Where do I start!

ChattyMitchie

I've recently bought a Cube Axial Comp to commute to work, and I'm loving getting out on the roads. The commute is about 9 miles each way which isn't far but I'm quite fit as I just ran the marathon.

I really want to start doing some racing, but I have NO idea where to start, or the types of race I could take part in? I don't even have any experience of riding in a group yet, and wonder whether the first step should be to join a club - but do they welcome real novices? I have no idea of the speed clubs generally ride at, or the distance they go!

Any advice on where to start, and the level I should be at before I consider joining a club/starting to race would be greatly appreciated!

Anonymous

Join a club. Simple as!

My cycling improved leaps and bouns when I joined a club. Then you can get used to riding in a group which is essential before you start racing or you'll be a danger to yourself and others. It's hard enough when the hammer goes down on a club training ride!

on the road

NapoleonD wrote:

Join a club. Simple as!

+1

I don't race myself but if you want to race then the organisers of the races usually insist that you be a member of a club.

Barkiesnake

+1 more for join a club
i recently did even though i have no intention of racing, i plan to ride some sportives and the group skills i'm learning in training sessions are also helping improve my overall fitness and skills.
Don't worry about being a complete novice, my experience is that they are more than happy to help.

ChattyMitchie

Thanks guys - so generally on a club run what sort of pace are you expected to keep? What's an average sort of ride distance - 30/40/50 miles?

Hate being a beginner .... :shock:

Anonymous

A decent club will go at the speed of the slowest rider, clubs usually have more sedate rides and faster rides and advertise them as such. Just go along and have bloody good fun!

If you get dropped, don't worry, just keep going back for more!

ChattyMitchie

Probably a stupid question - what does getting dropped mean?!

I generally average around 18 - 22 mph (unless it's really hilly) is that too slow for even the slowest group?!

Anonymous

Getting dropped means you can't keep up with the group. It is easier to ride in a group because of the slipstream effect so when you get dropped you have to work even harder to get back on because you will have to be riding faster than the group and you're on your own! Moral - don't get dropped, no matter how hard you are finding it

You'll be fine whatever speed you go at, as I said, a decent club will have rides where they go the speed of the slowest rider.

As a great philosopher once wrote (or was it an advertising executive?) -

Just do it!

ChattyMitchie

Thanks Napoleon

It's strange getting into a sport where I know nothing ... although I'm beginning to realise a few important things - that most people seem to match their lycra with their bike ... I'll have to rethink my wardrobe!

Anonymous

Heh heh. The spending's never ending

Any questions don't be afraid to ask, there are loads of people on here with lots of experience and knowledge who are more than happy to help. That said, there are a few nutters too...

ChattyMitchie

Yeah I've read a few posts which seem to fall in the category 'nutters'

One day it'll be me on here discussing the pros and cons of a compact versus triple chainset ... chuckling at all the stupid questions from beginners

I'm just too injured to run at the moment and really want to get out and do soemthing competitive but I guess I'll have to sort out my lycra first, and then get along to a club!

Gary D

If you are averaging 18-22 mph on your own, you will have no problems at all on an average club run. In fact, you might get one or two shouting at you to slow down (me - if it was my club :oops: ).

Also, from what I understand and have read on forums (so it must be true ) , clubs vary dramatically in their attitudes and approach to newcomers. I was very lucky in that my local club were fantastic. Others on here have clearly picked a club that didn't suit them and so have developed a jaundiced view on what Cycle Clubs are all about.
I hope you are lucky as well, but if you are not, don't just give up - find and try another club in your area. The majority are very good

Good luck,
Gary.

peanut1978

EPO

Mettan

ChattyMitchie wrote:

Thanks guys - so generally on a club run what sort of pace are you expected to keep? What's an average sort of ride distance - 30/40/50 miles?

Hate being a beginner .... :shock:

If you can finish a 40-50 miler with a ~ 15-17 mph avg you'll be fine on a club run.

Re. Racing, a typical route is via BC Silver and then get a racing licence (that's what I did). The standard is high - at minimum, riding solo you really need to be able to do a 17.5-18 mph avg over 40-50 miles IMHO. On race day, if you want to finish in the pack, you'll be doing 30-50 miles (race length) with a 23-24 mph avg (it's hard work).

Anonymous

Our club runs average about 15-17mph, the training rides can be a, erm, bit faster... :shock:

That said, I only started in Summer 07, I was 18 stone, all upper body strength, zero (and I mean zero) cardio fitness, it was all weights.

I really struggled at first with the club training rides but until the incident I was going great and had joined in the faster training ride...

It's amazing how much you improve after joining a good club...

ChattyMitchie

blimey .. well I better get my fitness up on my commute to work (and keep my knee in one piece - by the way does anyone else suffer with iliotibial band syndrome? - just ran the marathon and it's flared up in knee and both hips) and then work on joining a club once I can cycle a bit further at the same average speed .....

Anonymous

Seriously, join a club ASAP! (once knees and hips sorted!)

You are in better shape than I was when I joined one.

lfc_westy

i dont know if any one has already suggested but google british cycling federation and go on thier website... bye a racing licence and then check out some races.. they show everyone in your area
hope that helps