Would You Joining a Cycling Club Why or Why Not
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During the week there are mostly training rides and on weekends there are all kinds of cue-sheet rides. Of course A rides are typically faster and C rides typically slower and shorter, but the most significant distinction between them is the degree of paceline skill expected. A rides you're expected to be able to stay in a tight line up and down hills in a smoothly rotating paceline - consistent effort over varying terrain, maintaining a specified pace on flats in calm conditions. Anyone who can keep up is generally welcome on other rides, but if you aren't already proficient at paceline riding, on B rides you're expected to develop such skills, and on C rides you're taught them.
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NYCC offers organization. A few rides are unlimited (like the ride of the course in advance of the NYC Marathon) but almost all rides are limited in size by their leaders - a single leader may accept as many as 12 or as few as six, but more popular rides have multiple leaders and can be bigger. In order to be assured of being allowed to participate, you have to sign up in advance. That's why I joined. You can't participate in the online forum or ride sign-up unless you're a member.
During the week there are mostly training rides and on weekends there are all kinds of cue-sheet rides. Of course A rides are typically faster and C rides typically slower and shorter, but the most significant distinction between them is the degree of paceline skill expected. A rides you're expected to be able to stay in a tight line up and down hills in a smoothly rotating paceline - consistent effort over varying terrain, maintaining a specified pace on flats in calm conditions. Anyone who can keep up is generally welcome on other rides, but if you aren't already proficient at paceline riding, on B rides you're expected to develop such skills, and on C rides you're taught them.
During the week there are mostly training rides and on weekends there are all kinds of cue-sheet rides. Of course A rides are typically faster and C rides typically slower and shorter, but the most significant distinction between them is the degree of paceline skill expected. A rides you're expected to be able to stay in a tight line up and down hills in a smoothly rotating paceline - consistent effort over varying terrain, maintaining a specified pace on flats in calm conditions. Anyone who can keep up is generally welcome on other rides, but if you aren't already proficient at paceline riding, on B rides you're expected to develop such skills, and on C rides you're taught them.
#28
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I joined our local bicycle club this past spring, so as a newbie, I'll share what made it easy for me.
1. I was introduced to it at an early spring charity ride sponsored by the club, (which also coicided with a 5k run). I had been commuting by bike, and wanted to ride with other people. This ride was pretty relaxed, not too fast, and they have a no rider left behind motto. Good experience for a 24 mile ride.
2. I rode a few group rides after this (as "prospective member"). My club is not very strict. They welcome newcomers on most rides, with the understanding that if you will be riding every week, you should pay the @20 dues.
3. 2 weekly rides: - Monday night is the more aggressive ride (&advertised as such). 1 major climbs, usually a group of 4 speedy riders who take off and are not seen again (25-28mph on the flats)...the rest of us (6-7) go a bit slower (19-21 mph on the flats), but still pretty quick, but wait at a few designated spots for people to catch up, and if someone new is lagging, a regular will go back and ride with them. ...--> Thursday night ride is more relaxed, no big hills, slower pace, about 20 miles...also with a few "stop and refuiel" places.
4. On about half the Saturdays, there are special rides, often longer destination rides, like to a restaurant in a nearby town...ride 25 miles, eat lunch, ride back...something like that.
5. They'll also sponsor several other charity rides throughout the season, often corresponding with local festivals and 5k runs.
To summarize, I felt welcome as a newbie because I knew I generally won't be left behind, because i knew a few of the people already, and because I wanted the groups to push me to go faster, which groups always do. Our group has no discounts, so that's not an issue, and I doubt it would be for most people...bottom line is: do newer people have an avenue to get started without feeling belittled or looked down on?
1. I was introduced to it at an early spring charity ride sponsored by the club, (which also coicided with a 5k run). I had been commuting by bike, and wanted to ride with other people. This ride was pretty relaxed, not too fast, and they have a no rider left behind motto. Good experience for a 24 mile ride.
2. I rode a few group rides after this (as "prospective member"). My club is not very strict. They welcome newcomers on most rides, with the understanding that if you will be riding every week, you should pay the @20 dues.
