Cycle clubs.....but which one?

[Ajax_Gaz]

Chaps

As above really, i've been reading similar threads about whether to join a cycling club and i'm of the opinon that it will really give me the experience i need to compete in proper events and my aim of completing a 100 mile or near to Sportive by the end of 2012.

But... locally there's a pick of at least 4/5 different clubs - 2 of which are in Cardiff and one is more bridgend - of which i'm currently based in the middle but am from Cardiff and commute by bike there every week day.

Is it a case of just trying one or two of them on the odd sunday and going from there?

Cheers!

 

[HLaB]

Try out the one you like first, I'd base it on logistics which one could I access easiest, say they have a session mid week/ I'm running late, etc but that might not be the best club and suit you and then it is just a case of trying out the others next.

 

[derrick]

The ones around here allow you a few trial runs with the club, then you can decide if you want to join.

 

[screenman]

Join one as a first claim and the other as a second claim. That said we welcome all cyclist on our club runs, often there are more riders from other local clubs than our own on them.

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

Like you say, I'd go along and try them out, see what fits best with you both in terms of distance and attitude.

I shied away from going along to the club closest to me for quite a while - they're quite big and seemed to have a very race-oriented direction. I needn't have been so worried though, as I was made to feel incredibly welcome right from the start. Just like buying your bike - it's important to try these things out

 

[lukesdad]

Mmm shame you dont go the other way you d love Bynea a few of their members are on CC too.

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

Thanks guys! I'm pretty sure i'll give one of the closest ones a go and see how it goes. I know they have 2 groups and with the slower one i can start off and get used to just riding as a group and then go from there.

Mmm shame you dont go the other way you d love Bynea a few of their members are on CC too.

Pretty sure when i was out on the bike down the Gower earlier in the year, it was this group that were out on a ride and gave me a friendly smile and wave when i went past. Llanelli's probably a bit too far west really, though i am planning a ride from home to the Gower which i know is about 40miles.

 

[Freddyflintstone]

I tried once to join a club, but they said "can you go at 18mph for 30miles"
No I said maybe 10mph for 4hours
So I did't bother.
Its actually on their web site

 

[172traindriver]

Hi, it may be a better idea to look to one of the bigger clubs, who will have more than one run. Why not drop them an email explain you are a new guy and your concerns. If they are friendly they obviously will reply and advise you as to which run would be best suited to your abilities. Go along and enjoy and if you find it too easy move on to the faster run. I don't know how your group riding skills are but experienced members will soon help you to gain confidence and then if you wish to improve your levels or want further challenges you can move on to the faster groups or stay where you are.

 

[Scousegaz]

You should be ok to take part in any club ride of any decent club as a prospective new member to see if it suits you. I recently joined a local club in Liverpool (Liverpool Mercury Dolan) and after emailing the club chairman enquiring my interest I was invited along and made welcome without a commitment to join. Needless to say I found the members a good bunch and signed up a week later and have enjoyed a few club rides since

 

[HLaB]

In my current club, somebody must be insurance paranoid and officially you are entitled to 5 free rides before you need to join for insurance purposes, having said that I probably did quite a bit more before somebody finally said to me

 

[Blue]

Don't forget to think of yourself when picking a club. Do you have any definite preferences with regard to your cycling, eg., bunch racing, TT's, sportives, whatever - look for a club that seems to be a match.

 

[Blue]

I tried once to join a club, but they said "can you go at 18mph for 30miles"
No I said maybe 10mph for 4hours
So I did't bother.
Its actually on their web site

Don't let that experience put you off. Other clubs will have groups that may suit you.

Joining a club opens up many avenues with regard to cycling.

If you can ride for 4 hours at 10 miles per hour you should be able to ride faster for a shorter period. If you mix speeds and duration you may find that your routine average speed goes up.

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

Many thanks for all the repies guys