Annual Bike Rides

Are you ready for a year full of thrilling cycling adventures? Look no further than the Northwest Cycling Club's annual bike rides! As one of the largest cycling clubs in Texas, NWCC hosts two incredible events every year – the BlueBonnet Express and the Katy Flatland Century. But that's not all! Our club members also participate in several other thrilling annual rides that are not hosted by NWCC.

Join us as we conquer the Texas MS 150, a legendary ride from Houston to LaGrange in support of finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. Experience the extraordinary support and breathtaking scenery as we ride together towards a world free of MS.

If you're up for a challenge, don't miss the Hotter’N Hell Hundred – one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation. With over 13,000 riders from around the world, this four-day extravaganza in Wichita Falls, Texas, will push your limits and inspire you like never before.

Looking to contribute to a meaningful cause? Join us for the Suzannah Smiles - SB250 ride, raising awareness and funds for Spina Bifida Texas. Help us make a difference in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities as we embark on a truly memorable journey.

And let's not forget the Big Dam Bridge 100 in beautiful Arkansas! Ride across the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America, connecting scenic riverside trails between Little Rock and North Little Rock. With routes ranging from 15 to 105 miles, this event offers stunning mountain and river views, challenging hills, and a unique finish-line experience.

As a member of NWCC, you have the privilege of participating in these incredible annual bike rides alongside fellow cycling enthusiasts. Don't miss out on the chance to bond with like-minded individuals, conquer new challenges, and create unforgettable memories on your bike.

Stay tuned for updates on these thrilling rides at our monthly club meetings and join the discussions on our club Facebook pages. The adventure awaits – saddle up and let's ride together towards new horizons!

*Note: The information provided above is subject to change. Please visit the respective event websites for registration details and event updates.

NWCC has arranged for Friday night lodging at the YMCA, which now offers only the one night. We are not arranging dinners. Instead, the club is encouraging participants to sign up for the spaghetti dinner and ride-day breakfast through Bike Reg when you sign up to ride.

For lodging with NWCC, follow our three-step process:

Complete form bit.ly/24NWCCHHH
Pay $70 using Paypal link sent by Troy by 4/30
Send photo of yourself in an NWCC jersey at HHH to treasurer@NWCC.bike for $50 partial reimbursement.

For Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock rooms, call 866-657-4458 and ask for the BDB Ride block.
NWCC members, a few months before the ride, a form will be emailed so you can indicate interest in joining other club members for dinner Friday and/or Saturday evening.

https://nwcc.bike/nwcc-cycling-club-events-list/

2024 Big Dam Bridge

2023 Big Dam Bridge

We had a respectable showing of participants from the club for this years event, but we had some competition from a rival club from Memphis, named Victory Cycles. They had a large group, probably over 40 riders attend this years ride. Their tent was next to ours and they cheered their riders as they cross the finish line. We did the 50 mile route this year with a few exceptions as other members did the 75 mile course.

NWCC Mandatory Safety Message

You should be aware that potential risks, hazards, and obstructions may exist whenever you ride and we do not guarantee safe cycling conditions or make any representations about road conditions including pavement conditions, traffic volume, or speed. You are responsible for evaluating road and trail conditions in accordance with your individual level of experience, skill, tolerance for cycling in traffic, weather, time of day, obstacles, road condition and other factors when evaluating or selecting a route. NWCC and its officers disclaim any responsibility for any issues that may arise and in no event shall be liable for any damages or loss of any kind.

DOs

• Helmets are required.
• Obey all traffic signals.
• Ride predictably and smoothly.
• Call out all hazards.
• Use hand signals and call out your intentions, when you are turning, slowing, and stopping.
• Call out vehicles as they approach, “Car back” / “Car up” “Car left / right”
• In double pace lines, roll off one at a time so there will not be four abreast at any time.
• When passing other riders and groups, pass on the left and always call out "on your left."
• Communicate with riders in your group who may be pushing the speed of the group beyond the group's expectations. Ask them to slow down / speed up and/or move to the next group / drop to the group coming up.
• If you are new to group riding, whatever your estimated average speed, we highly recommend starting in the no-drop group, which will be called last.

DON'TS

• No earbuds, headphones, speakers or phone usage while cycling in any pace group.
• No using aerobars in the paceline.
• No overlapping wheels.
• Do not assume that the average speed of your ride will fall within the speed noted for each pace group except for the no-drop and 20+ groups. Groups may average a faster pace, especially on downhills or with a tail wind. On the other hand, the pace may be slower in poor riding conditions, climbing hills or into a headwind.