An Introduction to Club Cycling - June 4, 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: 4th June 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

Unfortunately we cannot offer this session to complete cycling beginners as 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 25 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.

Not been on a club ride for ages. need to get my skills back. I am in

Looks like the ride is full, Alex could you put me on a waiting list for this ride if you're keeping one please. Thanks

Hi Mark. We don't have the capability to run a waiting list at the moment so run a first come first served rule - keep your eyes peeled here for any cancellations and try to snap the place up!

If you click the tick box to follow the conversation, it should tell you when somebody has vacated a spot.

On that note, if anyone can no longer make the ride them please vacate you space as there is high demand for this ride! Thanks all

Also if all users can change their forum ID to a name rather than user12345 then it would really help me when I'm sending out the joining instructions! 😎

Thanks, will do

Do you have to be a member to do this or is it open to prospective members?

I feel like I may be on the cusp of convincing Katie to join. Katie being my girlfriend fyi

All you need is a forum username and you're good to go. Mainly open to non-members but recent new members are also encouraged to take part

This one looks full. Permission to put @KatieP on a reserve list?

From what I can gather, the list would look like this:

@MarkjC
@KatieP

Ta muchly. FYI, if a space does come available we normally say first come first served.

If anybody can no longer make this ride, please free up your space.

I would like to tag along to this. I have wanted to come along since February but I've always been working on the days you have these intro rides.
Is it likely there will be any vacancies open up?

Hi @ActionAmber - there are usually a few drop outs so keep your eyes peeled. If you follow this thread by clicking the option on the right hand side of the page, it should tell you when a place is available

Hello folks. Saturday is approaching and I hope you're all keen and eager to meet everyone and have a fun ride. I'll be sending out the full details at some point tomorrow (work permitting) so keep your eyes peeled for a yellow envelope in the top right hand side of this page - click this and it will have all the info you need for Saturday.

I'll post on here when the message has been sent so please let me know if you haven't received it or can no longer make the ride.

Hi all - joining instructions sent out, please keep your eyes peeled for it as this contains the meeting place, route etc. An example of what to look for is shown below! See you all Saturday

1 Attachment

Looking forward to it!

@AlexD There was a space so I nabbed it on behalf of @KatieP. (She's out and about so can't do forum stuff atm)

Please can you message her the deets and not me? Taaaa

Donezo

I wasn't quick enough to join in May cycling, I wasn't quick enough for June so July is the lucky month ;)

+MarjorieA Make sure to check the forum on Monday/Tuesday when the July one is posted :)

And don't forget to check for last minute drop-outs tomorrow.

When will be the July one posted?

Monday or Tuesday

Hi @alexD - looks like I just managed to get a spot. Can you please message the details? Thanks!

Done 😎