Is there a best time to join a club?

Snowy 70
Posts: 15
Hi all,
I've been cycling alone for the best part of 6 months now & often see groups of roadies out on my journeys, I often think that it would be of great benefit to join a club but have some doubts, namely..
Self confidence - At the moment I am doing fairly hilly terrain ( South Downs area) 30 mile rides with my average speed currently being 15mph. I usually stop a couple of times to take on water, no more than a couple of minutes each time. My concern is that I won't be able to keep up with the group...
As I'm new to the sport I'm not really clear about what 'standard' you should be fitness wise, I'm fairly fit (for a 43 year old :P ), 5'8 173lbs,don't smoke or partake in the devils nectar :twisted: , I've played football for most of my life so am used to keeping a certain fitness level. (My knees and ankles may beg to differ here)
So, would I be better off cycling alone, training myself up to a better level of fitness or do clubs have a certain tolerance for beginners?
I've been cycling alone for the best part of 6 months now & often see groups of roadies out on my journeys, I often think that it would be of great benefit to join a club but have some doubts, namely..
Self confidence - At the moment I am doing fairly hilly terrain ( South Downs area) 30 mile rides with my average speed currently being 15mph. I usually stop a couple of times to take on water, no more than a couple of minutes each time. My concern is that I won't be able to keep up with the group...
As I'm new to the sport I'm not really clear about what 'standard' you should be fitness wise, I'm fairly fit (for a 43 year old :P ), 5'8 173lbs,don't smoke or partake in the devils nectar :twisted: , I've played football for most of my life so am used to keeping a certain fitness level. (My knees and ankles may beg to differ here)

So, would I be better off cycling alone, training myself up to a better level of fitness or do clubs have a certain tolerance for beginners?
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Comments
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Any club worth it's salt should be tolerant of beginners. If they aren't move on to another one that is... Their loss
Most will let you try for a couple of sessions before you sign up. From the details you post, you should do fine0 -
What happens if you're too fast for the middle group but too slow for the fast group?0
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A club of a decent size often have a number of groups going out and the speeds range accordingly for example the club that I go to on a Sunday usually sees three rides of differing standards:
Slow group - 40+ miles @ approx 15mph
Medium group - 50+ miles @ approx 16-18mph
Fast group - 60 miles+ @ approx 20-21mph
Start low and work up when appropriate. If you're too fast for the middle group but too slow for the fast group then keep at it and take the jump when you are ready - the worst that can happen is that you get dropped and that happens to everybody at some stage.0 -
Thanks for the replies, I think I would always opt for the slow group and stay with the same pace, I'm fairy good on the flat but some of the hills I've encountered have me spinning like a madman, not the short sharp ones but the ones that seem to go on and on
I've even had to stop half way up on a couple of occasions because my legs were burning!
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If you live in a hilly area, I doubt the fastest group will be doing 20-21 mph on a weekend club run. But regardless, as others have said, any decent club won't leave you for dead and there's only one way to find your level, and that's to try it. You'll find that you can ride a bit faster in a group than on your own, and it will improve your riding in the long run. Joining a club was the best thing I've ever done.0
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Between 9 and 10am.Insert bike here:0
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I generally ride alone but I got caught up in a club run for a few miles the other week, I could've just sat there and read a paper and smoked a pipe, you get dragged along and it was effortless, I was half tempted to stick with them.0
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lc1981 wrote:If you live in a hilly area, I doubt the fastest group will be doing 20-21 mph on a weekend club run. But regardless, as others have said, any decent club won't leave you for dead and there's only one way to find your level, and that's to try it. You'll find that you can ride a bit faster in a group than on your own, and it will improve your riding in the long run. Joining a club was the best thing I've ever done.
Agree that averages of 20-21mph may not be typical of club runs in hilly areas but this is a typical speed of Mercia CC quickest group from Burton riding around the local area - wouldn't describe rides as 'hilly' but neither are they pan flat. Of course all club speeds will reflect the local topography.0 -
Bozman wrote:What happens if you're too fast for the middle group but too slow for the fast group?
