Focused on Student and Community Growth in Western NC
We’re a team of riders who love to climb hard, race fast, and have fun on two wheels. Whether you’re chasing podiums or just good rides along great people, come join the crew and hit the roads & trails with us!
Recreation / Casual Team
USA Cycling SECCC Competitive Team
Meet our Leadership Team
President
Hayden Thomason
Vice President
Ken
Nelson
Treasurer
James
Ross
Marketing & Safety
Mina Gabehart
Riding with WCU Cycling is all about having fun, making friends, and getting outside. Whether you’re here to race, cruise campus trails, or just enjoy being on a bike, you belong here. We ride for the views, the laughs, and the community, not just the podium. No pressure, no expectations, just good rides with good people. "Your Leadership Team, Elected by the Club Members "
Driven by student passion, trail stewardship, and competitive spirit.
2025 - 2026 Stats
Active Students
30 +
Group Rides
2 Every Week
Volunteer Hours
270 +
Races
15
Medal's Won
16
Sent 2 Riders to Nationals
New to WCU?
Want to get involved?
We meet twice a week, rides & weekly meetings. Supporting Male & Female Recreation and Competitive athletes. All bikes are welcome. Offering one membership fee of $25 a Semester with Perks to offset the cost!
Just 3 Steps to Becoming a Member
| 1 | Join the Groupme |
| 2 | Purchase a Membership |
| 3 | Join our Fusion Roster (School Liability form) |
| 4 | Join WCU Engage |
Ready to join our Competition Team?
Riding and racing with WCU Cycling is about having fun, riding with friends, challenging yourself, and trying new things. We love going to races, traveling together and cheering each other on. Whether you’re racing or not, you’re always welcome.
Categories
We support multiple racing categories, and our members are involved in a range of styles, including:
Road
Cross-Country (XC)
Downhill (DH)
Cyclocross (CX)
Other local and mixed-surface race categories, depending on the season
Many riders try new categories for the first time through the team.
Where We Race
We race across the Southeast at a mix of collegiate and local events, including:
SECCC collegiate races
Go Nuts Racing mountain bike events
Local and regional races hosted by nearby clubs and promoters
Members choose which events they want to attend based on interest, schedule, and experience
Team Environment
Our team includes riders with different goals and experience levels. Some members enjoy racing, while others focus on group rides, trail days, and supporting teammates at events. If you decide to race, you’ll find plenty of guidance and encouragement along the way.
Become Ready to Race
| 1 Purchase a USA Cycling Race License |
| 2 Join our team on USA Cycling |
| 3 Create a Bike Reg Account |
All Set! Sign up for an Event on Bike Reg When ready!
Life on Campus
What to Bring to Campus
How to Pack to Race
Bike
Helment
Gear
Camping Supplies
Vertical bike stand (storage in dorms)
some excitement
Back your Bike
Gear, Helment,etc
Towel + Clothes (always muddy)
Tent + air mat
camping lights
Cooking stove if you want
Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner are on your own)
water Bottles. (Club brings a cooler/water jug)
WCU Jersey!
Calendar
Local Rides + Races + Events + Park Locations
| Location | Type | Fee | Lift/Shuttle | Address | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WCU Trail System | Campus trails | Free | None | HHS Bld / softball field trailheads, Cullowhee, NC 28723 | ~0 min |
| Fire Mountain | Public Trail System | Free | None | State Rd 1361, Cherokee, NC 28719 | ~25 min |
| Panthertown Valley | Nantahala National Forest | Free | None | Breedlove Rd Trailhead, Glenville, NC 28736 | ~30 min |
| Tsali Recreation Area | Nantahala National Forest | $2/day | None | 8105 Tsali Rd, Whittier, NC 28789 | ~30-35 min |
| Chestnut Mountain / Berm Park | Town park | Free | None | 2415 Asheville Hwy, Canton, NC 28716 | ~1 hr 10 min |
| Bent Creek Forest | Pisgah National Forest | Free | None | 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 | ~1 hr |
| Davidson River / Pisgah | Pisgah National Forest | Free | None | 1 Davidson River Cir, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 | ~1 hr |
| Black Mountain Trail | Pisgah National Forest | Free | None | US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 | ~1 hr |
| Jackrabbit Mountain trails | Nantahala National Forest | Free | None | 465 Jack Rabbit Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904 | ~1 hr 15 min |
| DuPont State Recreational | State Forest | Free | None | Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718 | ~1 hr 15 min |
| Ride Kanuga | Private bike park | Paid | None | 1249 Kanuga Lake Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739 | ~1 hr 20 min |
| Ride Rock Creek | Private bike park | Paid | Shuttle | 298 W Rock Creek Rd, Zirconia, NC 28790 | ~1 hr 20 min |
| Kolo Bike Park | Private bike park | Paid | None | 85 Expo Dr, Asheville, NC 28806 | ~1 hr 20 min |
| Beacon Bike Park | Public park (opening) | Free | None | Swannanoa, NC 28778 | ~1 hr 30 min |
| Hatley Pointe Bike Park Resort | Bike park | Paid | Chairlift | 578 Valley View Cir, Mars Hill, NC 28754 | ~1 hr 45 min |
| Beech Mountain Resort | Resort bike park | Paid | Chairlift | 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604 | ~2 hrs |
| Windrock Bike Park | Private bike park | Paid | Shuttle | 690 Hoskins Gap Rd, Oliver Springs, TN 37840 | ~2 hrs 45 min |
Want to Represent WCU? Check out our Store below.
Who to Contact
How to Contact us?
Contact Form
Want to Donate to us ?
We are very Thankfull to our supporters who keep us Rolling!
As a student organization here at WCU. We have to lean on your support help us make it races or help give back to the community. We except all forms of donation from Cash to items.
Volunteer With WCU Cycling!
Love bikes, the outdoors, or just helping out? Volunteering with the Western Carolina Cycling Club is an easy way to get involved, meet people, and support the trails + events that keep our community rolling.No experience. No pressure. Just show up.(Picture: Jackson County Kids Bike Rodeo April 2026)
'What does the team do as for volunteering?'
Great question! Our cycling club volunteers by helping take care of the trails and outdoor spaces we ride and spend time in. 1.Trail maintenance and cleanup days
2.Helping out with outdoor or campus service projects when they come up.
3.Volunteer opportunities change each semester.
Why are you so focused on community service?'