Around this time of year, who has time to do anything aside from going to class, homework and work?

Timothy Misavage, a senior kinesiology and physical education major, who commutes from St. Charles, has time for more.

“The Cycling Club was recognized by the Student Association in May, so it’s basically five months old,” Misavage said.

There was a bicycle club on campus 10 years ago, but because none of the old members are active in the new club, there are no real connections with the old club.

“One of the problems the last cycling club had was [its] numbers would really drop off in the winter time, and right now we’re trying to organize a spinning class and get some time on the bicycles,” said Misavage, who hopes to keep the club’s member numbers strong throughout the year. “That way members can stay in shape and stay warm over the winter time.”

For being a new club, the Cycling Club has a strong membership.

“We have 40 members on the e-mail list. Our last meeting had about 15 people show up, and of course some e-mails from people who couldn’t show up, for whatever reason. People that ride now, ride in groups of about five to 10 people. There seemed to be about 40 people interested, and about 20 people who seem really into it,” Misavage said.

Even though the club is only about five months old, they have been able to get recognition by USA Cycling, which is, according to Misavage, “The governing body of collegiate cycling.”

There are six races in the fall – the mountain bike season; and six races in the spring – the road biking season.

“We give opportunities to participate in not only recreational activities, but also competitive activities. Going further then that, informational activities, too,” Misavage said. “One of our meetings is a workshop on bike maintenance, physiology, involvement in cycling and training for it, too.”

The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:45 p.m. at North Central Cyclery, 534 E. Lincoln Highway, for weekly rides.

“We meet at the bike shop and leave from there to go on rides. We have a weekend ride coming up in October. The second weekend of October, we go up to southern Wisconsin and do some mountain biking,” Misavage said.

Like most clubs, the Cycling Club has a set of goals for the upcoming years.

“Next year, we hope we would be able to get some fundraising things in line, to start raising some money for the club,” Misavage said.

“The club is open for everyone, from racers, to just people who want to go biking,” Misavage said. “It’s not particularly concentrated on BMX biking, but it is open to the possibility if members are interested.”

There are some requirements to join though. Members must have a bike and a helmet (for liability issues). There is no membership fee, but members are expected to participate in the fundraising.

“We’re for all levels. People shouldn’t have to think they have to have a $2,000 bike to go out and have fun,” Misavage said. “We’re just taking it easy and trying to have fun.”