To the OP - most clubs will allow you to try before you buy - go and ride as a guest on several local clubs before you choose. Cost = nothing. You might enjoy it, I did.Summer - Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 Team
Winter - Trek Madone 3.5 2012 with UDi2 upgrade.
For getting dirty - Moda Canon0 -
Been on a few club runs so far and it's definitely helped to push myself in terms of distance. They usually have a couple of refreshment stops where people either take on water or let some out! They always stop and regroup at the top and bottom of any significant climbs or descents.
Most are pretty friendly. I'd go and give it a go. What have you got to lose? You might want to try a few, if there is more than 1 in the area0 -
Bozman wrote:What happens if you're too fast for the middle group but too slow for the fast group?
Man up and ride with the fast group for as long as you can before dropping off back into a slower group or ride home alone.. Go each week until you find that you can further and further with them. Eventually you'll be riding in the middle of the pack comfortably. I did this method myself successfully.Norfolk, who nicked all the hills?
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nochekmate wrote:A club of a decent size often have a number of groups going out and the speeds range accordingly for example the club that I go to on a Sunday usually sees three rides of differing standards:
Slow group - 40+ miles @ approx 15mph
Medium group - 50+ miles @ approx 16-18mph
Fast group - 60 miles+ @ approx 20-21mph
Start low and work up when appropriate. If you're too fast for the middle group but too slow for the fast group then keep at it and take the jump when you are ready - the worst that can happen is that you get dropped and that happens to everybody at some stage.nochekmate wrote:lc1981 wrote:If you live in a hilly area, I doubt the fastest group will be doing 20-21 mph on a weekend club run. But regardless, as others have said, any decent club won't leave you for dead and there's only one way to find your level, and that's to try it. You'll find that you can ride a bit faster in a group than on your own, and it will improve your riding in the long run. Joining a club was the best thing I've ever done.
Agree that averages of 20-21mph may not be typical of club runs in hilly areas but this is a typical speed of Mercia CC quickest group from Burton riding around the local area - wouldn't describe rides as 'hilly' but neither are they pan flat. Of course all club speeds will reflect the local topography.
The medium and slow groups do have a no drop policy and i would assume most clubs have similar policies as in the past myself and other riders have stayed behind with riders with mechanicals etc , in fact about a month ago i was pushing a new guy up a hill near Melbourne .
In short if you can get close to a clubs average then go for it as the draft effect , encouragement and help from other riders will keep you in the group.FCN 3/5/90 -
cyberknight wrote:nochekmate wrote:A club of a decent size often have a number of groups going out and the speeds range accordingly for example the club that I go to on a Sunday usually sees three rides of differing standards:
Slow group - 40+ miles @ approx 15mph
Medium group - 50+ miles @ approx 16-18mph
Fast group - 60 miles+ @ approx 20-21mph
Start low and work up when appropriate. If you're too fast for the middle group but too slow for the fast group then keep at it and take the jump when you are ready - the worst that can happen is that you get dropped and that happens to everybody at some stage.nochekmate wrote:lc1981 wrote:If you live in a hilly area, I doubt the fastest group will be doing 20-21 mph on a weekend club run. But regardless, as others have said, any decent club won't leave you for dead and there's only one way to find your level, and that's to try it. You'll find that you can ride a bit faster in a group than on your own, and it will improve your riding in the long run. Joining a club was the best thing I've ever done.
Agree that averages of 20-21mph may not be typical of club runs in hilly areas but this is a typical speed of Mercia CC quickest group from Burton riding around the local area - wouldn't describe rides as 'hilly' but neither are they pan flat. Of course all club speeds will reflect the local topography.
The medium and slow groups do have a no drop policy and i would assume most clubs have similar policies as in the past myself and other riders have stayed behind with riders with mechanicals etc , in fact about a month ago i was pushing a new guy up a hill near Melbourne .
In short if you can get close to a clubs average then go for it as the draft effect , encouragement and help from other riders will keep you in the group.
Good information there, that's the very club that I was looking at but I seemed to be stuck between the two groups, at 45 I didn't really fancy that jump to the 21/22mph group but I don't fancy 16 mph and a cake stop.
