HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS...from the Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club...Jan 2006
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Club Origin....... the “When”.....the “Who”....and the “Why”

The Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club (LVBC) began in 1993, and from its origin has been dedicated to the “sport of cycling.” Originally termed the Lompoc Valley Bicycle Riders, the founders designed the club to be a non-profit organization serving both novice and experienced riders. From its inception, the club has included both road and mountain activities in its agendas.

Steve Pelky, a long-time Valley resident, was the primary club organizer. Assisted by his daughter, Kari, and Mi Amore restaurant owner, Gary Mead, Pelky drafted the founding guidance and documents necessary for club operation. Steve Miller, owner of Lompoc’s Bicycles Unlimited, was, also, instrumental in the founding process. Pelky, by unanimous choice, was named as the first club president.

The motivation for the club came from a Mission Hills female who repeatedly insisted that “someone” should establish a cycling group for Valley residents. As both Steve Miller and Steve Pelky vividly recall, the woman, a frequent visitor at Miller’s shop, was “insistent to the point of irritation.” Partially to end the constant harassment, Pelky and his cohorts formed the club.

Interestingly, when organized, the Mission Hills female did not join the LVBR! Formal organization did, however, end her continual suggestions and recommendations for a group serving the Valley bicycle community

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HISTORIAN NOTE: This is the first of a monthly series to be published in 2006 dealing with the heritage, activities, and members of the Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club. Data for the articles comes from personal interviews and, when existing, club record documentation.