Don't think a club is for me

[Stonechat]

Having retired early at 61 and taken up cycling again after about 20 years away, it would be nice to cycle with a group but looked at local group and all rides are at least 50 miles
They sound too serious yet I could do with naybe 20 - 40 mile rides

I live in Staines

 

[martint235]

Where are you? There may be some CC people nearby.

I don't like clubs either although I've only actually tried one, it was a traumatising experience. How a group of people can make such an enjoyable pastime so horrible escapes me.

 

[sheddy]

http://www.fortypluscc.co.uk/ ?

 

[gavroche]

I tried a club once and did not like it. I must say though that all the lads were friendly and helpful but I felt like I had to keep up with them and ride at their own speed ( which was faster than mine).
So riding solo I will carry on to do. I like my own company when I ride anyway as I don't feel under pressure then. Occasionally, I ride with some friends and enjoy it.

 

[ianrauk]

The CTC will have rides more suited to what you are looking for.

 

[avalon]

I think the whole purpose of some clubs is to drop the new guy. If he persists long enough he can become one of them and do the same to the next potential member. Not always the same for the new girl. Then there are plenty of volunteers willing to take up the rear.

 

[Ben M]

The CTC will have rides more suited to what you are looking for.

I was going to suggest just this, this is how my mum (similar vintage to you) got into group cycling.

 

[Kies]

I regularly cycle through staines. P.M me your mobile and I will ping you next time I'm heading your way (weekends usually)

 

[compo]

I joined a club. It was very much for leisure riders and I thought it would suit me. It had a "further and faster" section but they were too fast for me so I stayed with the slower group. However it turned out they rode a short distance, spent a hour in the pub then rode a short distance back. I only went out with them a few times then decided not to bother any more. I do 99% of my cycling on my own and I guess I am just used to it so can't be bothered looking at alternative groups.

 

[avalon]

I joined a club. It was very much for leisure riders and I thought it would suit me. It had a "further and faster" section but they were too fast for me so I stayed with the slower group. However it turned out they rode a short distance, spent a hour in the pub then rode a short distance back. I only went out with them a few times then decided not to bother any more. I do 99% of my cycling on my own and I guess I am just used to it so can't be bothered looking at alternative groups.

That sounds great. Where do I find a club like that?

 

[martint235]

There's always the Sunday London Ride if you come up to town or you could risk it and go out with @Davywalnuts

 

[cyclewick]

From what I have heard, alot of cycling groups split at a certain point, there is the group that races off and keeps up a fast pace, and a group which just socialise and stick together, riding at the slowest members pace.. which i was surprised with once you are at the back you can draft behind the people in front of you which prevents you dropping off

 

[screenman]

If you want a different type of ride in a club then just organise one, you will always get others turn up for it. Most clubs are crying out for people to help with ride out's etc.

Ask what you can do for your club, not what they can do for you.

 

[Cycleops]

As Groucho Marx once said" I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member".

 

[Stonechat]

As Groucho Marx once said" I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member".

hey that's one of my lines