Our Story
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The early history of Covington Conyers Cycling Club (C4) is as much folklore as it is verifiable facts. But, this much we know...
Bicyclists have been organizing and riding together on the roads and mountain bike trails of Newton and Rockdale counties in Georgia since at least the early 1970s. Those early pioneers brought locals into cycling and shared their passion, while also luring riders from around North Georgia to the great bicycle routes east of Atlanta. |
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In the Spring of 2004, a small group of riders banded together and initiated a weekly ride from the gravel parking lot for the Olympic Mountain Biking Trails at the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP). That ride continues to this day as the "Thursday Night Ride," and you can find out more here.
To communicate, these riders created a Yahoo group called CCCycling -- for Covington Conyers Cycling. With time, the word "club" emerged as the fourth "C," and the shorthand identifier "C4" was born. Technology changed too, and the Yahoo group evolved into a Facebook page and then a Facebook group. We devloped a logo, designed and sold our first jersey/kit, and became a visible presence on the metro Atlanta cycling scene.
We also grew in numbers. And, with 400+ followers and often 40-50 riders on the Thursday night ride, it was time for a little more structure. In 2009, an informal group of leaders registered Covington Conyers Cycling Club (C4) with the Georgia Secretary of State as a not-for-profit corporation. The club established a board of directors with officers. and eventually a membership site and modest dues.
C4 remains very much a riding club. But, through the years, we've recognized the importance of outreach to influence our communities in ways that enhance cycling for our membership and the public at large. We've increased our advocacy for safe streets, better bicycle infrastructure, and policies and laws that protect everyone using public roadways. We've also positioned C4 as an organization which gives back to our communities.
While growing our membership and our relationships, we've also expanded our footprint in the region. Our rides and outreach are very visible today in Walton County. Jasper and Morgan counties also feature prominently in our rides.
As much as we enjoy riding bikes, we still find time for fun off the bike, with social events like Jack's Pool Party, the Tour de France Party, and the annual C4 Christmas Party.
The evolution of our club may sound like someone had a grand design, but the journey has been organic. C4 is an expression of our members, and the cyclists where we live are the ones who shape our path. We very much hope you'll join us in that endeavor.
To communicate, these riders created a Yahoo group called CCCycling -- for Covington Conyers Cycling. With time, the word "club" emerged as the fourth "C," and the shorthand identifier "C4" was born. Technology changed too, and the Yahoo group evolved into a Facebook page and then a Facebook group. We devloped a logo, designed and sold our first jersey/kit, and became a visible presence on the metro Atlanta cycling scene.
We also grew in numbers. And, with 400+ followers and often 40-50 riders on the Thursday night ride, it was time for a little more structure. In 2009, an informal group of leaders registered Covington Conyers Cycling Club (C4) with the Georgia Secretary of State as a not-for-profit corporation. The club established a board of directors with officers. and eventually a membership site and modest dues.
C4 remains very much a riding club. But, through the years, we've recognized the importance of outreach to influence our communities in ways that enhance cycling for our membership and the public at large. We've increased our advocacy for safe streets, better bicycle infrastructure, and policies and laws that protect everyone using public roadways. We've also positioned C4 as an organization which gives back to our communities.
While growing our membership and our relationships, we've also expanded our footprint in the region. Our rides and outreach are very visible today in Walton County. Jasper and Morgan counties also feature prominently in our rides.
As much as we enjoy riding bikes, we still find time for fun off the bike, with social events like Jack's Pool Party, the Tour de France Party, and the annual C4 Christmas Party.
The evolution of our club may sound like someone had a grand design, but the journey has been organic. C4 is an expression of our members, and the cyclists where we live are the ones who shape our path. We very much hope you'll join us in that endeavor.
