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🚴‍♀️ Cape Fear Cyclists History (1972–Present)

Celebrating over 50 years of riding, advocacy, and community

🚴 1970s – Founding & Early Advocacy

Cape Fear Cyclists was first documented in the Wilmington Star-News on May 25, 1972. Founding president Jim Cobb and fellow cyclists—including Terry Benjey, Alan Perry, Bob Knapp, Harriette Wagner, Tom Davis, Helen and Al Hinn, Ken Wallace, and Jim Mincher—formed the club during the height of the national “bike boom.”

Key Milestones in 1972:
  • Wilmington City Council approves scenic bikeways (June 13)
  • First official meeting with bylaws, officers, club colors (August 12)
  • First club ride around Greenfield Lake (November 19)

The club launched a newsletter, The Spoke, and offered time trials, advocacy campaigns, and weekly group rides. CFC was officially incorporated in 1976.

📈 1980s – Rides, Races & Growth

After a brief pause in operations, the club resumed full activity in 1980 under Alan Perry's leadership. A dedicated group of members carried the club forward through a decade of growth and consistency.

Club Highlights in the 1980s:
  • Weekly rides across multiple pace groups
  • The Alan Perry Cup time trial series (1983–1995)
  • Criteriums, senior games, biathlons, and Clarabel’s Ice Cream Rides
  • Annual events like Bike-to-Work Day, Picnics, and Banquets

CFC became active on the Wilmington/New Hanover Bicycle Advisory Committee and expanded statewide infrastructure advocacy efforts.

🖥 1990s – Regional Impact & Early Digital Tools

The club advanced its regional presence and built foundational systems for long-term continuity.

1990s Developments:
  • Hosted recurring time trials and expanded family-oriented rides
  • Established CFC’s club archives (1994)
  • Launched the first club website and ride calendar (1998)

Through advocacy and consistent community presence, CFC became a trusted stakeholder in regional planning and policy.

🏗 2000s – Infrastructure, Advocacy & Community Programs

The 2000s brought new infrastructure partnerships and deeper civic engagement.

Major Advocacy Wins:
  • Supported Cross City Trail, East Coast Greenway, River to Sea Bikeway, and Ann Street Bicycle Boulevard
  • Helped form the WMPO Bike/Ped Committee and advised local planners
  • Led Safe Kids helmet fittings and maintained Adopt-a-Highway on River Road

Membership passed 100 riders by 2004 as CFC strengthened ties to city, county, and state partners.

🎉 2010s – Membership Expansion & Event Leadership

By the 2010s, CFC had grown into one of the largest bike clubs in the state with over 400 members.

Notable Achievements:
  • Became an official Ride with GPS partner
  • Established a reliable A/B/C pace ride schedule and themed event rides
  • Hosted safety clinics, transportation summits, and helmet campaigns
  • Supported multi-use path expansion and city planning meetings

CFC’s scope broadened beyond recreation to become an effective advocate for health, safety, and transportation equity.

🌐 2020s – Modernization, Inclusivity & Regional Voice

Today, CFC remains a welcoming, mission-driven club focused on safety, inclusion, and community connection.

Ongoing Programs & Advocacy:
  • Road, gravel, and trail rides offered weekly with guest-friendly policies
  • Leadership pipeline through ride captain development
  • Adopt-a-Highway cleanups and public-facing education via the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation
  • Advocacy for Gordon Road, College Road, and Cape Fear Memorial Bridge redesign
  • Annual Tour de Blueberry fundraising ride benefiting scholarships and nonprofits
2025: CFC launched a fully redesigned website optimized for mobile access, ride discovery, and member engagement—supporting long-term growth and access for all.

Cape Fear Cyclists continues to be the region’s trusted cycling hub and a model for community-led advocacy.