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Founded in 1960 by local legend Ted Ernst, the South Bay Wheelmen's Foundation support national and international cycling competition by teaching, training, racing, and community activities. Ted is a member of the US Cycling Hall of Fame, is on the Board of Directors, and is very active in SBW events, including running the kids races at the annual Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (MBGP) which he started in 1961. See Ted's Comments regarding the 50th anniversary MBGP in 2011.

South Bay Wheelmen is the official club sponsor of the USA Cycling (USAC) sanctioned Manhattan Beach Grand Prix. This race in the heart of Manhattan Beach each summer draws top professional racers from all around the world to the oldest one-day race on the same course in America. The MBGP is one of the highlights of the USAC race calendar. Each year, almost a thousand amateur and professional racers and thousands of spectators take part in the best bicycle race in southern California.

SBW has the special distinction within USAC organizations of supporting development of competitive skills by sponsoring two sanctioned special race series for riders. These are the Track Time Trial series at the Velo Sports Center world class indoor velodrome, and the Ernst Time Trial series at several locations in the south bay. Both of these series are scored by age and/or skill level to provide effective motivation and improvement in racing skills and cycling conditioning. These races are an excellent way to learn and maintain skills before competing in amateur Southern California cycling events, and obtain skills and conditioning essential for national and international competition. The South Bay Wheelmen Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and accepts donations from supporters interested in the development of competitive skills in riders for all ages and backgrounds. The club has a number of active UCI World and USAC National Champions.

SBW participates in weekly local rides for riders of most skill levels and promotes several local group rides encompassing all abilities. The club holds regular clinics in the winter months to teach basic skills and bike handling techniques to less experienced cyclists, and those more experienced who wish to sharpen their skills.

SBW has several yearly social and fund raising events including a club Awards picnic in Spring, and Pizza Awards party in the fall. SBW participates with other cycling organizations in traditional holiday rides on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

SBW Board of Directors Meetings are held monthly, starting normally at 7 pm. (Dates and times subject to change) Please contact the current President or Vice President if you are interested in attending).