3. 2 weekly rides: - Monday night is the more aggressive ride (&advertised as such). 1 major climbs, usually a group of 4 speedy riders who take off and are not seen again (25-28mph on the flats)...the rest of us (6-7) go a bit slower (19-21 mph on the flats), but still pretty quick, but wait at a few designated spots for people to catch up, and if someone new is lagging, a regular will go back and ride with them. ...--> Thursday night ride is more relaxed, no big hills, slower pace, about 20 miles...also with a few "stop and refuiel" places.
4. On about half the Saturdays, there are special rides, often longer destination rides, like to a restaurant in a nearby town...ride 25 miles, eat lunch, ride back...something like that.
5. They'll also sponsor several other charity rides throughout the season, often corresponding with local festivals and 5k runs.
To summarize, I felt welcome as a newbie because I knew I generally won't be left behind, because i knew a few of the people already, and because I wanted the groups to push me to go faster, which groups always do. Our group has no discounts, so that's not an issue, and I doubt it would be for most people...bottom line is: do newer people have an avenue to get started without feeling belittled or looked down on?
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I joined a local club because when I was starting to ride, they had beginner appropriate rides that helped me explore the area and feel safer than riding alone. Then, as my riding progressed, there were other types of rides available. They have hill rides and hammer rides and leisurely rides. There are also people that I can ask advice from, such as experienced solo tourers (I do remain the only woman in the club with the nerve to solo tour). I also ride with another club that isn't as well organized but does meet very close to my house so they are convenient.
I already get discounts in a couple of the LBS just because I am a regular customer who treats the employees with respect.
I already get discounts in a couple of the LBS just because I am a regular customer who treats the employees with respect.
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Also, tap into your own existing network of riding buddy's and make sure all of them are part of the club. Encourage all skill-levels of riders to join and help mentor new riders. This has been the key to some of the local clubs I've seen in my area. Leave the elitism at the door and be friendly to noobs on their first road bike. I know when I first started, I was extremely intimidated to join rides on my own or even approach some of the guys who looked like they had been riding for ages and I was only on my first summer of "serious" riding. I had to learn a lot through trial and error before some more experienced riders were kind enough to offer friendly advice and insight.
Good luck to expanding your club!
#31
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I'm really not much of a joiner. I do understand the social aspect and that the weekly club rides might get some out more often.
#32
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I joined a club recently. For me, I was not aware of the safer places to ride and figured a club would help me find them. Now, I find the people fun to be with and are a great bunch. The only downside for those who might be younger is that the club averages in the 50's. Not sure how many teens, 20's and 30's want to be with an older crowd.
I find that riding with a club pushes me to ride faster and farther than I would have done on my own. I find myself more confident as well. I have gone on the same streets we ride on during club rides but they are not as fun nor do I go as fast.
I find that riding with a club pushes me to ride faster and farther than I would have done on my own. I find myself more confident as well. I have gone on the same streets we ride on during club rides but they are not as fun nor do I go as fast.
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NYCC offers organization. A few rides are unlimited (like the ride of the course in advance of the NYC Marathon) but almost all rides are limited in size by their leaders - a single leader may accept as many as 12 or as few as six, but more popular rides have multiple leaders and can be bigger. In order to be assured of being allowed to participate, you have to sign up in advance. That's why I joined. You can't participate in the online forum or ride sign-up unless you're a member.
And if you forget sign up for a ride in advance, or not sure whether you can attend, then just show up, do they not let you ride in their group that day? Or do they make you pull the first 5 miles.
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This may in itself yield insight as to why sometimes riders become disinterested in clubs. Riders may well enjoy cycling at higher speeds as they become fitter and fitter and therefore capable of "A" level speeds, and as well enjoy riding with groups of people for the social aspect. However, at the same time there may be no interest whatsoever in learning pacelining skills. These rides become technical exercises, as opposed to the social and recreational endeavors that got people riding in the first place.
#35
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I joined the SBRA because I wanted to be able to do group rides. Our club allows you to ride as a guest only once, thereafter you must be a member. There are rides every day of the week, multiple rides as a matter of fact. They range from short to medium to longer distance, and from level D through A. I've met a lot of great people through the club. I've also learned to ride in a paceline and to handle my bike better. The club rides have also shown me better, less traveled routes to ride.
