First ever ride with a cycling club.

[simmi]

hello all. I am the other guy that simmi was talking about. The pace was quicker than I was used to but we all got around. The club is up and coming with various levels and experience of riders but don't let that stop anyone from trying it. We were introduced into the etiquette of group riding and there is a bloke called Mick who was brilliant with us. He was gauging the standard all the way round, marshalling traffic and generally protecting the group. At no time were we made to feel inferior to the other riders but conditions were wintery and we felt the cold. on return to the shop we were invited in and the owners flocked around us with bike stands and told us to help our selves to drinks and biscuits. can't wait till the summer comes to really get out but till then next sunday will come first. For the first experience all i can say is get yourself to your local club and have a go. if its not for you then at least you tried. many thanks to our new club and lets get going from here.

+1

I have to echo everything donnyjnk has said, if you are thinking of joining a club go for it!

It is better to give it a try than spend your time wishing that you had.

Whats the worst that can happen, If you don't find it enjoyable don't go again or try another club.

iv gota admit (apart from the percieved pace)the part that puts me off the most is close group riding ,i just dont feel confident riding so close to others,how did u get on with this ,the social element appeals to me obv (cycling in a group)but i dont think id b happy riding really close

As I said I found it strange to start with, I think donnyjnk found it easier than me but he has more experience than me and had done a lot of riding in a two. I would say that it did get better and after the Cafe stop I did feel quite confident. Its a skill and as with any skill it will take time to perfect.

I am not sure of the etiquette but I would think that tail ending the rider in front was big faux pas

I am gutted that I'm on nights for the next couple of weekends, after a 12 hours night shift I am almost too tired to breath let alone ride a bike.

it's looking like been a really great club i really enjoyed my first ride last week unforunatly i couldn't make it this week but can't wait to get back next week

Look forward to chatting in a couple of weeks.

 

[RWright]

Very nice to see you two enjoyed the ride

 

[Scoosh]

Sounds like a club that wants to welcome and encourage newer riders and realises that we all have to start somewhere and sometime !