An Introduction to Club Cycling - 7 March 2020

"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 40 km at an average speed of at least 20 km/h, 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 40 km 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 Highgate 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!

Zac,
Development Secretary

Hi, the March Intro is now full. I’m following in case any spaces become available, but failing that, do you know what date the April ride will be and when it will be open to sign up for it? Thanks

Hi @Sophia the April Intro Ride will be the first Saturday of the month (April 4th).

We are currently making changes to the sign up process from April onwards, this is to increase capacity of Intro Rides, as well as reduce number of no-shows on the day. But I anticipate the April ride being posted in early March.

We still have our Group Skills sessions available before then though. The next one is on the 22nd of February (https://forum.islington.cc/events/5223/). Attending this will also allow you to join the club, and the technical skills taught will be higher level than what we do on the Intro Ride. Also one on the 21st of March (https://forum.islington.cc/events/5224/)

ANNOUNCEMENT

As we have managed to find more volunteers, the capacity of this ride has now been increased to 25.

Great!! Thank you 😁

If there are any cancellations, can I be added to this ride?

@jen there’s no waiting list but keep checking back as it’s unheard of for everybody to turn up and sometimes they have the good grace to remove their name (hint hint)

👍 I will watch for cancellations, and may just be coincidentally hanging out with my bike in Whittington park on Saturday morning...

That’s a very good idea not that I could condone such behaviour

Hi, possible to join tomorrow morning?

There’s a space!!

See you there then!

See there are some spots free, but hurt my knee today. 😭 Hoping ice and a good nights sleep will cure me but may have to wait for the next intro ride.