An Introduction to Club Cycling - May 7, 2016

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  • '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 May 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 set-up 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. A helpful overview on group riding can be found on the GCN website

    .

    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 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.

  • Is there a provisional date for an intro ride in June? Thanks!

  • Usually the first or second Saturday of the month, depending on holidays and other events!

  • Thanks for letting me know, I'll check back nearer the time

  • FYI - it's currently penciled in for 4 June but is subject to change

  • Hi - if anyone signed up can no longer make this, please give me a shout. Thanks!

  • If there is a wait list for this, can I be added pls? Thanks!

  • There is no wait list as such, just click the option on the left to follow this thread and you should receive notifications as and when things change. You'll have to be quick though as the places go fast!

  • I really wanted to come on this, keep missing out.... Can I just turn up this weekend please? Which is the best ride for a newbie? I have ridden with a club before. Thanks :) 
    
  • Hi Amy

    I am in the same position. Apparently group C is a good group to start with, and you can turn up an introduce yourself to the ride leader. I've been told you can do a couple of rides before becoming a member.
    I am away this weekend, but up for going along as a newbie next week. I have never done group riding before, but think I will enjoy it.

  • Yep. This is what I was told last summer. I turned up at Whittington Park and joined a few rides (I think a mid-week evening ride was actually my first).

    The 'C' rides are a modest pace, and make a more relaxed ride in which to get accustomed to riding with the club. So these are recommended for newcomers (of all abilities).

    It's probably worth keeping an eye on the introduction rides, and trying to grab a place on one of these even after trying out other club rides.

  • Hi Amy, I can't remember if non-members can view the "In the saddle" area but that shows all the rides available. In general the average speeds are roughly C (12-13mph), B (14-16mph), A (17-18mph) whatever mph is! There should be rides of each type leaving Whittington Park at 0830 on Sundays. There are also training laps of Regent's Park on Saturdays at 8am and various mid-week rides along set routes which tend to be around B pace.

    If you've ridden with a club before then you'll probably not need to do the intro to cycling although ICC still encourages everyone to come along to one as it also includes a sort of official welcome to the club. I suggest that you read the guide to group riding here if you can access it. Otherwise all rides are open to non-members, just make sure you turn up about 10mins beforehand and tell the ride leader that you're new and that you can ride in a group. You get 3 free rides before you have to join. Enjoy!

  • Hi all. Similar to the above, I'm planning on joining ICC, and keep missing these sessions. I've got very limited group riding experience from sportives and have never been a member of a club. Hopefully pace shouldn't be an issue, it's just a question of whether I start by turning up to a C ride on Sunday or go for the group skills session, which I believe is being held tomorrow. Is my ropey bike handling and lack of group riding knowledge going to be found out on a C ride? :P Any help much appreciated.
    Jon

  • Hi Jon_S,
    I started at the same level as you 8 months ago and never made it to an introductory ride as they were full up. Turn up to a Sunday C ride, keep your wits about you and listen to everyone - especially your ride leader - and you'll be fine. Let people know you're new and you'll be given advice: its a very friendly and helpful club. Your skills will improve - indeed the club holds specialist skills sessions frequently - and before you know it you'll be leading a C-ride.

  • Thanks Rob! Better forecast for Sunday too...see some of you there

  • You could always dip your toe at 8am laps tomorrow too ;).

  • Tempting...I'll see what the weather's doing

  • Hello all. Looks like the weather is going to be good for once so Saturday should be a good ride. I'm going to send out the route and meeting instructions later today so keep your eyes peeled for a yellow envelope in the top right hand of your screen! Can I also ask that if any of you can no longer make it, can you please vacate your place and let people know on here that it is now available. Thanks in advance and see you all on Saturday!

  • Instructions sent, let me know if you didn't get them

  • Hi Alex, I am really sorry I am not able to make tomorrow. A last minute change to circumstances means I can't get there. I will be starting in June, I just need to keep my fingers crossed that I can get a place.

  • Looking forward to it - thanks @alexD! (Hope my legs cope with the hills... it's been a while since I tried any 'steep' ones!).

  • Hi, I haven't received a message about where to meet and at what time. Thanks, angie

  • Hi Angie - thats because you're not on the attendees list. Keep your eyes peeled for a vacant spot and if that fails then there is always a Sunday C ride or next months Intro Ride.

  • OK in addition to being lucky enough to snag a place, I am really excited. But I haven't received any message (that I can find) in regard to where to meet up etc. Should there be an email, or am I missing a forum article? I may resort to cycling around the park randomly tomorrow and seeing if I can find anyone.

    The irony of being lost before the ride has even started is not lost on me.

    Simon R

  • OK got it. Delivery by special, forum email.

    SR

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An Introduction to Club Cycling - May 7, 2016

Posted by Avatar for alexD @alexD

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