Penn Cycling Team joins up with city organization

Once again, the Penn Cycling Team is on a roll. According to Arts and Sciences graduate student Brian Hirsch, the club's "non-president," Penn Cycling was active at the University in the past, but disbanded two years ago. Hirsch said that since its reestablishment last summer, the group's goal has been establishing cycling as a permanent club sport with a viable campus presence. He added that the title "non-president" reflects the club's decentralized atmosphere and its focus on fun rather than organization. Penn Cycling now consists of approximately 35 students from across the University -- representing all experience levels, Hirsch said. Chemical Engineering doctoral student Randy Knarr said most of the club's members are beginners and that "word-of-mouth was beginning to bring [in] more members." The club has joined with the Quaker City Wheelmen, a Philadelphia racing association, which boasts more than 100 members. It is primarily composed of area residents with a common interest in bicycle racing. Hirsch said the relationship between the two groups is truly symbiotic. "[The QCW] wanted to give us access to their coaching and workshops and lend stability to our team," he said. "They wanted to get new members." And according to Hirsch, the QCW does not charge the students dues. Functioning as an affiliate member of the QCW, Penn Cycling is privy not only to the expertise of its members, but also to QCW's national sponsorship, Hirsch said. Peter Durdaller, whom the students call "Dr. Pete," has volunteered to be the team's de facto coach and fitness instructor for the upcoming season, which begins with a race in March. With the assistance of QCW, Penn Cycling is hosting its own competition on April 9 in Trenton, N.J. Hirsch and Durdaller both said they expect more than 200 riders -- representing at least 25 schools -- to attend. Durdaller, a local chiropractor who has raced for more than 30 years, said he enjoys the challenge of working with students. "This is not the first group I have coached, but it is the rawest group," he said. But he applauded the students for their enthusiasm and willingness to learn. "They are more open to ideas, ask more questions about what goes on in the races," he said. "It's quite gratifying." Durdaller said he organizes early morning training rides through Fairmont Park for both students and QCW club members. "Dr. Pete only wants to give something back to the cycling community," Hirsch said. "It sounds corny, but it's true." Durdaller said his goal is to have all students working to their potential. "I don't want the student to waste their time," he added. "[Cycling] is only fun if you can participate to the best of your ability. "Cycling is like any team sport, except that you always go in the same direction," he said.