The streets and trails are clear and that means the Prince George Cycling Club is gearing up for another successful season.
It also means another membership drive, one that's been in motion for some time.
The club boasted around 250 riders last year, a far cry from a decade ago when it only numbered around 35, said membership coordinator Josh Staub.
"Most of the road guys got organized after that and it's been building ever since," said Staub, himself a mountain biker. "We've increased membership and secured the use of the Pidherney trails. We want members to come back. The road racing scene has just taken off - we've had people compete at GranFondo events and win."
By joining the P.G. Cycling Club, members become a collective voice for cycling interests in the community. They can work to improve and maintain trails, trail access and events.
"You can come and trail-build and if not, there's a lot you're able to do behind the scenes," said Staub.
Cyclists can also compete in any timed events, including races and time trials that the club hosts throughout the season, sanctioned by Cycling BC.
A yearly membership is only $25 per person and a second family membership is $20 per person.
The club manages the Pidherney recreation site off of North Nechako Road, a network of mountain bike trails spread across 600 hectares.
Mountain bikers get together every second Monday for trail building, then spend a couple hours riding them afterwards.
Road cyclists gather at Cycle Logic for group rides every Tuesday at 6 p.m. and divide into intermediate and elite groups to explore the city.
Beginner cyclists convene at Ruckus on Saturday mornings at 10.
Among the events the club has planned this year are the bike swap, barbecue and bottle drive on Sunday, April 12, at the Moose Hall. The swap (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is the place to be for those who are looking for used bikes and cycling equipment.
The club's Learn to Ride program (formerly known as Sprockids) begins May 13 and continues until June 17.
"It's a youth learn-to-ride program focusing on bike safety, trail etiquette and riding on the trails," said Staub. "They also go to Otway or Pidherney and do drills, ride around obstacles and work on their balance and braking. They break into skill categories based on age. It's usually a pretty popular program with between 48 to 60 kids and they absolutely love it."
Bike to Work Week starts May 23.
The first road race of the season - the Ruckus Season Opener - is on Saturday, April 18 at Pineview elementary school at 11:30 a.m.
Other road races are slated for Sunday, May 10 and Sunday, May 24. There's also a 12-kilometre time trial on May 7 and a 32km time trial on May 21.
The local circuit also includes a road race on Sunday, June 7 and the Prince George to Purden GranFondo on June 21.
For a full schedule of races, visit pgcyclingclub.ca
