What are the advantages/disadvantages of joining a club?

[Dave7]

Just got back into cycling and at my age (65) I'm never going to brake any records. I have a road bike and a hybrid for paths & trails. I have built up to 25 mile rides at say 10-14 mph.
I can see 1 advantage e.g. learning new routes but conversley I have visions of a large bunch of riders blocking the roads.
I am thinking of spring time (don't like winter) but am trying to get my head around the idea.
Thanks

 

[BrumJim]

Being pushed harder, faster, longer? Getting technique tips? Other cycling tips?
Don't know, I'm not a member of one. Yet.

 

[coffeejo]

The advantages for me have been:-

• Increased motivation to cycle faster, further and on terrain I would have otherwise avoided
• New routes
• Meeting new people
• Learning more about bike maintenance and cycling tips
• Good times and lots of laughs along the way
• Now actively involved in organising rides, not just a participant

 

[MattHB]

I'd like to join one day, but I'd be embarrassed at my comparative fitness at the mo. when I can do 40 I recon I'll look into it.

 

[Garz]

Negatives (not that I would see them as a bad thing):

• Spend money on club clobber or excursions/trips away
• You will meet some pompous individuals that either look down on you or take competitive to new levels
• To join you will have to pay a fee

The positives far outweigh these however, just if you have a choice of clubs within your area try and ride with them each a few times to see if they are what your looking for.

 

[jdtate101]

I would say the biggest upside of joining a club is the social aspect. New friends, interesting conversations and cake and coffee during rides....what more could you ask for?

 

[briantrumpet]

Negatives (not that I would see them as a bad thing):

• Spend money on club clobber or excursions/trips away
• You will meet some pompous individuals that either look down on you or take competitive to new levels
• To join you will have to pay a fee

Well, no pompous ones I've met so far in the club I've joined, although being fairly race-orientated (I think) everyone seems to be fairly a competent rider, even on the social Sunday club runs. I haven't been on a club run yet when anyone's turned up on MTB wearing a cardigan and wearing flip-flops, so I can't say what their reaction to that would be. And as to the fee: £12 for a year. Four pints of beer, roughly translated. And as for kit - there's certainly no pressure to buy stuff. Not that that's ever stopped me buying kit of one description or another.

 

[derrick]

Negatives (not that I would see them as a bad thing):

• Spend money on club clobber or excursions/trips away
• You will meet some pompous individuals that either look down on you or take competitive to new levels
• To join you will have to pay a fee

The positives far outweigh these however, just if you have a choice of clubs within your area try and ride with them each a few times to see if they are what your looking for.

Our club you wear what you want,
No snobs either just a nice freindly group of cyclists,
£11-00 a year won't break the bank,
Organised ride every sunday, faster ride saturdays, social evenings, help with bike gear.

 

[Garz]

Well, no pompous ones I've met so far in the club I've joined, although being fairly race-orientated (I think) everyone seems to be fairly a competent rider, even on the social Sunday club runs. I haven't been on a club run yet when anyone's turned up on MTB wearing a cardigan and wearing flip-flops, so I can't say what their reaction to that would be. And as to the fee: £12 for a year. Four pints of beer, roughly translated. And as for kit - there's certainly no pressure to buy stuff. Not that that's ever stopped me buying kit of one description or another.

Dont shoot the messenger. There are clubs out there that have the odd 'hes not one of the boys yet', just read all the cycling forums. Yours is obviously a nice club!

Our club you wear what you want,
No snobs either just a nice freindly group of cyclists,
£11-00 a year won't break the bank,
Organised ride every sunday, faster ride saturdays, social evenings, help with bike gear.

Same for you Derrick, I have seen a fellow cyclist strap an old LED broken head torch to his bars instead of getting a proper light from a shop... £11-00 obviously broke his bank!

Damn you Sunny day posters, some of you don't read, I will underline the overlooked text to my comment:

Negatives (not that I would see them as a bad thing):

• ...

The positives far outweigh these however, just if you have a choice of clubs within your area try and ride with them each a few times to see if they are what your looking for.

Won't be the straw man next time, but they needed highlighting

 

[briantrumpet]

Dont shoot the messenger.

It's OK, I'm not Jeremy Clarkson, so won't do it in front of your family.

 

[Garz]

It's OK, I'm not Jeremy Clarkson, so won't do it in front of your family.

Nice one Brian!

On a tangent, how is it down in Devon? Up in the north west it is currently Miserable!

 

[gavintc]

There are many upsides to joining a club. Personally, I know that I will get out of bed and go for ride on a cold morning when you have a club group to meet rather than on my own.

 

[Scousegaz]

Agree with Gavin, I have been out this morning in showery and rather windy conditions on a club run but I know for sure i'd have taken one look out this morning and settled for a cup of coffee and a read of the sundays if I was planning it on my own. Also the social aspect is a bonus, there are a couple of jokers in our club and club runs are always a laugh

 

[HLaB]

There are many upsides to joining a club. Personally, I know that I will get out of bed and go for ride on a cold morning when you have a club group to meet rather than on my own.

Thats a big plus for me, especially on days like today when its a little white in Scotland; there's always some other nutter out

 

[briantrumpet]

On a tangent, how is it down in Devon? Up in the north west it is currently Miserable!

Not too bad - managed to get in 33 dry but blowy miles this morning. I've actually managed to do about 6000 non-commuting miles this year (call them 'training' or 'leisure', depending on which end of the telescope you're looking in) without really getting rained on at all. That's through a combination of careful forecast-watching, a flexible working week, and the fact that the weather's ALWAYS better in Devon, of course.