And for people who have especially early classes, alternatives exist. People who have 9 a.m. classes "have to go short," says Tracy. That means either the 25- or the 30-mile loop, she adds.

Among the club's members, the comraderie is apparent. "You really get close to the people," Tracy says of her fellow early risers. "There aren't very many people who are willing to do that. You come to expect them to be there."

"Delighted"

As for the effects of such a rigorous routine on other aspects of the cyclists' lives, club members agree that their early morning journeys help rather than hurt.

"You feel good when you come back after two and a half hours," White says, while Tracy notes that the discipline required for her training carries over to the rest of her endeavors.

Lundblad agrees, remarking that the time spent cycling cuts down on time for procrastination. "There's no time to waste," he says.

And the routine allows for more flexibility than is first apparent. "If things work out," he says, "I try to take a nap before class."