An Introduction to Club Cycling - October 10, 2015

'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: 10th October, 2015 at 08:30 am.

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. Details of how to sign up below. PLEASE READ

This is not a session for complete cycling beginners and we are not teaching cycling proficiency. See below for information.

ALL ABOUT YOU:

1.You should have already been cycling regularly in some capacity and be confident cycling on London's roads.
2.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.
3.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.
4.You should be interested in Road Cycling, have a desire to ride in a group and improve your skills

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. If you see no places left, it is because the session is full.
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.

WHAT TO BRING:

1. 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.
   
2. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres risk being punctured more easily.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. Water. Make sure that you can easily carry water with you on your bike.
   
6. Waterproofs and / or warm clothing. The weather can change quickly - make sure you have checked the weather report and dress appropriately.
   
7. 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.

Just signed up and looking forward to it! My name is Simon Evans by the way!

I'm looking forward to this as well!

I'm keen to get involved with the club and try out some rides. Should I wait for the 10th Oct to come round or can I come out for any guest rides e.g. the 8am Regents Park laps on Saturdays? I've got half decent fitness and speed on my road bike, just lack of experience riding in groups.

Ah 10th oct is full anyway...

You are welcome to come to any of the rides in the meantime but we still recommend those new to the club try the intro ride as well. Keep your eyes peeled as there may be people that have to drop out of this ride and there is always the possibility that the number of attendees will be increased - this last one depends on how many people are available to volunteer and so we cannot always guarantee more than 16 spots per month!

Ok no probs, will keep an eye on 10th Oct. Def up for doing one of the sessions, just keen to get started :)

I currently ride a light hybrid (looking to upgrade to a road bike soon) on which I've done many long rides. Would it be a problem to bring that on the 10th? Looking forward to it!!

That's absolutely fine. See you on the 10th!

Hello folks! I will be helping to lead the ride on the 10th and looking forward to meeting you all!

• For those who are hoping to come, but have noticed there are no spaces left: Make sure you tick the box in the top right hand corner of this page 'Follow' - this will keep you posted if anyone drops out
  
• For everyone else: If you do decide not to attend, PLEASE let us know: you can write a comment on this thread, but even better take your name off this attendance list (top of page): this means someone else (especially those who have pressed 'follow') can take your place
  See you all then!
  Jessica
  

Thanks @Jessica!

May I also add that experienced ICCers who are volunteering, to lead/sweep and those who want to come help (but are not part of the organizing discussion), don't need to say "I'm attending" above. This is only for our guests on the day.

Thanks,
Orestis

Hi all

If anyone that has RSVP'd and no longer able to attend could I take their space.

I am interested in becoming a member and have been trying to get a spot on an intro ride for months
:(

[email protected]

Hi @Lottie - please feel free to join in on a Saturday Regents Park (8am) ride or a Sunday C ride in the mean time. The Intro rides tend to fill up quickly so we do welcome people along to other rides to get a taster but still recommend all new members try the intro ride or group skills session if/when available. Hope to see you on a ride soon
Alex

I would absolutely love to attend the intro ride on the 10th. I will keep my eye on this notice board to see if anyone already registered can't make it!

Thanks @alexD I will plan to join a weekend ride.

1 free space...

Where does the intro ride start? Sorry if I missed this above.

We send that information out a couple of days before the ride. It's just to make sure we don't get extra attendees turning up as we could potentially get very large groups which are not a good idea (or that safe!)

Is it ok to come along for tomorrow's 8am ride as a newbie guest? Up for getting involved with the club but not able to get on the intro session so far.

Do I just turn up - where do we meet?

Looks like being a nice morning for it.

Sure thing. Roll up atound 7:50-7:55am at the Zoo Entrance on the Outer Circle. You cant miss us.

I am very keen to try a ride but the spaces are full. Would I be able to join another session? Or when is the next intro session.

thanks

Hi there,

Do keep an eye on the thread incase someone drops out. We hold intro rides each month so the next one will be in November.
You are very welcome to come along to a Sunday Group C ride; it's not much different to an intro ride.

Deena

Hi Jessica - where do we need to meet at 8.30am? Very much looking forward to it!

Hi, we will send you all a message closer to the time (Thursday/Friday) with all the details. Stay tuned!
Orestis

Thanks Orestis. Simon.