Local cycle club

[demartin_1]

Hello all,

I wonder if you can help me.

Around about July last year I suffered a running injury which counted me out of exercise for a fair while, I am pretty much ready to go again now (if a little rounder than I was) but would like to stay away from running and get some cycling in.

I used to run with a local club two evenings a week, it was nothing fancy and there were no superstar athletes but it was excellent motivation to get me out of the door rather than working late or sitting in front of the TV. I really enjoyed it because all the members were keen to help and would always drop the pace if you fell behind a bit. I would like to find a similar cycle club that I could join.

I am based in Thurrock (South Essex) and currently own a Scott sub 30 Hybrid bike and have no intention of buying any other bike as this one is still in very good condition. Distance wise I am currently comfortable with riding up to about 20 miles but I expect this to increase as my fitness goes up again.

Does anyone know of any clubs in the area that might be suitable?

Many thanks for you help.

 

[addictfreak]

http://www.glendenecc.org.uk/

http://www.essexroadscyclingclub.com/

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

http://www.essexcycling.co.uk/

http://www.madcc.org.uk/

 

[Big John]

I came into cycling a few years back from a 25 year stint of running with the local running club. I'll be honest - if it wasn't for the fact I had to stop running I'd still be doing it now. My apologies to all committed cyclists on here. There's nothing wrong with cycling but when you've been addicted to running for so long it's hard to kick the habit.

If our cycling club is anything like other cycling clubs you won't get very far with a hybrid. Road clubs tend to be racing bikes - not necessarily expensive ones but racing bikes all the same. Members usually have a winter bike and a summer, or best, bike. That's not a written law but it's just the way it is.

Don't expect a cycling club to be anything like a running club. It's a different culture. Once you get used to it it's fine. And don't expect life to be cheap either. Parts wear out, no matter how good the quality,and replacements can be expensive.

I'm not here to put a downer on your move to cycling from running. Just don't expect it to be the same and then you'll be fine.

 

[andy_wrx]

I do know what you mean, demartin, still being a member of a very friendy and supportive running club but having switched-over more to cycling in recent years due to back injuries.

There are cycling clubs and cycling clubs, just as there are different types of running clubs (e.g. you might find 'Bloggstown Harriers AC' a different type of club to 'Bloggstown Shufflers')

Some clubs are racers-only with a 'if you can't keep up then *** off !' attitude which isn't exactly friendly and not suitable for you if you're riding a hybrid and used to doing 20 milers, others cater for a much wider target audience.

I'd have a look at websites (see British Cycling website for list of clubs near you), ring contact names and see what they say/sound like, then if they seem OK go along and have a look at a couple, see what they do.
See how you'd fit in/if you fit in, or decide that you'd not even want to - in which case try another club.

Another option is a tri club - from my experience these do tend to be more beginner-friendly than bike clubs and have wider range of abilities (some people are ace swimmers and runners but carp on a bike, or vv.)

 

[Bruce]

Another option is a tri club - from my experience these do tend to be more beginner-friendly than bike clubs and have wider range of abilities (some people are ace swimmers and runners but carp on a bike, or vv.)

I assume the ones that are "carp" on a bike are the good swimmers?

sorry couldnt resist

 

[Toeclip]

I also live in Thurrock, and I ride with the Havering CTC Group. Every two weeks they have a ride called the Softees ride, which is just an easy 20/30 miles ride out into the Essex Countryside with lots of cuppa stops on route. There next ride is on March 14th for more details go to there website at http://www.haveringctc.btik.com

 

[bottombracket]

Hi demartin,
I was gonna suggest your local CTC easy ride group for someone of your ability/equipment (no insult intended - we all start somewhere).
Toeclip got there before me.

Be sure to introduce yourself to the leader, in my experience they can be a bit backwards in coming forwards. Very friendly once they know you...

Enjoy yourself!