Joining a club. Yay or Nay?

Stevie2wheels

Hi all,

After nearly 20 years away from cycling and now returning and absoultely loving it, I was just wondering if any of you newbies found it benificial joining a cycling club?

I've been back on track now for a year and have been mostly riding myself. I have lost over 2 stone in weight and have nice shapely legs now!! But I'm thinking of doing a few sportives this year and just think that a club may bring me on that bit better.

What do you reckon?

Thanks,
Stevie.

rick_chasey

Yeah

Why not?

hopper1

If you enjoy riding with others, understand that you'll not get on with everyone, then the least you could do is give it a try.
Check out all your local options, then contact the possibles, have a chat and see how you feel.
all clubs will let you ride with them first, before expecting a commitment to join.

STEFANOS4784

Ask Jez.

Anyhoo, depends on the club you can always go along to a group ride to see what you think...

cathald

I joined up at my local club this year and I think is is of good benefit to me
They have 3 classes a,b & c I went out with the c group(leisure cyclists) but got a quick 1st run, it was most of the youth team who like to race one another but after a few mile they always have a regroup
Anyhow I am enjoying this very friendly bunch
As it is my first year also it only cost me€40 for the year including insurance

Cathal

MikeWW

Joined a club shortly after getting a road bike and found it has helped a lot
Started with the quicker guys and got stuffed but stuck with it and can ride with them OK now. Just work out what you want that's all-race, fitness, recreational?

mellisr1

I say go for it.

I'd always been put off joining a club as I thought I'd not keep up. however, a new club in cheshire started up and it was great, designed to be more inclusive and help bring people on.

I agree with the above, think about exactly what you want from a club then look into a few or give them an email. It's a shame but you are probalby too far from west lothian clarion http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/ as they seem to cater for quite a range of people/abilities/cycling types.

My geography knowledge of Scotland is rubbish but maybe try http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/si ... finder.asp and see if any are local to you. Most have websites.

I say go for it. as long as you choose the right type of club what what you want, you will benefit.
hope this helps
Matt

Anonymous

STEFANOS4784 wrote:

Ask Jez.

Anyhoo, depends on the club you can always go along to a group ride to see what you think...

Hee hee you're a bad man. Funny, bad.

Scrumple

you can always leave....

steven7319

Anyone know any good clubs in the south yorkshire area?

sheffsimon

steven7319 wrote:

Anyone know any good clubs in the south yorkshire area?

SheffRec have a good reputation, google Sheffrec for their website.

Stevie2wheels

Thanks for all the advice folks, you'va all been really helpful. I think I may join my local Dunfermline club and see how things progress.

I think my biggest woory is tha i would be left behind and embarrassed! But I'll give it a go.

Thanks,
Stevie.

bennj

Don't worry about being left behind, a good club will probably have a couple of groups that will cater for different pace/distance. and usually a club run will never leave anyone behind, this may mean the group waiting at the top of a climb or a road junction having dropped someone but they will wait.

Just get yourself in the middle of the pack to start with and sit on the wheel of the stronger guys, they will shelter you and you will be amazed what pace you can achieve in the bunch!!

I joined a club last year after years of cycling on my own and it has bought me on leaps and bounds, so go for it. [/quote]

Chip \'oyler

steven7319 wrote:

Anyone know any good clubs in the south yorkshire area?

Depends whereabouts in the People's Republic you are. Doncaster Wheelers are a very active club. Rotherham area Thurcroft CC are good as well.

The_Beast

I think I'll join a club when I get fit, so hopefully the summer time, I'm not even close yet, LOL.