Essex County Velo is a nonprofit, volunteer organization whose mission is to enhance the opportunities for members to enjoy the numerous benefits derived from the simple, youthful act of riding a bike.

Our membership and alumni covers a broad range of the cycling community and interests. Some ECV members are avid and committed competitors, from junior to masters levels that represent the “blue and white” as members of teams and individually, in events around the region. Essex County Velo is also about enjoying the abundance of scenic roads, wooded trails and seaside vistas with a fun and supportive group of riders that promote safe and courteous cycling.

Essex County Velo actively supports cycling and the progress of our members in cycling through: sponsorships; hosting races and rides; encouraging teamwork, advocacy and volunteerism; and education about the health and fitness benefits of cycling and safe cycling practices.

You don’t have to be a football player to support the New England Patriots and you don’t have to be a racer to be inspired by and helped by the members of the ECV Racing Teams. The “Blue and White” road racing team, junior road and mountain bike development teams and cyclocross team have produced several competitors that have gone on to professional cycling careers. Not only is it fun to watch and cheer our members on, but our competitors give back to the club by helping the others achieve their goals. Whether you want to win a stage race or make it to the end of your first century ride, having the best help you get there is the Essex County Velo difference.

Our membership and alumni covers a broad range of the cycling community and interests. Some ECV members are avid and committed competitors, from junior to masters levels that represent the “blue and white” as members of teams and individually, in events around the region. Essex County Velo is also about enjoying the abundance of scenic roads, wooded trails and seaside vistas with a fun and supportive group of riders that promote safe and courteous cycling.

ECV is the cycling club for all because we host cycling events for all. The jewel of the ECV season is the Michelob ULTRA Gran Prix of Gloucester. This is two days of races where attracting competitors from all over the US, Canada and Europe converge to race in the most beautiful venues in the country: a wind-swept ocean side park in Gloucester MA. Here is a sample of the Essex County Velo menu:

Road and Cyclocross Racing:

• Grand Prix of Gloucester – A two-day, international cyclocross race.
  ECV Time Trial Series – A USCF-sanctioned Wednesday evening series.
  ECV Kids Bike Series – Fun racing for kids ages 5-12
  Weekly rides – Scheduled road and Mountain bike rides depart from sponsor shops.

Riding:

• Tour d’ Essex County– The ECV Century to discover the best of Essex County.
  Crank the Kank – A ride, swim and BBQ on the Kankamangus Highway.
  The 4-Gapper – A challenging 88-mile tour of the White Mountain’s gaps and passes.
  Sponsor Shop Series – Weekend group rides on marked loops, hosted by our sponsor specialty shops.
  Weekly Evening and Morning Rides – A complete menu of group ride opportunities for riders or all levels.
  

And the party chairman says: “Meet and mingle at the ECV annual bash.”