An introduction to club cycling - 1 April 2017

'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: 1 April 2017 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 or pace 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. Depending on pace, we should 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 (please help us by creating an actual name rather than the default username) 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:
As with all club rides, you must wear a helmet to take part in this ride.
Your bike must be in a 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. Other riders may help you if you are in trouble but you should be self-sufficient and at the very least be able to fix a puncture.
We're only doing a short ride, so an energy bar or a banana will do for food. Make sure you start the day with a decent breakfast!
Bring water, making sure that you can easily carry it with you on your bike.
The weather can change quickly so make sure you have checked the weather report and dress appropriately (waterproofs/warm clothing when appropriate).
Money 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 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 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.

:) Cant wait, can i have just an estimate of rough speed for these rides?

cheers

Hi @mikeOB glad to have you on-board!

We aim for around 12mph, but this will vary a little depending on the ability of the group.

Cheers

I've just signed up!

I've also just signed up! I've not paid to be a member yet and this would be my first ride in a group, is this ok?

The perfect session for you. If you join then consider following up with the group skills session.

Thanks! I look forward to it

Hi, really keen to join ICC - is it possible to attend this session? Or am I ok to come along to the Sunday ride 26/3 instead? Many thanks

Hi @SteveH i've just free'd up a few more places for this session - get them whilst they're hot!

You are very welcome to come along on a few rides before officially joining.

Hi This event is full. Do i haveto wait another month to join or can i come along to another ride before that. I am an experienced cyclist just returned to UK

I'd also love to come along - is the 16 attendees a strict limit? :)

Hi guys, really glad you're keen! We do need to put a cap in order to keep the rides manageable and safe. The next is on the 6th May however if you cant wait that long (I dont blame you!) we do lots of group skills sessions in Regents Park most weekends - I'm leading one this Saturday which will cover most of the same things in the intro ride. Failing that you are very welcome to attend a regular Sunday C ride in the meantime.

Group skills! Group skills!

Hi all! I'll be happy to assist with the ride if you still need more ICC members to help out. @AlecJ how many do we have so far/how many needed? Thanks! :)

Thanks Anthi! I'll PM you.

Hey @AlecJ really keen to join the intro ride - please notify me if any spaces become available. Thanks! :)

Hello all,

Firstly, thanks for deciding to come along to the ICC Intro ride and give us a go. Your first run with us will be led by @DavidMason @Orestis @JamesE and @StephendS

Please meet at the Whittington Park, Holloway Road Entrance at 8:20 for an 8:30 start. There will be a briefing before leaving the park.

For those with a Garmin or similar, the route we will be using is posted below. Note that you do not need a Garmin etc as the ride leaders know the route - please use it as a guide but listen to whoever is leading your ride as changes may be required on the day.

Ride Route

Please let me know if you are unable to attend via reply to this message. Riders attend club rides strictly at their own risk. Please listen to your ride leaders and follow their instructions. If you have any questions about the ride, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

We will be introducing how to ride in a group, if you want to do some homework then please see this handy video on the GCN website

Please be at the Whittington Park for an 8.30 start! We look forward to meeting you all on Saturday!

Unfortunately I can no longer attend so Steffi feel free to take my place! hope it goes well

Thanks Sinead, done so! :)))

Hello,

Is there a number we can contact if we can't find the group in the morning?

Looking forward to it.

Mags

Hi Mags. I will PM you.

But you will spot us easily once you arrive at Whittington Park. We stay close to the entrance (where the flower cat is!).

See you tomorrow,
Orestis

So sorry for the last minute cancellation, really hope someone can take my spot...

Some pictures from this morning. Thanks for a great ride, hope to see you on a club ride soon.

3 Attachments

Thanks everyone for a great ride today! You've got a new member!

One of the best intro rides I've done. Some great group riding out there and I hope to see you out on a club ride soon!