Get set to pedal into a healthier lifestyle. The Illawarra Cycle Club is inviting new members to discover the joy of cycling in its fit and active community.

Founded in the early 1970s, the Illawarra Cycle Club has consistently supported the local cyclists. Over the years its focus has evolved from competitive racing to offering community-based events for cyclists of all skill levels and ages.

“It's growing, and it's changing," said Simon Kersten, president of the Illawarra Cycle Club.

"Historically, the Illawarra Cycle Club was really about racing. Now we're trying to make it more of a community organisation.”

Introduced to the sport at 13, Simon joined Illawarra Cycle Club, then started competitive riding at age 14, representing New South Wales and Australia. After a successful career, Simon chose to retire from the sport to focus on his work life. Returning to Wollongong in the early 2000s, Simon resumed cycling, rejoining the club and later the committee. Today, he also chairs the board of Destination Wollongong.

“I joined the Illawarra Cycle Club and that's where I met a coach there and I started racing competitively,” Simon said.

“I actually finished second in the World Junior Championships in 1991, then I retired from the sport. I got into my working life.

“So, my history with cycling goes back to the club.”

Historically focused on competition, the Illawarra Cycle Club has switched to a community-based approach, broadening opportunities and emphasising inclusivity at the club.

“A lot of our members do mountain biking, they do gravel riding, they do road riding, they do track riding,” Simon said.

“So again, there are lots of different ways to experience riding a push bike – not just racing.”

The Illawarra Cycle Club also organises various events for kids, fostering early involvement in biking. Whether introducing children to competition or social cycling, these activities contribute to a more inclusive culture. Supervised by the club, events and training sessions primarily take place at the Illawarra Criterium Track and Velodrome in Unanderra.

“We have a very good kids program on a Wednesday afternoon at the Velodrome, we have a library of bikes that kids can use for free,” Simon said.

“We don't charge kids to come along to that event, so basically, they can roll up for free, learn how to ride on a velodrome and learn all about bikes.”

The club also holds family-friendly races at the criterium track every Thursday evening, starting with a free  'Come and Try' event for children.

Regulated by AusCycling, the club covers all forms of biking such as mountain biking, road cycling, track cycling and BMX. Joining it is simple.

“AusCycling website actually offers a one-month free membership, so you can literally join the Illawarra Cycle Club for one month for free,” Simon said.

“If you like it, then you can join up by the month or by the year.”

For more information on how to join the Illawarra Cycle Club, its events or good locations to ride around Wollongong, visit the website.