Windy City Cycling Club got started in 1992 by founding member Steve Ford. An avid biker, Steve decided the city needed a cycling club for the LGBT community. In its first year, WCCC merged with an older gay and lesbian biking group that operated as part of the Chicago Professional Networking Association (CPNA). Steve Ford served as the group's first president until he moved to California in 1994. Our current president, David Niemeyer, assumed the president's role in 2023. Other past presidents of WCCC include Andy Murphy, Ryan Hiett, Dale Woods, Ken Lee, Al McAuley, Mark Fry, Jefferson Rogers, John Clese, Bob Gustafson, Clyde Alpert, Curt Winkle, Tom Hedeen, Richard Bankowitz, Jefferson McCarley, Steve Cain and Philippe Chollet.
WCCC has had its ups and downs over the years with high interest at its founding in 1992, followed by several years of low membership and reduced activity during 1993 and 1994. Over recent years, the success of the group can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of a core group of people who have increased the ride schedule, expanded club activities, and added new events.
In 2002 and 2003 there were a couple significant milestones for the club. First, we acquired our own web address domain, www.windycitycyclingclub.com, in October 2002. This was thanks to the efforts of our own Clyde Alpert. Then in fall 2003, work was started on revamping our web site, courtesy the talents of a few members, mainly Ted Gibbs and Donny Harder, and unveiled in January 2004. In spring 2004 we rolled out a members-only group mailing list, where members are able to send ride notices or other messages to the entire membership with one email.
In 2007, our 15th year, we introduced a new website with online enrollment and member-only access to the club directory, special member-only events, forums, and photos. WCCC joined the following social networks: Facebook in 2011, Twitter in 2014, Meetup in 2015, and Instagram in 2019.
2022 marks WCCC's 30th anniversary. We hope you'll help celebrate our history by joining us on a ride!