Cycling clubs SE London / North Kent
plb
Posts: 7
Apologies if this has already been asked, but I searched and came up with nothing, and didn't want to wake up any three year old threads only vaguely related.
Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for cycle clubs in SE London/North Kent? I've been riding a road bike now for just short of two years and, though I'm not superfit, I do alright in terms of longer distances (average speed is another story). I've always cycled alone, and love it, but I've just upgraded, and I'd like to give group rides a try - even just for the experience.
The problem is, I've not been enamoured with the local "superclub" down here: getting pushed onto the verge on country lanes by them cycling three abreast, without a second glance - that kind of thing. I know most have websites, but they all claim to be "welcoming" and "friendly", so any recommendations would be welcome.
Thanks.
Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for cycle clubs in SE London/North Kent? I've been riding a road bike now for just short of two years and, though I'm not superfit, I do alright in terms of longer distances (average speed is another story). I've always cycled alone, and love it, but I've just upgraded, and I'd like to give group rides a try - even just for the experience.
The problem is, I've not been enamoured with the local "superclub" down here: getting pushed onto the verge on country lanes by them cycling three abreast, without a second glance - that kind of thing. I know most have websites, but they all claim to be "welcoming" and "friendly", so any recommendations would be welcome.
Thanks.
0
Posts
Not a "superclub" in size, but a "superclub" in friendly atmosphere and encouragement. Based in Eltham, SE London and usually head out to NW Kent so ticks both of your boxes.
If you want more info PM me, I'm a member and ride with the group a few times a month.
Trek Madone 5.5c (2010) - For pleasure http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o62 ... G_0413.jpg
Would that be in Dulwich
I live in Sundridge Park (near Bromley) - that club looks interesting to me to - I like the levels they have and it seems like an up to date blog and kinda fun - I will ask the guy I usually ride with at weekends if he feels like giving it a go. We normally do 40 to 50 mile rides but he is a real git and keeps taking me up and down the South down hills
It's either that or one near Catford
Have been riding with TeamLEC for 18 months now. Started out as a 17st porker not being able to ride above 14mph for any distance of time to doing the Q10/26 TT Course at West Kingsdown in just under 28 mins at around 14st 8lbs. Cant tell you what the club has done for me.
Here's the proof with my before and after shots, in the TeamLEC jersey
We're off to Box Hill this coming Sunday. Looking at around 80 miles in total. I wouldnt suggest you throw yourself in at the deep end first up, keep an eye on the ride calendar and come along on one of the shorter rides first.
Its very much a social club. There's a good few of us that train our ars*'s off but the majority just ride for fun and thats what the Sunday ride's are all about. We ride at the pace of the slowest rider so no one gets left behind. We also run a regular beginners course / fit camp club to help newbie's increase their confidence before coming out on some of the longer rides.
If you've got any questions, feel free to PM me. I run the website too.
[I'll keep my thoughts about Dulwich Paragon to myself if you dont mind as I dont want to turn the air blue
Oh go on! I see loads of their riders round my way (hardly surprising considering I live near Dulwich) and they seem fine to me. I find it a little weird that they wear their DP gear all of the time, as though they have been indoctrinated into some kind of cult, but perhaps that's flawed perception (or maybe they just get their kit cheap).
I too would like to join a club one day, but Sunday riding is out for the time being given my job and my family life.
Congrats on the weight loss JohnBoy!
I don't think they all wear the kit, they have hundreds of members or at least hundreds of people turn up to their club rides and I would say that most of them don't even own the kit...
Probably stating the obvious, but if they weren't wearing their kit you wouldn't know they were Dulwich. I tend to wear mine for racing and sometimes for a club run (if I don't have a race coming up), otherwise I'll be in any old kit!
Hence my flawed perception comment.
Like I say, I usually get a friendly wave whenever I pass a DP rider, and although I can sympathise with newbies feeling a little intimidated by such things, I kind of like the idea of joining a club where the members will encourage me to push myself harder when out on a run.
Others to have a look at are Woolwich CC (who I've not ridden with, but they go out from Danson Park in Welling), and also Greenwich Tritons go out from the Blackheath Tea Hut. They're a triathlon club and like to train hard. Maybe not as social as the others. Good if you can only do Saturday mornings and like to get back early.
Hope this helps.
To the guys at LEC; looking forward to joining up soon and seeing you all.
Phil (Blue Dawes Clubman)