After a Giro Ride, a few NOBC teammates take time for a group photo. (Spring, 2008)

Overview

Founded in 1968, the New Orleans Bicycle Club (NOBC) is dedicated to promoting the sport of bicycle racing in the greater New Orleans area. As such, the NOBC is strongly committed to rider development and local race promotion. Through these activities, the club seeks to provide an environment that encourages new riders to become involved in the exciting sport of bicycle racing and to develop the skills and fitness needed for successful competition at regional and national levels. The club welcomes riders interested in racing at all levels of competition, from the recreational sport rider to the dedicated USCF Category 1 and 2 racer.

The NOBC rider development program includes both citizen and USCF teams covering all age groups. Members are encouraged to join these teams at the appropriate levels and to benefit from training and racing with more experienced riders. The club encourages rider participation in regular weekend training rides and weekday training races, and organizes group training rides throughout the year in order to provide the integrated program necessary for the development of well-rounded riding skills. Through this mechanism, the club provides informal coaching and instills a sense of team spirit. Through the involvement of sponsoring bicycle shops, the club assists riders in maintaining and selecting appropriate equipment for training and racing.

The NOBC is a member club of the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) and the National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) under the auspices of USA Cycling. Members are kept aware of upcoming USCF district events, and are encouraged to participate frequently in races throughout the region. Team riders are strongly encouraged to join the USCF and/or NORBA. NOBC riders are regulars at races in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas. The club uses its funds for newsletters, assistance with team expenses, and race promotion.

The club regularly sends teams to important regional events including the Tour de Louisiane, State Championship Road, Time Trial, and Track events, Senior and Master's National Championships, and key regional races, and consistently places highly in the Louisiana Cycling Cup series in both team and individual standings.

Membership

NOBC members come from throughout the greater New Orleans area, including Metairie, Kenner, Chalmette, Slidell, Mandeville, Abita Springs and Hammond. The continuing growth of the club is attributable to its stability, organization, and wealth of combined racing experience. This is a mature, responsible club that fields focused Senior and Masters teams composed of riders from all walks of life. Although most members race regularly, many riders belong to the club primarily to enhance their enjoyment of sport riding, maintain their general fitness, or to improve their cycling skills for triathalon or duathalon competition. The NOBC currently has over 45 members. Members pay annual dues of $35. Riders who belong to the USCF and/or NORBA also pay annual license fees to the those organizations.

Race Promotion

The NOBC unquestionably possesses the greatest combined race promotion experience in the state. Since 1969, the club has annually promoted the Tour de Louisiane, a two-day stage race that is now the oldest continuous stage race in the country. During its history, the Tour has attracted National and Olympic champions, but also remains accessible to the beginning riders who form the basis of U.S. cycling. The Tour regularly attracts 120-200 riders. The NOBC welcomes the opportunity to work with potential race sponsors to promote quality events for riders in the greater New Orleans area. The club also promotes a series of local USCF races including time trials and criteriums that are designed to encourage participation by local riders while exposing them to competition from teams outside the area. As part of its training program, the club also organizes weekend group training rides throughout the year.

Sponsorship

Central to the club's success in meeting its goals is its sponsorship. As a non-profit organization, the club actively seeks to secure adequate and reliable sponsorship to help defray expenses such as team jerseys, newsletters, travel expenses to major races, USCF and NORBA membership fees, and club and race promotion costs. The NOBC is eager to work with sponsors to maximize the impact of their investment in the club. For example,

• All club members wear team jerseys bearing the names of club sponsors. These jerseys are worn year-round during training and racing, and often appear in newspaper photographs from local and regional races.
• Sponsor names can also be affixed to the riders' cycling shorts, skinsuits, helmets, T-shirts, and bicycles.
• Club members are available for promotional events organized by sponsors.
• Bicycle racing is a colorful and exciting sport consistent with a healthy lifestyle, and as such builds a favorable image for the sponsor.
• Print exposure is provided in the club newsletter, on race announcements and advertisements, and on banners at races.
• Electronic exposure is provided on the club's World Wide Web Internet site.
• The club's flagship event, the Tour de Louisiane, is held with the club's sponsors in mind. The Tour is a three-part bicycle stage race in the format of the Tour de France that attracts some of the South's best cyclists. The Tour has an established reputation within the cycling community as a professionally run event with challenging racing for all classes of riders. Additionally, it has been a showcase for up and coming riders from throughout the country.