An Introduction to Club Cycling - 2 October 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.

Also please read our Group Skills Guide before attending: https://islington.cc/s/ICC-Group-Riding-­Guide-Updated-August-2020.pdf

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 on the flat, 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.

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

Just signed up(Jon Crouch) look forward to it.

I am all signed up now; screen wasnt big enough - thanks.

Hi All, I'd like to join the club, looking forward to the introduction ride. (Riccardo)

Hi all, I’ve just signed up. Would be great if I could sign up to the intro ride on 02/10

Would love to do this if there are any drop outs.

Morning all, I would also love to join if there are any drop outs also. thank you, Alex

I'd also love to join and there are any drop outs! Thanks! Laura

Please let me know if there are any drop outs as I would love to join

would love to join, please let me know when someone drops out. thanks

I have had to drop out if someone wants the place

Hi Tommy,

I’d take your place if still available?

Thanks,
Colm

Looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow for the ride.

Hi @Adam_Rebick @Asmawi.Shukor @BenMurphy @Caitlincclarke @Davidg @DavidGoldstone @DDionne @ErinW @GeorgeScott @JoaquinKoster @JohnIbanez @Joncrouch @LoicLD @moagli @nathankrout @PaulMills @Piotr_Slawik @RachelJoyce @RickB @SamG1234 @Seun_Alice @stephenm @Tariq196 @TimKoch @TomE @user127571 @user132336 @user134229 @user134317 @user134365 @user134757 @Zakaria

I hope you are all looking forward to the Intro Ride tomorrow. This will be going ahead even if it is raining, so please dress appropriately and fit mudguards if you have any. Please also read our Group Riding guide so we can spend less time standing around during safety briefing and more time riding!

If you are no longer able to make it can you please remove yourself by clicking "Can't Make It" at the top of this page, as this will open up your spot for others to take your place. If you reserve a space but fail to attend we may limited you from attending in the future.

Let me know if you have any questions and look forward to welcoming you tomorrow.

Hi @Zac,

Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow. Do you have a route I can input to my head unit?

Many thanks,
Adam

Zac won't be there tomorrow, but I will!
Here's the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31883560

Thanks @GeorgeS/Tenners

Hi all,

Looking forward to tomorrow ride!

Melania

Anyone still looking for a space, there is one available currently and on past form, there will be more drop outs overnight/in the morning, so keep your eyes peeled. We will hopefully (just) beat the rain tomorrow.

Hi Zac so sorry but I’ve just found out that I can’t make tomorrow, really hope somebody else can take my spot. Apologies again

So sorry to drop out of this one last minute,
Was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately one of my work projects has flooded this afternoon so I’ll have to go there instead :( hope everyone enjoys and really hope to make the next one.

I m in Highbury fields can’t see anyone

+melania I hope you found us? Well done to everyone who braved the weather forecast and particularly to my group of 6 for riding well as a group. I hope you all join and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Glad to have met everyone on this wet but enjoyable ride, looking forward to join and explore further!

Great ride guys, despite the weather! @TobyS @Joncrouch @Asmawi.Shukor @Adam_Rebick @BenMurphy & Riccardo ! Special Kudos to @Asmawi.Shukor who did the ride in light summer kit. Legend. See you soon, Jonjo