In 1974, Ken and Jean Ross opened a small bicycle shop named “Pedal Power Bicycles” in Woodstock, Ontario. As a result of their concern for the environment, the Ross family were advocates of using the bicycle as their mode of transportation. With the help of their friends Mike Tierney, John Pennesi and Gerard Streef, the Woodstock Cycling Club (WCC) was founded. These three men had cycled in Europe before immigrating to Canada and helped Ken run local and provincial bike races.
On December 2, 1990 Scott Ross had convinced the WCC Executive to host their first mountain bike race. It was won by National Cyclocross champion Brian Pedersen. Now known as the Dairy Capital Stampede, the WCC still hosts the annual race, and attracts riders from around the province.
In 1992, the efforts of Mike Poole and Kerry Redden established a lease from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) to build mountain bike trails at The Pines. WCC is proud to continue to maintain this stewardship of the land today.
In 2003, the Woodstock Cycling Club had 175 members. In 2024, the club boasted over 1,300 memberships. WCC is proud to offer numerous mountain bike trails, events, and social rides located at The Pines for all types of riders and ages.
In 2020, scheduled logging and forest management- combined with a global pandemic- provided an opportunity to update existing trails and create new classics. The Pines moved to a hub-based trail network, with four main hubs that feature over 30 kilometers of mountain bike trails to suit any type of rider. A pump track was built near the parking lot, and the old shipping container was converted into a pavilion. The dual slalom track was built in 2024, allowing the club to host its first ever dual slalom races through the summer and fall of that year. Group rides continue to be a popular offering, as well as our yearly race staple events.
Looking forward into the future, WCC prides itself in being stewards of the land, and continuing to maintain and care for the property with the utmost respect. We are privileged to be able to play a role in developing and fostering the love of the sport and outdoors in Southwestern Ontario.
*Information adapted from the 2006 report by Heather A. Rennalls
WOODSTOCK CYCLING CLUB 