An Introduction to Club Cycling - 5 December 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:

You should have already been cycling regularly in some capacity and be confident cycling on London's roads.

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.

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.

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.
Please note: If you sign up but do not attend, we reserve the right to restrict your future attendance to Intro Rides. This is due to high demand for spots on this ride. If you do sign up but cannot attend, please remove yourself from the attendance list so someone else can take the spot.

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!)

Mask/Face Covering. While not required to be worn while riding, please bring a face mask for when entering shops or potential cafe stop at the end of a ride

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.

Feel free to read our Group Riding Guide for more details: https://islington.cc/s/ICC-Group-Riding-Guide-Updated-August-2020.pdf

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

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Hello! Is this ride still taking place this weekend?
Also, are you able to share the route in advance?

Can no longer make this so please feel free to take my spot!

Hi @user119397 yes, this is planning on going ahead. I will provide an update in the next few days.

Hey! Do you need to have already purchased membership for the club to join this ride? ( I may try and join the next one seeing as this one is full!) Or can you join this prior to purchasing membership?
Cheers!

Hi @Georgepphill no need to purchase membership beforehand. Your membership application won't be processed until you have attended an Intro Ride or Group Skills session and your name ticked off the list anyway, so there is no need to sign up until you have completed a session.

Ah great thanks Zac! See you at one of the two when I can get a spot!

People often drop out the day before so worth checking again regularly and on Friday evening if you are free on Saturday.

Great, will do! Cheers!

Hi @Grace_Li @Nicola117625 @user110269 @SamCunningham @Jo_Cohen @user120410 @JFitch @stephenm @BenOJ @claire_j_b @user119397 @user13091 @Abigail @Benneth @user118361 @user104422 @PortlyPuncheur @Rico_Ramirez @user121669 @KenP

I hope you are all excited for our Intro Ride this Saturday. It will be going ahead, rain or shine, so please dress appropriately on the day. Though the forecast is currently looking dry.

We will split into groups of 6 as you arrive and do the briefing in small groups rather than a large group due for covid compliancy. So please try to avoid congregating in one big group as you arrive.

If you can no longer make it, could you please remove yourself from the event by clicking "Can't Make It" at the top, as this ride is currently fully booked this will open up a space for others who are wanting to join (if you book a spot but fail to attend we reserve the right to limit your future attendance).

Let me know if you have any questions and look forward to meeting you on Saturday.

@user110269
@user120410
@user119397
@user13091
@user118361
@user104422
@user121669
If you would be able to change your username to something a little more recognisable, it will help us greatly with managing attendance and membership processing. Thanks

@Georgepphill there is a spot available now

HI Zac, I wanted to see if there was any spots left for the ride on Saturday?

Hi @ashleyd84 yep, just click "Yes, I'm attending!" at the top to sign up.

All changed, looking forward to Saturday!

Welcome all, see you tomorrow!

Hi, sorry for the last minute cancellation. I am not feeling 100% this morning.

Thanks for letting us know. Hope to see you another time

I’m here but can’t see anyone?!

I'm also here, I think we're a little early?

Where are you Benneth and I’ll meet you?

I'll come down to the meeting place, I've got a blue bike a fluorescent overshoes so you won't miss me

We’re here, hopefully you’ll find us!

I hope you found us! I was expecting a cold damp miserable morning but it turned out to be lovely and sunny and I certainly think the group +nickf and I took enjoyed themselves. Any questions please ask and hope to see you all on a club ride soon (subject to rules, vaccines, winter etc..)

It was a lovely ride - thanks for organizing! Looking forward to joining the club