I'm having a hard time thinking for myself today (other life-changing issues on the brain), so here it is:

Would you join an LBS's club if you had no desire to race? As a way of supporting the LBS and meeting folks?

The club in question: https://www.threesports.com/club3sports/index.php

Seems pretty decent to me. We have two clubs here, well one is a club the other is a racing team but they are pretty compatible. They ride together with the racers going out faster than the rec/new people. I plan on joining the club here. Of course the fee here is only $15 and you "can" purchase jerseys, etc. if you want but its not part of your fee and its not required. I just found out how nice it is to meet others and get to know new people. Good Luck on whatever you decide.

You don't have to race, or be a racer, but at least help them set up cones on race day....

Would I? No. But that's because I am not the clubby type and wouldn't want the "kit". I support local racing by volunteering at the race that goes through my town each year. I'd support my LBS by giving them my business if I think they deserved it.

Yeah, that's stuff I'd be happy doing. Maybe that's my true cycling calling, being a soigneur. I guess I'm worried about the day(s) I choose to wear the team jersey, and someone asks, "So you race for team x?" ...Poseur!

What's with the cockroach theme?

Superdex, have you looked at RABA? They seem geared more toward recreational riders.

Like I stated before we have a club that has nothing to do with racing, other than helping out or individuals who choose to race, but we still have "club" jerseys. If someone doesn't know the difference then there opinion really shouldn't matter anyway.

eh, sure, why not?! Great way to meet people, the kit's pretty cool looking too.

yeah I dunno, something about enduring anything?

My experience with RABA is they're mostly retirees, which is wonderful, and I've ridden with them a few times, but not my age group (I'm 33). Shrug...

While having drama, life-altering, or stressful events it may or may not be the best time to join. But maybe its something tolook at down the ride it might be nice to look at.

Yes, they are all over the place, at least here in Mass ... those clubs are worth joining, IMO.

Just tell them you are the water boy/girl

We have a few non-racing clubs around here and a few that are racing clubs. Both have riders that do not race and race. The difference being, the non-racing clubs have more relaxed rides, more of a social thing, and are very beginner friendly with clinics on riding and mechanics.

The racing clubs have faster, longer rides, not to much socializing (during the ride) and realy have no beginner rides unless you are an aspiring racer or need to realy push your self.

Both will help you meet new riders to ride with if you do not like riding by your self all the time. I would guess your lbs' club is the same. They may cater to racers but will welcome any one who can ride with them. Go out on a ride with them and see if you like what they are about before deciding to join.

As far as doing it to support the lbs, naw I would not, just buy your equipment from them. Same for supporting the local racers, just volunteer to help out at the races if you are not realy into the group rides.

Yes. All over the country. There is a national organization called the League of American Bicyclists that does legal advocacy and helps local bike clubs get started. They have a listing on their website of local bike clubs that is searchable by state. They also have a ride schedule search page that doesn't seem to work for the rides in my area, though I know there are usually 2-3 rides scheduled each day of the week this time of year in the MInneapolis area.

In my area the recreational bike club riders are mostly an over 40 crowd, not quite retired yet and not that slow either.

I say go for it ... joining our local club in 1990 is what really got me into biking and putting in the miles, etc.

We have TWO clubs that are not affiliated with race teams, etc. and that are League of American Bicyclists (previously known as "Wheelmen") members. One of the clubs is supposedly one of the largest in the country with ~900 members ... Louisville Bicycle Club in Kentucky.

I don't see a ride schedule listed. If all they do is race and train to race, then maybe you should look for a club with a different format.