An Introduction to Club Cycling - 14 March 2015

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: 14th March 2015 08:30 am - meet at the Holloway Road side of Whittington Park.

You must be signed up for this event to take park. If you are not signed up here on the forum, you will not be able to participate. Details of how to sign up below PLEASE READ

This is not a session for complete cycling beginners and we are not teaching cycling proficiency. See below for information.

ALL ABOUT 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. If you see no places left, it is because the session is full.
  
• Places are strictly limited - this is to ensure we can safely guide you on our route. Because of this, please do not attend this session if you have not signed up on the forum - you will be turned away.
  
  

WHAT TO BRING:

• A road bike that is in good and roadworthy condition. Hybrid bikes are not ideal.
  
• 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. You won't need to lock up your bike, and locks are heavy (and make you slow)
  
• Rucksacks. Road cyclists travel light - you should too! Wear a jersey which has pockets for your food and tools.
  
  
  
  

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.

Just signed up and looking forward to taking part in this. I've been riding on-and-off for a few years now but never joined a club and never really ridden in a group so hopefully I'll learn a thing or two.

Great stuff, looking forward to meeting you next month!

Would love to join a club - but unsure whether I'm 'ready' for it yet. Signing up to this to make my mind up. Will also be great to meet some like-minded people :-)
Roll on March!

If you have decided you love to join a cycling club, you are 'ready'! See you in March.

Looking forward to joining a group ride. Not been out on the road much this year, stuck to the odd stints in the gym, but will get out for a few decent rides before the 14th.

looking forward to riding together @Pete_Con

Just signed up. Looking forward to my first club ride and meeting you all.

great. see you on the 14th @Owen

Signed up and really looking forward to it!

Signed up to ICC today, and looking forward to meeting you all at the ride.

Cheers

Pete

Hi all,

Registered for the forum and a place on Saturday - hope it's not too late to get involved!

Cheers,

Dan

If you have signed up to the event here +dlove then it is not too late to get involved :)

Hello all,

The event is now FULL. If you have not signed up to this event here, you cannot attend (we limit numbers for safety reasons)

If you are signed up and can no longer make it, please free up your place here on the forum so another person may take it.

You are on the list @dlove See you on Saturday.

For those that still want to join this intro session. At the moment all places are taken, but often some people have to cancel last minute so keep and eye to this forum and see if a place becomes available (max 24).

Because of safety, we only accept people on the ride that have registered in advance!

Hi Martine,

My brother would like to come along to this, could you let me know if a place comes up? If he's able to come i'd be happy to come along and help out rather than go on one of the club runs.

James

@James it looks like the confirmed number is now down to 22 so there should be place for him. Is he a club member - I'm not sure what the policy is on having non club members on intro rides. @Laura?

Non club members are especially welcome!

Hi all,

I'm thinking of joining the club as I'm itching to get the fitness back and push on towards Pru 100 and beyond (lucky ballot place!) while meeting a few people. I moved back to London recently - just round the corner from ride start - so am particularly looking forward to coming along on Sunday.

Matt

Hi all!

Does anyone live near Bounds Green, Wood Green or Turnpike Lane who wants to meet and ride along to the meeting spot?

Dionisis

Hi Donisis,

My brother and I will be riding to the meeting point from a little further down green lanes if you'd like to ride with us, there's an estate agent's called Brian Thomas near Harringay Green Lanes overground station if you'd like to meet us here?

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Brian+Thomas/@51.5781209,-0.0983698,18z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x72e3a8a9d4658ea2

We'll aim to be there at around 0800-0810, I'll be in a club jersey riding a blue bike.

James

@MattH I'm sure you were talking about the regular Sunday club rides, but just to be clear the Intro ride is on Saturday, not Sunday.

Thanks @michool - yes, a mix up when I was writing but definitely still coming tomorrow, Saturday!

Hi @James,

I have sent you a private message can you please check?

Sorry all, I have to work tomorrow so can't make it. Enjoy the ride I will join you another time.