MEMPHIS, TN – Every great journey begins with a single pedal stroke, and for the Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club (MHBC), that stroke was taken by Charles Finney and a small group of friends in 1962. What started as a modest gathering of cycling enthusiasts has evolved into a powerhouse of Mid-South advocacy and community, dedicated to promoting a healthy, two-wheeled lifestyle.
Honoring a Founder: The 2026 Charles Finney Memorial Ride
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the club will host its signature spring event, the Charles Finney Memorial Ride. This ride serves as a tribute to one of the club's original founders, a man who remained a fixture at club events even when he could no longer ride.
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026. Rides typically depart around 8:00 AM.
- Supporting the Community: In keeping with Finney's legacy of service, proceeds from the ride benefit the Church Health Center, providing quality, affordable healthcare for the working uninsured.
- Route Options: Participants can choose from various distances designed for all skill levels. In previous years, routes have included 26-mile, 52-mile, and 68-mile options. All routes feature full SAG (Support and Gear) support, marked paths, and rest stops stocked with refreshments.
- The After-Party: The event traditionally concludes with a celebratory gathering featuring foods provided by the local scouts—at the finish line.
Decades of Evolution
The Hightailers have never been a static organization, constantly shifting gears to meet the needs of the times:
- The Racing Era (1980s): In the 1980s, the club established its own competitive race team, marking a period of high-energy growth and athletic achievement.
- Education Revolution (2014): Recognizing a need for safer streets, the club launched a formal education program. They prioritized training League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) to teach essential skills like "Traffic Skills 101" and "Smart Cycling".
- Advocacy & Foundation: In 2014, the Memphis Hightailers Foundation was formed as the club's advocacy arm, pushing for better bike lanes and motorist awareness across the city.
National Recognition and Advocacy
The club’s impact has reached far beyond the streets of Memphis. In 2016, the League of American Bicyclists named the Memphis Hightailers the National Bicycle Club of the Year. This prestigious award recognized the club's exceptional work in diversifying its ride calendar and fostering a bike-friendly environment.
Further cementing their role as leaders, Hightailer representatives have traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Bike Summit. There, they join advocates from across the country to lobby for safer infrastructure and federal funding, ensuring the voices of Memphis cyclists are heard at the highest levels of government.
A Club for Every Rider
From its headquarters, the club now manages a diverse range of programs:
- Youth Engagement: Through programs like "Freedom From Training Wheels," instructors teach children the balance and confidence needed to ride.
- Bluff City Training Team: Since 2011, this team has helped hundreds of riders prepare for long-distance challenges, including century rides (100 miles).
- Social & Charity Impact: The club organizes daily rides for all skill levels. Their "Light My Way" program provides free bicycle lights to commuters in underserved communities.
As the Hightailers continue to pedal forward, they remain anchored by the vision Finney sparked over six decades ago: a Memphis where bicycling brings people and neighborhoods together.