Picture
Photo: Courtesy Alexander Smith

ABOUT US

The Tamalpais Velo Club was established in 2019 to fill a void... to have a fun, social and community-focused club for riders looking for a moderate paced ride as opposed to an advanced, race-training level ride or a more entry level ride.

Some local cycling clubs cater to riders looking for a very fast paced "hammerfest" and we aren't one of them. If you are looking for a group where you feel so miserable at the end of the ride that you can't enjoy a recovery ride the next day, you're in the wrong place.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Tamalpais Velo Club is to:
  • Develop a diverse group that enjoys cycling in a non-competitive environment
  • Encourage the best cycling skills, habits and etiquette
  • Foster networking with other cyclists
  • Be ambassadors to the sport; and
  • Have fun!
Picture
Photo: Wikipedia

OUR NAME

Mount Tamalpais (or "Mount Tam") at 2,580 feet is the highest peak of the long Pacific Coast Ranges mountain system called the Marin Hills. Its distinctive three peaks can be seen throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Although there are many beliefs as to the origin of its name, it is known that the name Tamalpais was first recorded in 1845 and the Coast Miwok indigenous peoples of the area named the mountain támal pájiṣ, or "west hill". It's also believed that the Spanish called the Miwok "Tamal" and the area Tamal país, meaning "Tamal country." 

Whatever your interpretation of its naming, throughout history Mount Tam has had a major effect on Marin's climate, culture and community. It's one of the reasons we live here, and through cycling we can explore the roads and trails that surround and crisscross its terrain in ways that are ever changing.

We named the club Tamalpais Velo Club to remind ourselves how lucky we are to live in such a unique place with so much to offer for our cycling community.