Club Activities

• O'Fallon Grand Prix
• MEC Series
• Maintenance Clinic
• FFFT (aka DED-C)
• Fund Raising Rides
• Advocacy
• Buyers Program
• Twitter Feed

The O'Fallon Grand Prix (OGP) is MEC's annual bike race. Traditionally held the first weekend after Memorial Day, the OGP is a USAC sanctioned road race and a criterium held over Saturday and Sunday. In 2010 the road race became the Illinois State Road Race Championship. For more information about the race, click here.

The MEC Series is a group of rides throughout the year in which MEC members can participate. The object is twofold first to show support of other rides throughout the region and second to earn a patch for successfully completing seven of the series rides. The series merits its own page on this site. Click here for more information.

During February and March MEC holds its annual Maintenance Clinic. In 2010 the clinic was held at and presented by Bike Surgeon an official MEC sponsor. For more information regarding the clinic check the calendar and watch for e-mail notifications.

A four part series covering Strength, Flexibility, and Conditioning in the first two sessions, and followed up with Nutrition and Hydration . The final seminar will cover some cycling tips to include bike fit, handling the mental aspects of increased distances, and various other conventional and unconventional items of wisdom.

Strength training about 3 times should continue through February (two times minimum) a week, and include jumping on the bike at least once a week. Spinning class to help with strength and intensity workouts are also encouraged.

This program is offered at no-charge to any persons who wish to improve their ability to ride longer distance with greater endurance. It will provide the novice cyclist with some information and techniques to help them gain more confidence and keep their energy level up to ride distances longer than in the past.

The ultimate goal for some cyclists is to accomplish a "century" or a ride of 100 miles. However, that may not be everyone's goal. And everyone may have goals that span several months or years. No matter!! This program will focus on helping everyone improve their ability to ride any distance (short of across multiple states or greater than 12 hours) in any time-frame that they might have in mind. As a group, we will have no distance goals and will ride in support of each other when rides are planned.

Each person will have to monitor and adhere to their own workout regimen after receiving the "tools" to be able to prepare for the riding season. Exercises will focus on cycling specific muscle strength and conditioning, but cyclists do not have to limit their workouts to these exercises. Likewise with stretching and flexibility exercises. Overall conditioning is the goal.

Tour de Cure (American Diabetes Association)

Team Captain: Bob Norman

This ride is held in many locations around the US at different times during the year. The St Louis ADA holds the ride in June each year and starts from Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton, Illinois. Ride distances include options for 16, 50, and 100 miles, with most folks doing the 50-mile option. This is a moderately challenging course at times, but the scenery along the River Road, along the Illinois River, and through the farmlands east of the Mississippi River, is well worth the effort. Support stops are set up every 10-15 miles along the route manned by volunteers who serve up water, Gatorade, fruits, sandwiches, and other carb-rich snacks. Individuals or teams may sign up for a $15 (early sign-up) fee and $150 fund-raising. Prizes are given to those who raise a significant amount of funds. Several teams participate, along with several individuals. At the end of the ride, each rider is offered a free lunch (brats, burgers, or hot dogs, cole slaw, chips, and soft drinks) and entertainment. Sometimes there is even a group of massage therapy students to help relieve the stress from the ride. It's a great time and a great cause, so come on out and join the fun. In 2008, more than 32,000 cyclists in 78 Tour events raised nearly $13 million to support the mission of the ADA: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Let's show them what MEC can do!! Please visit the Tour de Cure web site today and start training and raising funds!!

It's a great ride as a century, but also works as a 50-miler or even just a short family ride. Great rest stops and a wonderful party atmosphere at the end. Plus, each rider and volunteer receives free admission to Raging Rivers after the ride! So you can shower and swim ...... or just sit back and recover! Try it ..... you might like it! And it's a worthy cause.

MS 150 (Multiple Sclerosis Society)

Team Captain: David Kniepkamp

For the past 26 years, Gateway Area cyclists have been strapping on their helmets and hopping on their bikes to move towards a world free of multiple sclerosis. As a result of their dedication, great strides have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of MS. This is why we ride.

The Bike MS: Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride promises to be a great cycling experience, attracting more than 3,000 cyclists from across the country. Pedal along some of the most beautiful scenery Missouri has to offer, while you enjoy a fully supported, fun and truly inspirational experience.

Tour DaVita

Team Captain: Daniel Tirado

Currently more than 31 million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among them, most do not realize it and are not aware of the potential consequences. DaVita Inc., a leading provider of kidney care services in the United States, is taking action to help combat this silent killer by creating much needed awareness and raising contributions. The fundraising, bike ride event, called Tour DaVita™, aims to increase awareness of chronic kidney disease as its participants cycle through several cities across the state of Washington.

The Tour DaVita goal is to raise funds to fight CKD. DaVita® teammates (employees) and friends of DaVita will hop on their bikes and ride approximately 250 miles over the course of the four-day tour. Funds raised by the bike ride will benefit The Kidney TRUST™, a non-profit organization aimed at prevention and awareness of CKD.

Swap Meet

Home Builders Association Green Building Council Fall Trail Tour

During the late winter in conjunction with Bike Surgeon, MEC provides an opportunity for members to purchase parts and equipment at wholesale prices. More information on the Buyers Program is delivered via e-mail.

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