmen are striving to create unity between cyclists here in Kern County. All of us are cyclists, but at times, we feel somewhat disconnected or fragmented. Because both organizations strive to promote healthier and more active lifestyles by encouraging people to get out and ride their bikes, we decided to work together to accomplish that mission. Team Go Ride appreciates the support of the Kern Wheelmen, who lends time and resources to each and every time trial we host, in addition to allowing us to talk about heart health at their meetings! In return, Team Go Ride volunteers help support Kern Wheelmen events. It’s a win-win for everyone!