Courtesy: USAT

Cascade Bicycle Club, the nation's largest bicycle club with 5,226 members, has become the largest group ever to become a USA Triathlon registered club. "USA Triathlon is very excited about this new relationship," said Tim Yount, acting executive director of USA Triathlon. "It will be a tremendous opportunity for both groups."

USA Triathlon has 258 registered clubs in the United States, including 14 in the Pacific Northwest Region.

The Cascade Bicycle Club is based in Seattle, Wash. In 2003, 126 Cascade volunteer ride leaders coordinated over 1,300 free daily rides around Puget Sound for its members.

Triathlon organizers can post any multi-sport cycling events to Cascade Bicycle Club's online calendar at www.cascade.org. The site received 27,000 unique visitors in February. "There seems to be more and more crossover between cyclists to triathletes," said Gina Miller, president of USA Triathlon's Pacific Northwest Region. "Given the old, friendly rivalry between roadies and triathletes, this is a great way to introduce triathletes to proper cycling"

The clubs plan to explore joint presentations, not limited to: proper road etiquette, pace lining and proper cycling hand signals for area triathletes and how cyclists can do their first triathlon.

Under the new affiliation, Cascade Bicycle Club will also benefit by attracting new, younger members. Additionally, Cascade members may now join USAT for $27, a $3 discount off annual dues.

About the Cascade Bicycle Club

Cascade Bicycle Club is the nation's largest bicycle club with more than 5,200 members in Greater Seattle. Cascade produces eight annual events, including three marquee events: Group Health Seattle International Bicycle Expo, WRQ Bike to Work Month and Group Health Seattle To Portland Bicycle Classic. CBC promotes bicycling for transportation, recreation and health - providing over 1,300 recreational rides annually. Cascade is a non-profit organization, directed by a board of nine elected volunteer directors and nine professional staff. The Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation, a 501(c3) organization, promotes bicycling safety and skills throughout Washington State.