Tom
Tom
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Many areas have C groups which travel at lower speeds and a more relaxed pace line. These groups tend to be very social and are not interested in pushing the pace. I know several people that have participated in these groups and feel most comfortable with them. If they don't have any interest in progressing to the B group to challenge themselves, no one is pushing them to do so. It is important to have a variety of speed groups for the wide range of cyclist's with different levels of fitness and experience.
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Curious, are you saying if you have four or five riders show up for a group ride, the ride is cancelled?
And if you forget sign up for a ride in advance, or not sure whether you can attend, then just show up, do they not let you ride in their group that day? Or do they make you pull the first 5 miles.
And if you forget sign up for a ride in advance, or not sure whether you can attend, then just show up, do they not let you ride in their group that day? Or do they make you pull the first 5 miles.
In the second instance, same story -- leader discretion. This will depend on a couple things. If the ride size is exceeded by you showing up. Ie. leader is only comfortable taking 10 riders and all that were allowed to register, and you're the 11th (or 12, 13th or 14th if a few people had the same idea). If in this example you're the 8th rider, because a couple riders cancelled, then you'd be allowed to go (after signing a waiver).
#38
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So I have been working with my local cycling club and they are having a hard time finding members and keeping the community alive. Member of the club get some benefits such as discounts at bike shops and they also do some community work like bikes for kids and the less fortunate. Membership is relatively cheap $30 for the year and that gets you 10-20% discount at shops.
Although the majority of you are not from New Hampshire I'm still curious what motivates you to join a cycling club. What reason would you join and what reason would you not join. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you
Although the majority of you are not from New Hampshire I'm still curious what motivates you to join a cycling club. What reason would you join and what reason would you not join. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you
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If you join any club be sure they are incorporated, be sure they have liability insurance, be sure if you are an officer you are protected with insurance from litigation.
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My club the membership is $20.00 a year or $25.00 for a family.
It is a large club with approx. 1200 members. There are multiple rides everyday and on weekends there are sometimes 6 or 7 rides posted for a particular day.
With the membership, the club pays for BikeJournal, which I think cost more that $20.00 a year.
There is insurance if you have an accident on a club ride, there are lots of social events.
We do new rider rides where experienced riders help out the newbees, they have training for metric or century rides for the beginners.
One of the main reasons I joined is the club does bikes for kids, where we raise $ to purchase new bikes and helmets for the young kids in need and the club has a party where we assemble the bikes and send them out to the Christmas Mother how handles getting them for Christmas. This year our goal is 400 new bikes.
I remember getting my first bike and I think of all those kids getting a brand new bike and helmet that otherwise would not receive one due if our club did not do this.
It is a large club with approx. 1200 members. There are multiple rides everyday and on weekends there are sometimes 6 or 7 rides posted for a particular day.
With the membership, the club pays for BikeJournal, which I think cost more that $20.00 a year.
There is insurance if you have an accident on a club ride, there are lots of social events.
We do new rider rides where experienced riders help out the newbees, they have training for metric or century rides for the beginners.
One of the main reasons I joined is the club does bikes for kids, where we raise $ to purchase new bikes and helmets for the young kids in need and the club has a party where we assemble the bikes and send them out to the Christmas Mother how handles getting them for Christmas. This year our goal is 400 new bikes.
I remember getting my first bike and I think of all those kids getting a brand new bike and helmet that otherwise would not receive one due if our club did not do this.
#41
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I am not part of a club. I don't know of any clubs in my area, but I am sure there are some. I know there are some racing teams. I would like to find a club that offers faster rides than the ones offered by the bike shops around but mainly, I would like some help with getting started with racing. So my advice for clubs would be: be easy to find and offer guidance to beginners, whether they are beginners to riding or racing.
#42
~>~
The racing cyclist you see on the road are affiliated w/ a club.
https://www.usacycling.org/clubs/
Here you go: search your state & location, join a club and have at it.
There is a well established cycling club organization in the USA to promote development in all classes.
-Bandera
https://www.usacycling.org/clubs/
Here you go: search your state & location, join a club and have at it.
There is a well established cycling club organization in the USA to promote development in all classes.
