An Introduction to Club Cycling - 15 November

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: 15th of November 08:45 am - 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 11.30am - 12.30pm.

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.

Oh great this amazing. I'm new here and very keen to join your club. You all seem like a great bunch!

I'll be there. :)

great @JB. Looking forward to riding together.

For all those others: if there is more interest than the current 8 spots, please post this on this forum thread, as then I will try to find another volunteer to help with the ride (which then allows more people to join).

Hi @Martine, I would like to join the ride if there are more people interested. I have been riding solo for a few months and keen to try out the introductory club cycling.

+Martine - Many thanks for leading this. If you need another person to help with the ride please shout. Happy to assist.

Thanks @RichardM, highly appreciated.

I have now increased the maximum to 12.

@yaz, can you press the "I'm attending" button to reserve your spot. Looking forward to riding with you.

Hi @Martine, really looking forward to trying out group riding and joining the club. I've been cycling on my own for a while now, and feel ready for a new challenge! - Gareth

A challenge we can provide Gareth @GazOgden. See you on the 15th or before if you join a ride in the mean time.

@RichardM @Martine Thanks for expanding the group. I am really looking forward to the ride! :)

great, see you on the 15th.

I would love to come along please. If I can I will aim to pop along to a Sunday ride beforehand. I look forward to meeting you.

George

See you on the 15th. If you have time, do try a Sunday ride, just get someone to explain the basic signs.

Hi there -

Keen to try out club cycling... Is this intro ride full now, or are there any spaces left? Do I need to sign up for membership beforehand?

Thanks!

Jonny

Cool, will do Martine. If I can do this weekend I will, probably not the following one as I am up doing Morecambe to Redcar with some pals on Thursday so may have set fire to my bike and thrown it in the sea by then :-)

@JonnyB, yes we are full at the moment. However often one or two persons have to cancel, so keep an eye on the forum to see if a place has become free.

In the mean time you are free to join a Sunday ride. Just introduce yourself to the leader and he/she will give you a quick instruction about signs.

@GeorgeB, maybe until Sunday and otherwise enjoy the Morecambe to Redcar.

Hi, if there is anyone who drops out before the day I would be happy to join. Please let me know.

Just keep an eye on the forum @john_nicolas, often people have to cancel at the last moment, so keep the date fixed in diary with question mark.

Given the high interest (and I found a new volunteer), I have increased the number to 16.

@john_nicolas and @JonnyB can you please press the "I attend" button to claim your spot.

@Martine Hi there, this sounds right up my street! Is there any spaces left - I've been searching for a club/group to join for the past few days and this sounds ideal!
Totally understand if this is overbooked, I'll join the next time.

Thanks, Natalie :)

Hey Natalie @user49517,

I see you pressed the "I attend button" which means you have secured a spot. See you on the 15th.

Great, can't wait! @Martine

Hi all,

What a great way to introduce people to your club! Looking forward to attending and getting back into the swing of group cycling.

Hi,
Looking forward to it!
H

Looking forward to cycling together @AdamB and @HelenG

Have signed up. Looking forward to it.