wphamilton

I've never joined a club ride let alone a club. I don't have anything against it, and I'd probably ride along if I knew about a ride, and the ride started at passed by somewhere not too far out of my way after work. So if you wanted someone like me to join, your best bet would be to make the ride information public, easy to find and current. Something beyond a posting on someone's Facebook page or outdated entry in a "local rides" list.

I've seen ride sheets posted in a bike shop (now defunct) that frankly left me inclined to avoid them. The group, which I would often encounter going the other way, seemed disorganized and sketchy. Some professionalism would go a long ways to attracting members - keep in mind that the cycling public does see the notices, and observes the rides and riders, and they evaluate you.

Bandera

This is one of the best ways to decide what groups/clubs to join/avoid.
Aside from the obvious difference between a Cycling racing club and a Social club observing the actual behavior of a group on the road will show who is serious, solid and safe.

A disorganized, straggling testosterone-poisoned "Ego-Ride" doesn't look or behave like a Racing club training ride or experienced Randonneurs working together on the open public roads.
If the group looks cohesive, relaxed, attentive and is moving right smartly along they might be worth checking up on.

-Bandera

tomarie

I can share from a different point of view.

I run a lot, actually just started having sort of interest in road cycling cause there are many out there where I live.
While running 20-30Kilometers each Saturday ( Rest day in Israel ) you get to see all those groups riding together and socializing. It has 2 major advantages
1. socialize with people in a specific field of interest.
2. with or without noticing your efforts will drastically improve while training with some others.

On the other hand I do enjoy my time of running by myself ( which is 90% of the time ), its like a meditation and could be fully achieved when you are alone.

Shuffleman

My club advocates cycling in the community but to be honest I do not get involved in any of that. I have zero interest in it. I work at work so I do not want to be a leader in my hobbies. My club has a ride for A, B and C riders every Sat. and Tues. I only ride with them on Sat. You do not have to be a member to ride but most of us are. We have to pay for our own Jerseys, which I have done. I rarely wear it and do not like it but to pay $45 for a membership 1x per year is not going to hurt me. If it helps to support the community, I am all for it. I enjoy riding with the group on organized rides once a week. There is no pressure to ride so I can do my solo rides as well. I live in a very small town with one shop. We ride out of the shops parking lot every week. I feel it is important to support the community and the shop. Again, I do not volunteer for things or get active in the advocacy as I just do not have time for that. There are others that do and they put quite a bit of time and effort into it. The least that I can do is support them with my $45. Thankfully, the jersey was a 1x only thing. I am picky about my clothing and do not like the Nascar look of club jerseys. I also do not care for the brand or material so I can pass on that portion. We get no discounts that I know of and it is really not a big deal anyway.

obed7

I have never been interested in clubs. I usually ride alone or with my wife or my son...if I wanted group rides, the Houston area is chock full of LBS and almost all of them have rides every weekend and most have week night rides in the spring and summer...
There are some clubs here in the area and I have looked at a few of their websites... they are all either too large and impersonal or their websites are very disorganized and not inviting. I guess I am just not much of a club person but I would not say that I would not join one if the situation fit me.

Agent Cooper

I have a concern. I always thought I was "moseying along." But now I think I may have been merely "plootering about" all this time. How can I be sure? Should I submit a ride video?

Bandera

Proper Plootering about technique involves the opposite behavior of Captain Fast posing in the Starbucks parking lot w/ his Team Shy Pinnalized/Specerrelo replica braying "53X11, 400 Watts & HTFU!".
Plootering is a ride about on any bicycle with no particular purpose other than to go for a nice bike ride.
Special costumes, aerodynamic doo-dads or extensive electronics are not required, although a friendly sounding bell is recommended.
A vague slightly distracted smile should replace the grim "race face" of the hideously over rated "training ride".
Stopping for no particular reason and getting slightly lost are an integral part of Plootering.

Here's a pic of my dedicated Plootering about machine:



Thanks for your interest in this essential style of enjoying riding about on a bicycle.

-Bandera

WSWIII

I ride with an organized group, but there isn't a membership fee and we don't have matching kits (yet). Our rides are open to everyone, so someone we don't know might tag along. It's more about developing a positive cycling community in our city more than having an established club. I would not be opposed to joining a club where you pay, but I do want it to be a friendly environment.

RPK79

That is a very nice plootering bag.

Bandera

Thank you, it's a '70's Schwinn Approved made in England model that is equipped with a Dashiell Hammet novel and a wine bottle opener for advanced Plootering about.
If your club holds a Plootering about expect everyone to wander off in random directions and not return.

-Bandera

Agent Cooper

Many thanks, good sir! I have, it seems, been dabbling at the plootering art for many years now. It is invaluable to have this confirmed by a professional.