An Introduction to Club Cycling - 10 December 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: 10th December 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 at an average speed of at least 12 mile per hour, 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 25 mile route and discuss group formation, signals, group communication.
There will be a cafe stop at the end of our ride where we can 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. We do not maintain a waiting list so please keep checking back in case a place becomes available.
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:
You must wear a helmet to take part in this ride.
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.

Booking a space for a friend :)

Hi, I've just joined the club although I've not rode with you guys yet. I get the sense from the forum pages you prefer new riders to come along to one of these session ahead of joining club rides. I've ridden quite a lot in large groups, organised club rides, sportives and socially before, but get that each group has slightly different ways of doing things. I'm happy to come along in December, although I did hope to get out with the club before then... I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Go for it @JezA. We like it if everyone comes along to one of these at some point but if you are already confident riding in a group then feel free to go on other club rides beforehand.

And the friend I was holding a space for has cancelled. Have un-RSVP'd and there is now a slot free.

All those registered - I'll be sending you the ride details on Thursday so keep your eyes peeled for a yellow envelope appearing in the top right hand corner of this page. Clicking it will take you through to your private messages and one of them will be from me!

If you can no longer make the ride, please vacate your space ASAP so that somebody else can take it. Thanks!

Hi @alexD

If there is any drop outs for the ride on Saturday I'd love to join you guys and get the feel for club riding.

Cheers

Dan.

Hi Dan,

It's always good to hear that people are keen to join in. Keep your eyes peeled here today and tomorrow and try to grab a spot if one comes up! If not, I'll be posting the next Intro Ride early next week or you could try attending one of our group skills rides.

Alex

OMG one space available!

Space now available!

Space!

AMAZING please I can book myself into that spot?

Cheers

Yep, just press the "I'm attending" button at the top.

Cheers @BlakeG

Thanks for the session on Saturday morning, great to meet everyone and get a feel for the club. Look forward to catching you all on a ride in the new year.