Cycling is very much a team-based sport for the new Zionsville Triathlon and Cycling Team. Created in January by Zionsville residents and long-time cyclists Loren Long and Steve Wefler, the 15-member team was founded to provide support and training companions for cyclers and triathletes of all levels in the Zionsville area.
“Our goal is to support one another whether it’s helping each other train, watching each other race or participating in your first event,” said cofounder Steve Wefler.
The 3-month-old group has members from Zionsville, Indianapolis and Carmel, and will have its first official meeting on April 13 at the New Balance store at 99thStreet and Michigan Road in Indianapolis. The event begins at 7 p.m., and Jimmy John’s sandwiches and beer from Triton Brewery will be provided. Cofounder Loren Long said they hope to have a similar meeting each month, outside of the group’s training-based events.
Throughout the week, the team has a few different rides, runs or swims for members, but its main ride is on Saturday morning. Long said people of all skill levels are welcome for the weekend ride, which departs at noon from Jennings Field in Zionsville.
“The Saturday ride is a great way to get some easy miles in, and we have everyone from beginning cyclists to 20-year veterans come out,” Wefler said. “We just try to support each other with our goals.”
The team is sponsored financially by a handful of Zionsville businesses including PG Chiropractic, Indy Realty Shop, Zionsville Eye Care and Zionsville Dentistry. Wefler said the sponsorships have enabled them to buy team jerseys and T-shirts. In addition, Triton Brewery and the New Balance store help the team by giving them discounts.
While Long said there isn’t one specific event the team is training for, he said most of the group is training for Ironman triathlons in Muncie or Louisville during the summer. He said in the future, they hope to train for specific events together and may participate in the Indianapolis N.I.T.E Ride in June.
For more information, visit the team’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ZionsvilleTriTeam or contact [email protected]