• "An Introduction to Club Cycling" is a monthly ride run by ICC 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 must 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

    Please read our Group Skills Guide before attending: https://islington.cc/s/ICC-Group-Riding-­Guide-2021.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.

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

    THE SESSION

    We will cycle a 50 km route with some hills. We will discuss group formation, signals, and group communication and you can ask questions about the club.

    There may be a cafe stop Highgate at the end of the ride. Depending on pace, we should get there between 11.30am - 12.30pm.

    Your ride will be led by an experienced club member and a support rider, who have given up their morning to introduce you to club riding. We hope you will reciprocate by volunteering to support intro and group skills rides and other club activities once you have been riding with the club for a few months.

    HOW DO I JOIN IN?

    If you wish to attend this session you should sign up 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 no places are left, the session is full. We do not maintain a waiting list so please keep checking back in case a place becomes available. Please do not attend this session if you have not signed up on the forum - you will be turned away.

    If you do sign up but cannot attend, please remove yourself from the attendance list so someone else can take the spot. You can do this by clicking the ‘Can’t Make It’ button above which appears once you have signed up.

    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 places on this ride.

    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.

    Food and water. We're only doing a short ride, so an energy bar or a banana will do for food, but do start the day with a decent breakfast! Make sure you can easily carry water with you on your bike.

    The weather can change quickly so check the forecast and dress appropriately (waterproofs/warm clothing when appropriate).

    Money for the cafe stop or to get a train or taxi home in case of an emergency.

    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; 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.

    JOINING THE CLUB

    Once you have completed an Intro Ride or Group Skills ride you will automatically qualify to pay the membership fee and join the club. There is nothing further you need to wait for. See https://islington.cc/membership.

    Looking forward to seeing you!

    David,
    Development Secretary

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