Joing a cycling club?

[leaner learner]

Hi

How advanced a rider do you feel you need to be to join a local club? I've only been riding a few months and have never ridden anything other than solo but am wondering whether I would get benefits from riding with more experienced cyclists.

I've browsed around and have read things like 'no rider will be left behind' and 'ride goes at pace of slowest rider' but can anyone confirm that this is the case? Also, is it primarily a competitive scene or do the leisure rides play a major role in club life.

I like the idea of being part of a peloton no matter how small as it zips about the place but just wondering whether I'd be more of a hinderence than anything else at the moment as I am inexperienced and still getting my fitness up.


Cheers

 

[snorri]

Clubs vary considerably.
Perhaps you could post general details of your location on here and someone will be able to steer you towards a suitable club in your area.

 

[JNR]

Hi

How advanced a rider do you feel you need to be to join a local club? I've only been riding a few months and have never ridden anything other than solo but am wondering whether I would get benefits from riding with more experienced cyclists.

I've browsed around and have read things like 'no rider will be left behind' and 'ride goes at pace of slowest rider' but can anyone confirm that this is the case? Also, is it primarily a competitive scene or do the leisure rides play a major role in club life.

I like the idea of being part of a peloton no matter how small as it zips about the place but just wondering whether I'd be more of a hinderence than anything else at the moment as I am inexperienced and still getting my fitness up.


Cheers

I've recently gone through the same process as you learner learner and contacted a local club whose chairman replied and was really helpful and friendly. They do a true beginner ride once a month and he asked me about my bike, fitness, experience etc and recommended the correct first ride to attend. Some others aren't so helpful, with one local club suggesting that the 'beginner' ride was 50 miles at an average 15mph pace, which is pretty bloody quick to me as a beginner.

This forum helped me actually with members suggesting clubs for me, maybe if you post your location they could help too?

 

[leaner learner]

Of course location....

Well I'm based in Cheadle, South Manchester/North Cheshire. I know there are a few clubs in the area so if there any members of those local clubs on the forum perhaps you could do your recruitment pitch .

Although I haven't been riding long I think my fitness is getting there. I have always been something of a 'slim jim' so am lucky in that respect and after years of doing pretty much nothing I started training in March for some sprint triathlons. Cycling is by far the best bit!!

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi
Second the above, clubs vary in their accomodation to new riders. Give 'em a call or ask here for recommendations in your area.
My own club (Didcot Phoenix) for example has training runs which cover 2 laps of an 11 mile flat circuit. Goups are set-off in time handicaps with the slowest first. The 'Slow' group (mine ) would typically average 18 to 20mph over the 22 miles, however, we would accompany the slowest rider and help them to the finish. A good club should do this to encourage new members and help the young to get started.

No doubt that riding in a group will improve your speed and enjoyment, working a good paceline is very rewarding.
Where are you located?

 

[Beaker39]

I only took up cycling last September and joined a new cycling club in October called the NORTH CHESHIRE CLARION and found it really does cater for all abilities. Give Giles the sceretary a call/email and he will fill you in but also have a look around our web site and you will see we are certainly NOT elitist and pride ourselves on inclusion for all.

Just come along to a club ride and see what you think (always best to let Giles know first though so you get the best out of the ride). Hope to see you soon

http://www.northcheshireclarion.co.uk/

 

[jdrussell]

Good thread this. I am in exactly the same predicament, I want to join a club too. I have just emailed the Kingston Wheelers to see what they say. For me, it's maybe more about the bike and if a hybrid is suitable. Don't want to be slowing people down too much. Let us know how you get on learner.

Jon

 

[sadjack]

Have you considered the CTC? Ramblers on bikes as I like to think.

 

[HLaB]

Good thread this. I am in exactly the same predicament, I want to join a club too. I have just emailed the Kingston Wheelers to see what they say. For me, it's maybe more about the bike and if a hybrid is suitable. Don't want to be slowing people down too much. Let us know how you get on learner.

Jon

What type of Hybrid is it, when I first joined a club I was on my Sirrus Sports (more akin to a flat bar roadbike) its not perfect; you have to work harder especially into the wind and downhill but it copes.

I've also seen people take along a hybrid (which is more akin to a smooth wheeled Mtb) and they've struggled badly, I certainly wouldn't want to do my club ride on one of these. Other clubs are more accommodating though; I sometimes go out for a leisure group cycle with an organization called SPOKES and most folk will be on mtbs/ hybrids; its not about speed its just a grand day out

 

[jdrussell]

Hmmm, well I got in touch and it doesn't bode well for me and my hybrid. I think i may be off the pace somewhat (well they think I might be) so that will have to wait till I get a road bike.

 

[HLaB]

Hmmm, well I got in touch and it doesn't bode well for me and my hybrid. I think i may be off the pace somewhat (well they think I might be) so that will have to wait till I get a road bike.

How much are you off the pace, you'd be amazed what riding in a group does for you. As an estimate I'd say you would be at least 0.5mph faster due to the improved aerodynamics (slip streaming) and another 0.5mph faster due to the increased motivation from riding in a group. If they run a open session go along and try or find another club that's more welcoming. Another cheapish mod is to put narrower lighter tyres on your bike and lose weight. I thought I'd be too slow too but after doing a forum ride (the old c+ forum) in a group (lugging round a D lock and Pannier) averaging 15mph I thought I'd better try out a club; I wish I'd plucked up the courage earlier.

 

[Ticktockmy]

Thought I have often considered Joining a club, I have not bothered, because I like to Potter, stop and admire the view, and or change my route to suit my feelings.
However I have alway found that most days when I am out I meet other cyclist, often with the same independant views as myself,, sometime we ride along together for a while before going our own ways. or it might be just a chat at the cafe. but I think in my view it can be just as enjoyable as being part of a gaggle of cyclists.

 

[redddraggon]

Ahh Cheadle. Manchester Wheelers normally start their rides near Cheadle at the Gateway opposite the Parrswood complex.

There's an intro ride on Sunday, definitely give it a go, and see if you fancy joining a club.

 

[jayonabike]

Anyone know of Hemel Hempstead cycling club, i'm thinking of giving them a call...

 

[gavintc]

I agree with HLaB, you will certainly gain speed riding with others.

Cycling clubs can be a challenge and take some getting used to. But, having been a member of 3 road clubs, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Most clubs will have some form of development rides for new riders allowing them to get used to riding in a group and at a slower pace. The social aspects are important benefits. You will meet like minded people who will answer the bizarre beginner questions that we all have, over a coffee and cake.