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"You will always be in our hearts and on our roads." - @Giro d'Italia on Michele Scarponi
DorothyZ
'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.
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.
If you are new to the club please make yourself known to the ride leader so they can confirm your attendance to our membership manager.
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.
Please take the time to watch this video, showing some of the things we will be briefing you about on the day.
Looking forward to seeing you!