How long before joining a club

beefcake2
beefcake2 Posts: 157
edited September 2010 in Road beginners
Hello

I have been gradually building up the miles on my rides. 6 weeks ago I did 48 miles (1900 feet climb) although the last few were a killer! I was then off the bike until this week due to illness, work/family commitments. I went out yesterday and did 30 miles in around 2 hours. I am still not exactly fit, I weigh around 17.5 stone and am asthmatic.

I was looking at joining the local CTC club and was looking at their club runs list. I noticed that there was a run on Sunday totaling about 55 miles with a total of 3000ft climb. I don't want to tag along on a ride only to be holding everyone up so I was wandering if you guys had any suggestions of how long I should wait before trying one of their runs or what I could be doing in the meantime.

Thanks

Beefcake2

Comments

  • explosifpete
    explosifpete Posts: 1,327
    most clubs have groups of different ability and are normally very friendly.
    Also it is easyer to ride in a group so you would be able to ride further than normal.
    In short go join a club you will get out on the bike more and get better
    http://www.iwaxstudio.co.uk/
  • explosifpete
    explosifpete Posts: 1,327
    most clubs have groups of different ability and are normally very friendly.
    Also it is easyer to ride in a group so you would be able to ride further than normal.
    In short go join a club you will get out on the bike more and get better
    http://www.iwaxstudio.co.uk/
  • Hals1967
    Hals1967 Posts: 231
    Just keep doing what you're doing already.

    Most clubs have sections for varying abilities so I'm sure you'll find one to suit.

    Saying that, I've yet to join a club but am quite happy beetling around on my own but I must admit the club social side is inviting.

    1967 Engine
  • Pretre
    Pretre Posts: 355
    I would think that CTC rides won't be that fast - CTC rides are more for touring/Audax type of riders rather than racing chaingangs
  • jibberjim
    jibberjim Posts: 2,810
    Go ride with the CTC guys, being able to do 3+ hour rides by yourself at 13-15mph, you'll have no trouble with a CTC ride, and if you do find yourself struggling and lost. Just talk to 'em, and tell them you'll turn off and head home - take a map so you know your way if need be.

    But I really doubt you'll have a problem. Riding in a group is much more enjoyable than solo.
    Jibbering Sports Stuff: http://jibbering.com/sports/
  • Dunkeldog
    Dunkeldog Posts: 138
    I'm not really a 'club type' being a bit of a happy loner. I'd be much happier with a buddy rather than a group but it's very hard trying to persuade a mate a 100km bike ride is just the ticket to burn the Sunday lie-in for!
  • Erudin
    Erudin Posts: 136
    You should be fine to join, I've improved a lot since doing CTC rides the last few Sundays, there is a mixture of abilities in the CTC group I ride with, and the routes are great.

    Some join up with the ride at the coffee stop, or break off after reaching the coffee stop/destination or on the way back. Take plenty of food, water, maybe some Nuun or similar hydration tablets too so you don't run out of energy. Drink often and top your water bottles up when you can on longer rides.

    The lot I ride with regroup at road junctions/hilltops until the last few miles, when I punctured the other day one came back and checked I was ok. See if your local group has a website with ride lists, contact the ride leader for advice if you like as they tend to set the pace and type of ride.

    Make sure you have plenty of low gears, so you can cope with all the hills.

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