-Bandera
#43
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I am not part of a club. I don't know of any clubs in my area, but I am sure there are some. I know there are some racing teams. I would like to find a club that offers faster rides than the ones offered by the bike shops around but mainly, I would like some help with getting started with racing. So my advice for clubs would be: be easy to find and offer guidance to beginners, whether they are beginners to riding or racing.
#44
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I have belonged to a couple of clubs over the years. The one I belong to now is a "meetup" group. We have an organized ride somewhere every day. Sometimes two rides. Morning and evening. I can always find someone to ride with. We do have bike shop discounts and some other discounts. We have rides for all levels and have a no drop policy on most rides. We have around 1000 members signed up although there is a much smaller "core" that attends rides. I seldom have to ride alone if I don't want to although I can if that is what I want to do. We are centered in the Chino area of Southern California. The name of the club is "BoBies" (butts on bikes). Great group and great organizers. Keith and Janet Berg started the club and are the overseers and keep things going. We get new members all the time. Very friendly folks. No snobs in the group.
I joined because it has become a focus of my cycling and gets me out the door. I really like the social interaction as well.
I joined because it has become a focus of my cycling and gets me out the door. I really like the social interaction as well.
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I wouldn't personally, but not because I think there's anything wrong with them. I enjoy the solitude of riding alone. Whether it's a hard ride, where I'm pushing myself or a leisurely ride...I prefer riding alone without the consideration that goes into riding with groups. When I do want to ride in a group, there's no less that 5 bike shops around me that have Saturday and Sunday morning rides and welcome riders of all skill levels. As far as discounts go...with Ebay, Amazon, Merlin, Wiggle, Ribble, etc...I doubt the discount angle would be worth it, either.
#46
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In the first instance, its up to the group leader, who probably wouldn't cancel the ride if he/she want to ride.
In the second instance, same story -- leader discretion. This will depend on a couple things. If the ride size is exceeded by you showing up. Ie. leader is only comfortable taking 10 riders and all that were allowed to register, and you're the 11th (or 12, 13th or 14th if a few people had the same idea). If in this example you're the 8th rider, because a couple riders cancelled, then you'd be allowed to go (after signing a waiver).
In the second instance, same story -- leader discretion. This will depend on a couple things. If the ride size is exceeded by you showing up. Ie. leader is only comfortable taking 10 riders and all that were allowed to register, and you're the 11th (or 12, 13th or 14th if a few people had the same idea). If in this example you're the 8th rider, because a couple riders cancelled, then you'd be allowed to go (after signing a waiver).
This may in itself yield insight as to why sometimes riders become disinterested in clubs. Riders may well enjoy cycling at higher speeds as they become fitter and fitter and therefore capable of "A" level speeds, and as well enjoy riding with groups of people for the social aspect. However, at the same time there may be no interest whatsoever in learning pacelining skills. These rides become technical exercises, as opposed to the social and recreational endeavors that got people riding in the first place.
#47
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I'm considering joining my local club for the group rides and because I may start racing next season if my weight comes off to the point I feel I can do it. I'll always be a Clyde and I'll be Masters age too.
#48
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Distinction between Cycling and Bike Riding?
This may in itself yield insight as to why sometimes riders become disinterested in clubs...at the same time there may be no interest whatsoever in learning pacelining skills. These rides become technical exercises, as opposed to the social and recreational endeavors that got people riding in the first place.
An then there are those who, for whatever reason, like the challenge and reward of technical riding, developing proficiency, and all the rest. These would enjoy a club that has the progression from C>B>A performance. Riding is a sport.
Each to his/her own.
#49
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My club won't allow you to lead rides unless you are a member.
Also, members get discounted registration for certain events. For example, every year my club runs a ride to Brooklyn. The cost is $65 for members. $75 for non-members. Yearly club dues are only $15 for the entire household. I live with my GF and we both do the Brooklyn ride every year. Paying the $15 membership fees saves us $20 on that event alone. We also have spring and fall getaway weekends that are discounted for club members. And the club has an annual picnic that is held at the pro race in Philly. Free food and beer for members.
#50
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I joined a road club in 1989. We have 500 members and I can always find someone to ride with. Have met some great friends and had some great times. These people have become a big part of my life, and I'm glad I joined.
Never really thought about the discounts, etc.
Never really thought about the discounts, etc.