Club History

Two avid cyclists, Ron Malfara, Director of Sunrise Ski Area, and Jay Natali, a Pinetop attorney and civic leader, created White Mountain Road Club in 1980.  Both men lived or spent a large part of their time in the Arizona White Mountains, thus the White Mountain Road Club began.

 

As the club grew, financial needs grew and members started pursuing sponsorship.  As a result, in 1982, the club approached Dick Landis of Landis Cyclery-Tempe regarding sponsorship.  Taking this step created our club's first sponsorship with Landis Cyclery.  Since our first days of sponsorship, Landis Cyclery has remained as the flagship sponsor for our club.

 

Organizational Structure

Active club members vote in the executive committee in a yearly election.  The elected executive committee consists of a president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary.  Together the executive committee makes sure the club follows the bylaws, remains in good standing with its sponsors, continues in good standing with the USCF, and remains not only solvent, but financially strong. 

 

Officers for 2007

President	Brian Lemke
Vice President	Alfredo Gonzalez
Secretary	Everardo "Paco" Keeme
Treasurer	Gerald Biehle
Sponsorship Coordinator	Jake Taylor

 

Membership Base

Currently there are over one-hundred members in the White Mountain Road Club.  The club membership covers virtually all race divisions and categories offered by the USCF.  Ten percent of the members are eighteen years old or younger, nine percent are nineteen to twenty-five years old, fifty-nine percent are twenty-six to forty-five years old and twenty-one percent are forty-six years old or older.  Women cyclists make up twenty-two percent of the membership.  Our exposure is more than any other cycling club in Arizona and ranks high among other clubs in the United States. To join us simply fill out our Membership Application.

 

Newsletter

The White Mountain Wire is an effective way to bring members in contact with each other and their common interests.  Members are informed of race results, race schedules, and meeting minutes documenting club decisions and issues.

 

Race Promotion

White Mountain Road Club is very proud of the Valley of the Sun Stage Race that was renamed in 1994 in memory of John Earley.  John Early was one of our founding members who passed away in 1994.  The stage race, which was first promoted in 1992, has been a big success.  It is heavily attended by national and international teams such as United States Postal Service, Saturn, Health Net, and Canadian and United States National Teams.  The race offers all categories and attracts almost eight hundred racers and thousands of spectators.

 

Junior Development Program

The development of junior cycling is very important to the White Mountain Road Club.  The club is dedicated to getting more children and young adults involved in bike racing.  The program offers training rides for all levels of junior cyclists as well as a mentoring program with a Men’s or Women’s Elite Team Member.  The club also has many coaches who assist junior cyclists in goal setting, nutrition and proper training techniques.

 

Senior Olympic Cycling Promotion

White Mountain Road Club members work with the city of Phoenix Parks and Rec. department to promote the Senior Olympic.  Since 1997 WMRC members have organized this event that allows seniors the opportunity to compete against their pears.  WMRC has developed a good relationship with all the participants of the event.  This event has also established a strong affiliation between WMRC and the city of Phoenix Parks and Rec. department. 

 

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2001 Club of the Year

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 10, 2001) -- USA Cycling announced the 2001 Club of the Year Awards, recognizing the top clubs from around the country. Honors were given to Division I, II and III clubs, as well as to the best groups with a focus on collegiate, junior, women’s and track cycling.

 

The USA Cycling Club of the Year Committee annually honors the top cycling clubs from all over the country for their dedication to excellence in competition, the growth of all cycling disciplines and the promotion of the sport. All of the clubs chosen for recognition in 2001 represent the well-balanced, solid programs that are beneficial to the cycling community. They boost the image of the sport of cycling, as well as make an impact on their communities through their involvement in racing and philanthropy.

The White Mountain Road Club is being presented with the Division I Club of the Year award. Based out of Phoenix, AZ., the group promotes diverse programs including grassroots clinics, coaching activities, junior development and masters and women’s support programs. With 85 licensed members, the White Mountain Road Club is also strong in the areas of race promotion and community service.

The USA Cycling Club of the Year Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of cycling organizations to improve the opportunities for members and also involve their local communities. The winners serve as examples to the general public of how cyclists are not only dedicated athletes, but also committed to increasing knowledge and interest into one of the most up-and-coming sports in the world.