Originally founded with 20 members in 2002, TriMoving has now grown to 90 members.

Club member Rod Young, of Mo'ili'ili, has been a cyclist for more than 20 years.

"I initially started in triathlons and found cycling to be the most enjoyable," said Young, 43, who now devotes himself exclusively to cycling.

Despite Young's busy schedule as a husband and father of two young girls, he manages to roll 50 to 75 miles per week.

"With work and family obligations, I do most of my training during my lunch hour and on early morning weekend rides," Young said.

"I enjoy the freedom riding brings and the sense of accomplishment after a long ride," he said. "Cycling can be a solo sport, but having a club or others to ride with helps with motivation and adds a sense of camaraderie, not to mention safety."

As a competitive cyclist, Young enjoys the yearly racing season, which runs from February to September.

"I've competed in just about all the scheduled races last year, and all races this year," Young said.

There are approximately 12 to 15 races on O'ahu, Maui and the Big Island, open to riders of varied ages and abilities.

Keeping pace with Young is Art Wong, 59, of Kane'ohe, who has been riding for more than 20 years. Despite being active in a variety of team sports, Wong said his busy life made it difficult to consistently participate.

"I concentrated on running prior to cycling, but didn't enjoy the beating my body was taking," Wong said.

Aside from racing, Wong said he uses cycling as a means to relieve stress.

"It requires me to focus on what's going on around me, and not the problems and worries I had before starting a ride," he said.

Wong averages 100 miles per week on his bike. At the Hawai'i State Cycling Criterium Championship on May 15, Wong placed first in his division.

Oscar Hernandez is a freelance writer and photographer in Honolulu. He can be reached at oscar_photography@yahoo.com.

SELECTING THE RIGHT BICYCLE

This carbon fiber bike is for road racing.

Bicycles no longer are limited to the steel frame "banana seat" rigs from the past. These days, bikes are constructed of high-tech materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. They are made for specific type of riding such as recreational, commuting, road racing, triathlon, and off-road riding (mountain biking and downhill racing).

What once was a simple bike purchase now requires selecting an appropriate bicycle intended for a particular riding activity.

When asked for advice on purchasing a new bike, Art Wong recommended newcomers to, "talk with other cyclists about the options available. A used bike may make more sense if there is some uncertainty."

Rod Young suggests three considerations:

Purpose — based on the type of riding one will be doing;

Fit (frame size, seat style and height) — make sure the bike fits properly for comfort;

Budget — decide how much you want to spend.

It's a good idea to visit local bike dealers to shop and compare.