Fort Wayne's Three Rivers Velo Sport Brings Together Cyclists of All Ages and Skill Levels

For people all over the world, bicycling has been one of the best, as well as most fun, ways of getting and staying in shape. For some, it's a necessary way to get from point A to point B. Others, however, take their cycling a bit more serious (Take Lance Armstrong, for example). Amateur groups consisting of all age groups that love to cycle together for miles and miles, just for the fun and exercise of it, can be found in just about every American city - even right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Founded back in 1969, Three Rivers Velo Sport Inc. ('velo' is French for 'bike') is a group of amateur cyclists that meets to ride several times during the week. They are affiliated with organizations such as the League of American Bicyclists and Adventure Cycling Association affiliated club, as well as a member of the Indiana Bicycle Coalition, United States Cycling Federation, and others.

Publicist for Three Rivers Velo Sport Inc., Kathy Boling, tells me the current club is, "sort of a continuation of the Fort Wayne Bike Club back from the 1890's that used to have races on Forest Park Blvd." An interesting note is that one of the original members of Three Rivers Velo Sport is Hector Garcia. Mr. Garcia is currently a Purdue University of Fort Wayne Professor and also a famous sculptor whose works include the 14-foot tall bronze sculpture titled "Transformation," that he personally dedicated to Allen County on October 13, 2006. The sculpture may be seen in front of the new Allen County Juvenile Center on Wells Street.

Other originals of the Velo Club include Dean Koehlinger of Koehlinger Cycling, and local farmer Eli Arnold.

The beginnings of the Three Rivers Velo Sport Inc. are very small and simple. "These guys had the interest (of biking) going, and they incorporated it with the Three Rivers Festival and they called it the "Festival Tour." They used to ride on one of the two Sundays. People ride bikes and they wanted to ride with others." From there the club expanded mainly through word of mouth.

With just a few members at the beginning, this not for profit club has grown to over 350 active members. And as Three Rivers Velo Club President Dave Lehman tells me, there are no signs of slowing down in the near future. "We don't want the membership to top out. As a matter of fact, we encourage people to sign up. Anyone and everyone are welcome to join. We have members from 16 all the way to their mid-70's."

With routes distancing anywhere from 10 to 50-miles, President Lehman assures me that it's all relative. "If you're with a group, the miles tend to go by a lot faster. The great thing about bike riding is that it's very low impact. You ride at your own pace."

If you'd like more info on biking with the Velo Club, go to www.3RVS.com on the web.