An Introduction to Club Cycling - November 7, 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: 7th November, 2015 at 08:30 am.

You must be signed up for this event to take part. 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:

1.You should have already been cycling regularly in some capacity and be confident cycling on London's roads.
2.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.
3.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.
4.You should be interested in Road Cycling, have a desire to ride in a group and improve your skills

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. 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.

Looks like it's filling up. To all those that are thinking about doing this ride but haven't signed up yet - go on, you know you want to!

This session is now full - if anybody wants to come to this, please tick the 'Following' box on the right hand side of the screen. This will alert you when a place becomes available. Otherwise, keep watching for the next session which will be posted after the 7 November one.

Looking pretty soggy for tomorrow. Are we going ahead?

We are indeed, rain or shine. We've even done it in hail before!

Fair enough! Then today seems a good day to pick up those overshoes I've been meaning to buy...

Damn my lack of winter gear... Trench foot, here I come! Looking forward to meeting y'all!

Please let us know if you take the final spot and we'll forward on the event information to you!

I signed up last week and it says I'm attending... Am I not showing up on your list?

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Sorry that was intended as a generic instruction for whoever takes the final spot - you should already have the joining instructions. They appear as a yellow envelope in the top right hand corner of this page

Hi there,
Riding in the rain's always fun...
Where do we meet? Apologies if I am being blind...(if it's Regent's Park I will re-read the notes.
See you tomorrow.

Please check the joining instructions (we don't post the details on here so we avoid over-loading the ride leaders/volunteers!). You should be able to find it in the top right hand corner of the site (yellow envelope) - let me know if not

Hey guys really sorry but not going to be able to make it this morning , look forward to riding together soon, have a good one , Alice :)

Sincere apologies but I won't be able to join you this morning

Umm... This just happened as I rode across the driveway. I'm gonna change it and meet y'all opposite Highgate station. Will that be OK?

Umm... This just happened as I rode across the driveway. I'm gonna change it and meet y'all opposite Highgate station. Will that be OK?

.

...

I hope you managed to catch everyone - this doesn't always get checked on the morning of the ride. If you did miss it, please come along to a Sunday C ride (same time and place, except it's on Sunday) and give that a go

We found her, and a very jolly (if damp) time was had. Well done - everybody great riding. I don't often quote The Rules, but feel number 9 is appropriate here: If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass.

Enjoyed today's Introduction to Wet Weather Club Cycling. That rain was a joke at times but it was fun anyway. Thanks to the leaders. Look forward to seeing you all out on the road!

Yes, house thanks to the leaders - it was a great ride! I look forward to seeing you again.

I second that - thank you everyone and thank you leaders for a memorable morning. Hope to see you again.
Cheers
Jodie

I am impressed by all of you!

Top work all, really well done.