An introduction to club cycling - 5 October

'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.

If you wish to join ICC then you will need to complete one of the compulsory training sessions, either this Introduction ride or the Group Skills in Regents Park.

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.

PLEASE READ

Unfortunately we cannot offer this session to complete cycling beginners as we are not teaching cycling proficiency.

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.

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 above 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 straight, that your gears shift reliably and your brakes work correctly. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.

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.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Alec,

Development Secretary

I think I am signed up for this - but login didn't seem to work. Name is Natasha Rees and I joined the club a while ago - just need to get introductory session done. I will turn up in hope!

Hey Alec,
I'm coming with my son to introduce him to group riding. Would it be helpful to be an assistant rather than me use one of the actual places ?

Yes, assuming you are a member. It looks like it's filling up

@MarkL I’ve added you to the list of club volunteers for this Saturday so it would be great if you freed up the space as it looks like we may have a full house

Keen to join on Saturday if there are any free spaces, cheers

@Barry ok will free up that space.

There’s one free.

Please change your user name to something more recognisable whilst logged in

Cheers

B

Thanks mate

Where exactly are we meeting at Whittington Park?

The benches just near the cat, i.e. just off Holloway Road.

There seems to be a space for this
First come first served !!

Hi, I’d like to join the ride tomorrow, is there still space?

Alas it seems some one beat you to it.
There is another intro ride first week of November but keep popping back to the site as someone may still not be able to make tomorrow

@Leroyh, @Barry & @BiancaBoteza - A big thank you for yesterday's Introduction to Club cycling ride. You are a credit to the club, providing a warm, supportive and enthusiastic welcome to group cycling and Islington CC.

It was our pleasure Todd. It was a great group and a pretty decent pace as well (not that it matters of course!!) I hope to see you all soon on a ride

Echoing what Todd has said!

Also good to know it was a decent pace, means I may be able to keep up on future rides with more practice :)

Looking forward to seeing everyone again on a ride soon!

Yes, I would also like to extend a belated thanks to Leroy et al. It was a fun ride the best part is the people you meet....and those vans didn’t need those side view mirrors anyway...