An Introduction to Club Cycling - February 6, 2016

'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: 6th February 2016 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 learning how to ride with a group, and open to improving your cycling skills and communication with other riders.

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.

@alexD I'll come and offer some support on this ride. I was inspired by your speech at the AGM :)

We'll fight them on the beaches and all that.

Thanks for the offer, I'll add you to the organisation group!

As with Jamie I would be glad to assist with these rides if it is ever required.

Cheers. I've added you to the group too

Is there a waiting list?

Hi James,
No waiting list im afraid. Strictly fist come first served. You can follow changes in the thread by clicking the link on the right.

Thanks Orestis,

am I right in thinking however there are three groups on any given Sunday; A B and C and that the C group will take a more moderate pace?

Yeap. See "in the saddle"

Is there a waitlist for this ride I could be added to?

thanks

I'm due to join you guys on this ride + very much looking forward to it! Annoyingly, I was hit by a car yesterday and my road bike's basically a write-off (I'm fine). I have another bike - a track bike (with front brake). Just wanted to know if I'd be ok using this bike on the intro ride? I use it for winter training at Regent's Park, maintain speeds of around 30kph, and can handle hills as long as it's not the Ditchling Beacon. If not I can borrow a road bike from a friend.

Thanks - Charles

Hi Charles, that sucks. Believe that the aforementioned "road bike" in "what you need to bring" rules out fixed gear bikes which would disturb the natural rhythm of the group given a different style in slowing to a stop and starting from stationary.

@alexD can confirm.

As Orestis said above, there is no waiting list - first come, first serve.

Yes makes sense, thanks Alex. I'll sort a road bike for the day.

See you there!

Just to confirm what @alex said, we recommend a road worthy bike that can be safely used in a group. Fixed gearing might be tough to handle in the group, especially those that aren't expecting early braking!

Thanks for confirming - road bike it is! See you there.

Hello, just joined the club and would be interested in joining the intro ride on the 6th, but noticed it's already full. Could you please let me know if there are cancellations or extra space? Thanks!!

Keep your eyes peeled on this thread for cancellations and click the button on the right so you get updates of any changes

Yay, I got in. Really looking forward to the ride!

Unfortunately I have to work on Saturday so my spot now is available.

I snaffled Jacob's place but on reflection it might make me late for an afternoon appointment, so it's up for grabs again and I hope to meet u guys another time!

is there a place to introduce yourself to the forum?
(and how does one post in subforums?)

Try the "say hello" thread.
http://forum.islington.cc/conversations/326/?offset=250#comment12718035

What do you mean by sub forums?

Hi there, I'd be interested in taking your place if it is still available?