An Introduction to Club Cycling - December 12, 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: 12th December 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:

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.

Plenty of places left for the next intro ride. If you haven't made one so far, now is your chance!

Hey guys,

Just wondering if you guys actually do introductory rides that is shorter than 30 miles? I haven't done a long distance for couple of years so unsure whether i will be capable or not. I should definitely able to manage 15-20 miles. Otherwise, I can just join the next time.

Regards

Hi
The intro ride is about 40km (25 miles) and we go at it at a very gentle and social pace (may be atound 11-12 mph). It is surprisingly easier to ride in a group rather than on your own, so Id say go for it. We can guarantee that you will not be left to fend for yourself in the wilderness, and will keep you entertained at all times

Thanks, holding people up was my only concern but i think i will take the risk and give it a go. I still need a rough location/map of the ride as i dont very local to you guys before confirming my attendance

Thanks

We message those who sign up closer to the time of the ride (10th Dec) im afraid. Maybe sign up and if you can't make it due to our start location, then vaccate your place. However, ifthe location our other regular rides suit you (check the website) then you will have no problem joining this one, as the start is in the same area generally speaking.

Done

Does one have to attend these rides to be able to attend the regular group rides? I'd like to join a local group but see this is full up, and the next one is a month away.

+SimonCarter - Welcome to the club. You do not. However we encourage all new members to try to attend one of these sessions if they can. In the meantime I suggest that you try either the 8am session on Saturday (in Regents Park), or a C (or possibly B) ride on Sunday. Best of luck!

To add to @RichardM his point. Often a few people drop out in the last week so if you keep an eye to this thread you probably can get a spot @SimonCarter and others.

I've sent out the joining instructions to all those listed above as 'attending'. You should see it as a yellow envelope in the top right hand side of your screen. For those that have signed up but haven't received anything, please let me know and I'll add you in.

If anybody can no longer make it, please let me know and make your place available to others - this things fill up fast and so there is always somebody willing to take a free place!!

Likewise, if anybody takes a place that has been released then let me know and I'll send you the details for the ride!

@alexD That will be me then :)

See you soon! Can't wait!

Is there a space for another on Saturday 12th ride? I’m an old member - returning after an accident earlier in the year. Have a number of events planned for next year and need to get out and do some km!

Listing says 15/16?

Regards

Peter

Just realised this was for 2015…