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Thank you both for replying so quickly. I am currently away but will be back in London by Sunday. I will email once I am sure that I am free on Sunday. Seeing as I am unable to join the Saturday laps or midweek rides I will probably try to attempt 3 Sunday rides. The first time going in the C group, the second time going with the B group and the third time I might try the A group if I can get the route beforehand as I am likely to get dropped and I will tell the leader that they should not wait for me.
Yours faithfully,
John
John.Ridley-
Hi John,
We no longer operate A, B and C rides as we found 3 categories too restrictive for the number of people we have in the club now. We split into four groups: Black (fastest, hardest effort, approximately 35km/h average on the flat), Blue(30km/h average), Grey (25km/h average) and Green (Slowest, reduced effort, 20km/h average).
I suggest you start with a Green group (there will be a new riders group called every Sunday so join that one) and then move up a grade as appropriate. Joining the 'new riders' ride will also help you learn our group riding skills in a less pressured environment.
There is little point going along with a fast group if you don't think you'll be able to hold on for the duration, especially as we operate a no drop policy on our rides unless otherwise stated at the set off. It is unlikely that other riders in the group will let you fall off the back so if your speed is exceptionally slower than theirs then it is slightly unfair to join their ride.
All of our club rides are operated in the same way, you will find that only the distance and speed varies really.
SallyB
Hi John,
I'm the membership manager for the club and will happily send you all the info you need if you send me an email as Sean suggests above. Just one thing to note is that we can only have guests come along on our Sunday rides for up to 3 occasions before becoming a member, this is for insurance purposes. As such, the Saturday laps and the Weekday rides are only available to club members.
On Sundays, sometimes the routes are posted in advance and sometimes not - it really does depend on who wants to lead a ride that day and how organised they are! Generally we suggest all new riders go on a Green ride (easiest pace), these can vary but there will always be one taken out that is around 60-65km. You won't need the route in advance as you'll be well taken care of by the ride leader(s) on the day.
As for crit racing, there is a good turnout by Islington at crits and it tends to be decided among participants as to what, if any, the strategy of the race will be. There isn't anything set by the club for this. For example, if an individual needs some points to go up a category then likely the other ICC club mates will help them achieve that goal, but other times it will just be a free for all.
If you have anything else you need to know then by all means drop any questions into an email to me and I'll be more than happy to help. Send me an email anyway and I can give you more information on the joining/trying us out process.
Thanks,
Sally