An Introduction to Club Cycling - 5 June 2021

"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 may 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 ICC 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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Hi all, I have now set up a new Group Skills session on May 1st which has space if anyone is keen to come along earlier https://forum.islington.cc/events/5878

Completing a Group Skills session will also allow you to join the club.

If you do sign up for the May 1st session, could you please open up your space on this ride for someone else.

I've also just opened up another Group Skills session on 6 May (Thursday evening) https://forum.islington.cc/events/5910/

Couple of spaces available on the May Intro Ride tomorrow if you are available! https://forum.islington.cc/events/5747/

Evening Zac
The ride on Thursday what time is the meeting please

Evening Zac i would like to attend this session but the one in June the 5th
please advise

Hi guys, I recently moved to London and I'm keen to join the club, please let me know if anyone drops out, thanks!

5 more spots have just been added to this Saturday's Group Skills session if you want to get involved sooner https://forum.islington.cc/events/5792/

Would appreciate if you could let me know, if someone drops out.

Hey guys, can I also jump on the waiting list for 5th June? Or let me know if there’s anymore midweek sessions.
Cheers

Hi guys, I would like to join the Introduction course on the 5th of June, is that possible? Thanks!

Hello, i'd like to join this ride if any spots open up. Please let me know. Thanks.

Hey Everyone, I'd like to join this introductory ride on June 5th as I am keen to join? Thanks

@michaelb1968 @SameerR @Clarkseb @ManuelRios @HenryFR
There's still space on the Group Skills session tomorrow evening if you are able to make it. You'll then be able to join the club and attend any club ride. https://forum.islington.cc/events/5793/

Thanks @Zac Wish I could attend but I'll be working late tomorrow

Thanks @Zac I have attended one of those RP sessions and already and a club member now, however, would like to do one more session out on the roads and learn skills before i start going on actual group rides with the club

Hi Sameer,

I wouldn't worry about that! There are 'green' paced rides that run most weeks that are perfect for new members to get used to group-riding. The intro rides in this section of the forum are really for prospective members to learn the rules before they join the club and start to practice them.

I know it can be daunting, but I would look at the green rides section of the forum, and jump in with a group there. That way you get more practice riding with experienced riders that will help you along the way, and you don't take a spot for a prospective member looking to learn the ropes. Hope that makes sense? Welcome to the club, I look forward to seeing you out on the road!

@GeorgeS/Tenners no worries I understand makes sense. I'll check it out green rides.
Thanks.

Hi @Zac it looks like the event from 5 June is fully booked. Do you do any intro events before that or is it only once a month ? Thanks

Hi @Roberto our Intro Rides are only once a month, but we run Group Skills ~3 times a month as well including tomorrow. Attending a Group Skills session will also allow you to join the club.

Thank you @Zac! Do you have the link with the upcoming group skills events? Thanks!

Hi Roberto,

You can find the Group Skills Rides that are scheduled here.

Hello would love to grab a spot if someone can't make it !

People often drop out really close to the day (or on the morning) so keep looking!

Yes, me too! Will keep looking, but first dibs to Loic, obviously.