An Introduction to Club Cycling

An Introduction to Club Cycling' is a monthly ride run by ICC specifically for people who would like to try out the club cycling environment in a non-pressured and supportive group.

Next ride: September 20th 08:45am - meeting point will be confirmed with you via the forum's private message system.

This is not a session for complete cycling beginners. See below for information.

THE RIDER (That's You!):

You should have already been cycling regularly in some capacity and be confident cycling on London's roads.

You should be familiar with your bike, its setup and be confident riding it. If you've only just bought your bike, take it out for a couple of spins on your own to gain confidence before you join a group ride with us.

You should have a moderate level of fitness already. Capable of riding 30 miles with several steep hills and only brief stops. If you're not yet comfortable at that distance please build up with solo rides before coming along.

You should be interested in Road Cycling, have a desire to ride in a group and improve your skills and fitness.

THE SESSION:

We will cycle a short route (25 miles approx) and discuss group formation, signals, group communication.

There will be a cafe stop at the end of our ride where will will discuss things such as endurance fitness, hill climbing and any other questions about the club.

The session should last a couple of hours, dependent on pace - we usually get to the cafe stop in East Finchley between 11.00am - 12.00pm.

HOW DO I JOIN IN?

If you wish to attend this session you need to sign up to the ride here on the Islington forum.
Register as a user on the forum then click the 'Yes I'm Attending' button to confirm your attendance.

Places are strictly limited - this is to ensure we can safely guide you on our route. Once you have signed up to the event you will be PM'd the meeting place details, time and route. We will not be publishing the meeting location on the forum to avoid oversubscription on the day - you MUST be signed up to the event and come back to check your messages for details of the session (top right hand side of the forum).

WHAT TO BRING:

A road bike that is in good and roadworthy condition. Check your wheels are true, that your gears shift reliably and your brakes work correctly. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres risk being punctured more easily.

Spare inner tubes, tools and a pump. Club members will help you if you are in trouble - but you should aim to be self-sufficient and at the very least be able to fix a puncture.

Energy food. We're only doing a short ride, so an energy bar or a banana will do. Make sure you start the day with a decent breakfast.

Water. Make sure that you can easily carry water with you on your bike.

Waterproofs and / or warm clothing. The weather can change quickly - make sure you have checked the weather report and dress appropriately.

Money. Either for the cafe stop or in case of an emergency (you might be in a situation where you need to get a train or taxi home! So bring enough cash or your cash card!)

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME:

BIKE LOCKS. Please, please, please leave your heavy D lock at home! You will not need it on this ride.
RUCKSACKS. You should be able to stuff all your things into jersey pockets - or invest in a saddle bag. Please aim to travel light.

OTHER STUFF:

ALL RIDERS MUST observe the Highway Code AT ALL TIMES when riding with Islington CC. This includes: riding no more than two abreast and riding in single file to allow traffic to pass on narrow roads, obeying traffic lights and signs, not riding on pavements and not abusing other road users.

Please acknowledge any courtesy shown to you by other road users and stop at pedestrian crossings where necessary.

Riders attend club rides strictly at their own risk. Please listen to your ride leaders and follow their instructions.

Thanks for setting this up Rob, i'm looking forward to the session.

Looking forward to it!

Sounds great

Hi, having just done the Prudential London Surrey 100 (86?), I'm looking to take my cycling up a notch - could I come along to this ride, and then join up?

Tim

Dear Tim,

You are for sure welcome to join this ride, get some tips and tricks about cycling in a group and see if you like the club. The policy of joining the club is that you can ride up to 3 rides, to see if you like it, before signing up.

Great. looking forward to it.

hi all,

Its great to see that we are nearly fully booked for this club intro ride. 3 space left! Looking forward to meeting you all on the 20th.

Great thanks, look forward to meeting you all.

Hi all,

Looking forward to trying out a session!

One more place...

See you all there - looking forward to this!

I am looking forward meeting you all.

For those that are too late signing up. Keep looking to this forum, as sometimes people can't make it on the last moment.

Hi all. I signed up for this yesterday, but am I correct in thinking that the ride is already full?
If so, do I need to wait until the next intro session before coming along? - I have been riding regularly, but no group cycling to date.

hi @Grace_B , we are already full, but normally then it doesn't allow you to sign up ( @Velocio ). We do not want the group to be too big to allow personal feedback, hence the max 16.

However keep an eye on this thread to see if people give up there place (happens).

Alternatively, join a Sunday C-ride, and come a bit earlier to get a quick introduction by the leader.

Hi @Grace_B keep an eye out. I'm sure I'll get dropouts when I send the message about. So keep an eye on your private messages as well.

Rob

Thanks Rob - will do!

I have fixed that bug, it will no longer allow people to join an event when there are no spaces.

thanks.

Oh, damn, I have to work tomorrow - cancelled my spot so someone else can go!

@Dougal , it is on the 20th of September, not tomorrow.

Hi all, I see the session this Sunday is booked but could I put my name on the waiting list in case someone drops out?

Aimee

hey Aimee @user48591

Just keep an eye on this forum. People often have to drop out and then the session will become open again. Otherwise you can join in a month, or join a Sunday ride.

please note that the session is saturday

please note that there is now a space available