Alberto's Cycles

Q: What's your definition of exertion?
A: Sunday mornings at Alberto's

Alberto's Cycles Video

It took everything I had to scrape myself out of bed this past Sunday before 8am.

I was sure everyone with kids over five or eight knew that Sunday mornings are sacred for sleeping in, pajamas lounging, coffee, bagels and the newspaper. From the look of things, these Northshorers riding indoors at Alberto's were near clueless.

Get this...by the time I arrived most had already put in well over an hour's worth of riding with a few more to go. Some were measuring their exertion, hooked up to a computer-based course, while watching a Bruce-lee like movie to numb the pain as Owner of Alberto's, Brendan George, made clear, with sensory overload.

I was wildly, and I stress wildly impressed with this team. They made stationary cycling on a cement floor look so easy and believe it or not, fun. Granted they passed around chocolate covered coffee beans and ate Margarita flavored Shot Bloks but still.

I met Francine Haas through a Pilates pal of mine. She was hooked up for most of our interview and holds responsibility for leading the crusade for women's cycling in and around the North Shore.

In addition to my Alberto's in, Francine was kind enough to provide the following history on the club:

In 1988, Alberto's Sport was founded in Highland Park with the goal of providing a club for cycling enthusiasts and to support those interested in racing. There are now 130 members in the club, with more than 30 of them taking part regularly in cycling competitions.

Four years ago, Alberto's began campaigning to increase participation among women – offering free and pay clinics as well as group rides. The mission is to encourage and empower women of all ages and abilities to participate in cycling events while also emphasizing education and skills training.

From scientists to graduate students to full time mothers and Illinois state politicians, the club brings together a unique group of women with a common desire to bring women into the sport of cycling.

As these programs have gained momentum, so have the accomplishments.

Since 2003 there have been six women's clinics, all enthusiastically received with statements such as "When's the next one!?"
A weekly women's e-mail (now with a subscriber list of 225 and growing!) to provide information about our weekly rides, accomplishments, and upcoming events.
A weekly women's ride.
Countless racing accomplishments with at least 15 district titles since 1996, highlighted by the participation of Elaine Nekritz in the 1996 Olympic trials.

To get involved contact Francine Haas at 847-446-2042 (Alberto's) or email francine@albertocycles.com.

Alberto's Cycles

Q: What's your definition of exertion?A: Sunday mornings at Alberto's

Q: What's your definition of exertion?
A: Sunday mornings at Alberto's