The Bowie State College Biking Membership has formally accomplished its first collegiate season — and what a debut it’s been for the HBCU program. In simply a short while, the Bulldogs have gone from a brand-new workforce to a revered competitor, ending within the high 10 of the Atlantic Convention of USA Biking this previous spring.
Constructing a HBCU Motion on Two Wheels
Beneath the dynamic management of Coach Sir-Colin Franklin, the membership has constructed greater than only a biking workforce — it’s constructing a group. Beginning with simply two riders of their inaugural season, each ladies, the workforce powered its strategy to a Tenth-place general convention end. Each single level Bowie State earned this season got here from ladies cyclists, a milestone that speaks volumes concerning the membership’s spirit, dedication, and the intense future that lies forward.
The membership’s rise has been about greater than racing. It’s about fostering college delight, private health, and camaraderie amongst college students and supporters alike. Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Clyde Doughty Jr. captured this completely when he emphasised, “This isn’t bicycling — that is biking, that are two very totally different actions. Biking is a disciplined sport that blends technique, endurance, and ability, and Bowie State is creating an area the place everybody can expertise that in a supportive, welcoming surroundings.”
Thursday Rides for Everybody
One of many membership’s hottest initiatives continues to be their weekly group rides. Each Thursday, the group meets at 5:30 p.m. in Parking Lot I, with wheels hitting the pavement at 6 p.m. They kick issues off with a relaxed loop round campus earlier than venturing on a scenic 22-mile journey by Bowie.
These rides are deliberately designed to be inclusive, with a gentle Zone 2 coaching tempo that prioritizes endurance, enjoyable, and sticking collectively as a workforce. Whether or not you’re an skilled bike owner or simply curious concerning the sport, these weekly rides supply a low-pressure strategy to get entangled and be a part of the rising biking tradition at Bowie State.
Wanting Forward
The 2025 collegiate season could have come to a detailed, however the momentum is simply constructing. In a current message from the membership’s official social media, the workforce mirrored on their journey:
“From humble beginnings to a top-ten convention end in our inaugural season—@bsu_cycling_team is making waves! We’re grateful for the college, our group, and @usacycling for the assist. Huge because of @jafecycling for conserving our bikes race-ready and to @pushinwatts for ensuring we appeared good on the street. Because the saying goes: look good, really feel good, journey good — irrespective of the end result!”
Coach Franklin’s revolutionary strategy and the membership’s dedication to progress are setting the stage for one thing particular. The BSU Biking Membership is open to all college students and supporters who wish to journey, compete, or just construct group on two wheels.
As summer time rolls on and eyes flip to the subsequent collegiate biking season, Bowie State has already confirmed they’re a pressure to look at. Their HBCU biking journey is simply starting, and there’s loads of street forward.
