What to do now ? advice please

[brokenflipflop]

Hi,

With me being new to road cycling could I ask a bit of advice please.

I've done about 400 miles in 6 weeks which included a 100k sportive. It's great fun so far but the thing is I'm getting bored riding pretty much the same route on my 24k lonely rides.

I live in Walkden in Salford and tend to ride towards Chorley on the A6. Most of you are probably thinking so what and where the hell is that. Well think tattooed bone-heads, crap roads and loads of traffic. In short I travel to Chorley because the roads aren't bad and there's less knobs about. But it's getting boring.

I've toyed with the idea of possibly joining a club but there aren't any less than 8 or 9 miles away although I could drive my bike to meet up. I've heard cycle clubs can be a bit clicky though.

I would appreciate any advice on what my next steps should possibly be. I love cycling and the one sportive I've done was good because I tagged onto groups and everyone seemed really friendly.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I do have friends by the way but none of them cycle.

 

[HLaB]

8-9 miles the perfect warm up; go along to a club and try something new, if the club clicky and not for you try another, you'll never know unless you go. I would say my current club is anything but clicky in the short space of time I've been it I've got to know and talk to most people.

 

[chillyuk]

Some clubs can be cliquey but not all. Maybe of more concern to you would be the type of club and wether they specialise in a cycling discipline. Your best route is to email, or find a phone number and contact the clubs that are within reach. Explain what you are looking for, the type of cycling you enjoy and see what response you get. Another possibility is to enquire about the Cyclists Touring Club, and see if they are near to you. Don't be put off by the name, some of their groups can give your legs a good workout.

 

[biggs682]

easy answer buy a tandem and a blow up doll , sorted , just make sure you dress the doll up and always put a helmet on its head and nobody will now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cyclingsheep]

Welcome brokenflipflop

I don't know your area so I can't help with any routes but there are loads of cycling websites that have routes for the whole country that could give you suggestions on alternative climbs etc.
On the cycle clubs being clicky I can talk from experience. I have several clubs in my area and tried to join one but got the cold shoulder and did feel I didn't have the 'right bike/clothing' etc. It put me off for a while but I went along to another club that offered 'newbie club runs'. The group was great and very friendly and I have since joined. You will always have members of any group that only want to associate with other members who they know share their specific interests. I would say don't join a club that you don't feel comfortable with but certainly look into them before writing them all off.

 

[brokenflipflop]

Welcome brokenflipflop

I don't know your area so I can't help with any routes but there are loads of cycling websites that have routes for the whole country that could give you suggestions on alternative climbs etc.
On the cycle clubs being clicky I can talk from experience. I have several clubs in my area and tried to join one but got the cold shoulder and did feel I didn't have the 'right bike/clothing' etc. It put me off for a while but I went along to another club that offered 'newbie club runs'. The group was great and very friendly and I have since joined. You will always have members of any group that only want to associate with other members who they know share their specific interests. I would say don't join a club that you don't feel comfortable with but certainly look into them before writing them all off.

Thanks for the advice chaps. I'll have a look at my closest clubs. I suppose a club with a lot of young fit lads will be chatting about girls, hair gel and the latest pair of carrots as they listen to The Wanted on their i-phone. I can understand it if they gave me the cold shoulder if I turn up looking, as I do, like a fat Robin Gibb and bang on about my greenhouse, nose hair, comfy slippers as I listen to Led Zeppelin on my sony walkman

Hopefully I can find somewhere where there might be some newbies. cheers again.

 

[400bhp]

I've copied my reply from the other thread you started:

Oh yes...

Some suggestions:

1. Head over Belmont, possibly via anglezarke.

2. Southport

3. Lots of places in Cheshire

4. Over towards Macclesfield/Buxton

I have quite a few routes, which are generally on bikeroutetoaster.

I used to live in Swinton but now live in Timperley so I know the area very well-

where in Walkden are you?

 

[brokenflipflop]

I've copied my reply from the other thread you started:



I used to live in Swinton but now live in Timperley so I know the area very well-

where in Walkden are you?

Newearth Road, a bit further down towards the East Lancs from the swimming baths.

 

[coffeejo]

I'm a member of one club which meets 7 miles away and have just started going out with a second who are based 9 miles away. As someone else said, the cycle to the meet is a great way to warm up before the ride! Each club is different but you don't know what it will be like unless you try.

 

[buggi]

check out the clubs website. you should find they do different rides for different abilities. the clicqueness only starts with the higher levels i find. my local one has a reputation for clicqueness but i've been out with their D and C group and they were fine.

alternatively, keep doing your sportives and you should find that you will soon start to make cycle buddies. i ride mostly with people i've met on charity rides.

 

[growingvegetables]

Another option?

Depends what you're after in your rides - I like a bit of "green and pleasant", and will happily cycle to a station in Leeds and just get a train ..... somewhere, anywhere (!) in W Yorkshire. Then ride to another line, ride back to Leeds, ride to another station ..... as the fancy takes me?

 

[colly]

Keep your eye on the 'Informal Rides Section' too:

http://www.cyclechat.net/forum/19-cc-informal-rides-and-events/

I'm sure there will a ride or two which will be local-ish to you. If you don't mind travelling a bit to and from the start of a ride there will be plenty to choose from.

 

[brokenflipflop]

Another option?

Depends what you're after in your rides - I like a bit of "green and pleasant", and will happily cycle to a station in Leeds and just get a train ..... somewhere, anywhere (!) in W Yorkshire. Then ride to another line, ride back to Leeds, ride to another station ..... as the fancy takes me?

I didn't know you could take a bike on a train.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

The weather looks good this week and I intend to do a bit.

 

[vickster]

Ref trains, for some longer distance journeys you have to book the bike on the train as there is limited space. On many commuter trains, bikes are not allowed during peak times - check the train operators' websites

Enhoy the biking...I wish I didn't have to work this week and could enjoy the resurgence of summer, bah

 

[growingvegetables]

I didn't know you could take a bike on a train.

Definitely - and Northern Rail (who seem to operate on a lot of the network around Walkden) are, at least IME, a really "bike-friendly" company. Get to know the network and the different services

Northern Rail serves stations in some of the most beautiful and challenging countryside in the UK. We would like to welcome you and your bicycle to Northern England - by train. Cyclists may travel on any service operated by Northern Rail where space permits. Most trains can only accommodate two bicycles. - this isn't just some corporate advertising speak. I've never had the slightest hassle, just friendly help (even if I have been bending the rules a bit by turning up with my bike, + 2-3 kids and their bikes).

OK - if you're trying to get on a busy commuter train, you might find it's just too full - but that's kinda common sense.


No, I don't work for them! But have had experiences with some other operators which were ........................ "less than helpful"