An Introduction To Club Cycling - 19 July

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.

Next ride: July 19th 09.30am - meeting point will be confirmed with you via the forum's private message system.

This is not a session for complete cycling beginners. See below for information.

THE RIDER (That's 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 setup 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 30 miles with several steep hills and only brief stops. If you're not yet comfortable at that distance please build up with solo rides before coming along.

You should be interested in Road Cycling, have a desire to ride in a group and improve your skills and fitness.

THE SESSION:

We will cycle a short route (25 miles approx) and discuss group formation, signals, group communication.

There will be a cafe stop at the end of our ride where will will discuss things such as endurance fitness, hill climbing and any other questions about the club.

The session should last a couple of hours, dependent on pace - we usually get to the cafe stop in East Finchley 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 then click the 'Yes I'm Attending' button to confirm your attendance.

Places are strictly limited - this is to ensure we can safely guide you on our route. Once you have signed up to the event you will be PM'd the meeting place details, time and route. We will not be publishing the meeting location on the forum to avoid oversubscription on the day - you MUST be signed up to the event and come back to check your messages for details of the session (top right hand side of the forum).

WHAT TO BRING:

A road bike that is in good and roadworthy condition. Check your wheels are true, that your gears shift reliably and your brakes work correctly. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres risk being punctured more easily.

Spare inner tubes, tools and a pump. Club members will help you if you are in trouble - but you should aim to be self-sufficient and at the very least be able to fix a puncture.

Energy food. We're only doing a short ride, so an energy bar or a banana will do. Make sure you start the day with a decent breakfast.

Water. Make sure that you can easily carry water with you on your bike.

Waterproofs and / or warm clothing. The weather can change quickly - make sure you have checked the weather report and dress appropriately.

Money. Either 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, please, 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 invest in 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.

I've been trying to get along to this for a couple of months and can't do this one either but looking forward to seeing a date posted for August!

Ian come to the group skills season this Saturday

Hello @Laura let me know if you need any help looking after the back.

Hi Harriet - yes we would more than welcome your help on this ride. Thank you for the offer!

Hi @Laura, could I offer my assistance helping out with the ride next Saturday and ask if Kyra could join the group as well? She enjoyed the ride last month, just needs a little more practice. Chris

Hi Chris,

Please feel free to join along with Kyra. Thanks for your support :)
Just sign up here on the event so I can count Kyra in as a participant. Thanks!!

Thanks, +ChrisTsen. You are a star!

Hey peeps - the weather on Saturday is not looking amazing.

I'll play it by ear on the day, but if we have to face torrential rain I will call the session off due to safety. I also won't hold it against anyone who doesn't want to join in if the weather is inclement!

I'll get the details of the session out to everyone tomorrow afternoon - check your Inbox here on the forum.

Been meaning to try out the club for a while and was going to come on Sunday, but this looks even better .

Hopefully the weather stays dry (saying 'nice' feels optimistic) and I'll see people on Saturday.

Hi James, even if the weather doesn't hold out for us on Saturday please feel free to try out the 'C' club ride leaving from Holloway Road on Sunday morning. You will be more than welcome :)

Hello Laura - depending on the weather (torrential rain and thunder?) I will come and help out too - (sounds lame but it no fun in the rain for me)

No, not lame at all. Who really wants to cycle in torrential rain? ;)

Thanks Luis for your offer assistance!!

24 degrees and rain apparently. TROPIC THUNDER!!

Well if this morning is anything to by - definately Tropic Thunder! Got woken up at 5 am by lightning and thunder. Forecast is same starting tonight into tomorrow

Hi there,

Is it confirmed where the introductory cycle is tomorrow? I couldn't see where we are all meeting and what time on the forum. I understand it's weather permitting though.

Cheers!

Kate

Hello Kate / +user7003

I sent a private forum message (check the top right of the screen to see the envelope icon) to everyone outlining details of the ride yesterday... if you've only just signed up then let me know and I shall re-send these to you.

Thanks,
Laura

And the weather looks like it might hold so the ride is on - just come prepared for rain (waterproofs jackets all round)

Hi Laura,

Thanks for your reply - I'm in the loop now for tomorrow. Thanks again,

Kate

Thank you all who attended today, it was great to meet you. Please feel welcome to try out a couple more club rides if you're not sure about joining us yet - all the details about our rides should be here on the forum.

Thanks,
Laura, Ali, Morgan and Harriet

Thank you very much for running it. Very enjoyable and hopefully will see you at a club ride soon.

If anyone wants any more detailed information on our club Please email me on [email protected]

I'll happily provide you with what we have

Rob

Hi, Laura mentioned on the ride last Saturday that there's be another ride for practising hand signalling in the next couple of weeks. Is that going ahead, and if so where can find details? Thanks v much.

Hi miranda,

What you are looking for can be found here

Rob