I might give that a go in the spring.0 -
Buy a bike first, then join a club.Yellow is the new Black.0
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Bozman wrote:Good information there, that's the very club that I was looking at but I seemed to be stuck between the two groups, at 45 I didn't really fancy that jump to the 21/22mph group but I don't fancy 16 mph and a cake stop.
I might give that a go in the spring.0 -
To Bozman
The medium group would be usually nearer 18mph rather than 16mph in my experience.
Don't let age put you off - I'm 50 but can still take a trip out with the quick group (usually had a damn good work out by the time I get home mind). As somebody said earlier, if the medium group is too tame, just do a bit more work on the front rather than hiding at the back of the quicker group.
Nothing wrong with a cake stop either - it tends to go somewhat ballistic after that though!0 -
nochekmate wrote:To Bozman
The medium group would be usually nearer 18mph rather than 16mph in my experience.
Don't let age put you off - I'm 50 but can still take a trip out with the quick group (usually had a damn good work out by the time I get home mind). As somebody said earlier, if the medium group is too tame, just do a bit more work on the front rather than hiding at the back of the quicker group.
Nothing wrong with a cake stop either - it tends to go somewhat ballistic after that though!
I just need to get out with the club more as this year i have moved house, had health issues and 2 young kids so once every 3 weeks has been about my limit .
Guest riders are more than welcome if you want to come and try a ride , membership is yearly paid in January and it is only erm £15 ish a year.FCN 3/5/90 -
cyberknight wrote:nochekmate wrote:To Bozman
The medium group would be usually nearer 18mph rather than 16mph in my experience.
Don't let age put you off - I'm 50 but can still take a trip out with the quick group (usually had a damn good work out by the time I get home mind). As somebody said earlier, if the medium group is too tame, just do a bit more work on the front rather than hiding at the back of the quicker group.
Nothing wrong with a cake stop either - it tends to go somewhat ballistic after that though!
I just need to get out with the club more as this year i have moved house, had health issues and 2 young kids so once every 3 weeks has been about my limit .
Guest riders are more than welcome if you want to come and try a ride , membership is yearly paid in January and it is only erm £15 ish a year.
I've hijacked the original post but at least something positive has come from it, I'll wait until the spring and give it a go, I'm only five miles away and a few folk have told me to join so maybe it's time to join. I've got a feeling that a few go out on a Wednesday from Willington too, I usually get a free day during the week so I could try and make that a Wednesday. Cheers folks.0 -
Is there a best time to join a club?
Now.
Seriously, our club slows its rides for the winter down to about 15mph. It then builds speed toward the start of the time trialling season. By joining now you build the speed and will be flying next summer. Join in the spring and it would be harder and you may be put off.
Not sure if other clubs use this slower pace (long steady distance rides) during winter0 -
Bozman wrote:cyberknight wrote:nochekmate wrote:To Bozman
The medium group would be usually nearer 18mph rather than 16mph in my experience.
Don't let age put you off - I'm 50 but can still take a trip out with the quick group (usually had a damn good work out by the time I get home mind). As somebody said earlier, if the medium group is too tame, just do a bit more work on the front rather than hiding at the back of the quicker group.
Nothing wrong with a cake stop either - it tends to go somewhat ballistic after that though!
I just need to get out with the club more as this year i have moved house, had health issues and 2 young kids so once every 3 weeks has been about my limit .
Guest riders are more than welcome if you want to come and try a ride , membership is yearly paid in January and it is only erm £15 ish a year.
I've hijacked the original post but at least something positive has come from it, I'll wait until the spring and give it a go, I'm only five miles away and a few folk have told me to join so maybe it's time to join. I've got a feeling that a few go out on a Wednesday from Willington too, I usually get a free day during the week so I could try and make that a Wednesday. Cheers folks.
Yes they do go out from Willington on a Wednesday - meet 9.30am at the double roundabout pub. Also some of the same guys go out from Willington on a Saturday at 9.15am meet by double roundabout pub (other side of road funnily enough - by bus stop). A significantly slower group usually leave 10 mins earlier or so.
Both rides can be pretty sharp - expect to average 20mph+ usually. The link below is a typical workout - and includes 2 miles to the start of the ride and a slower 6 miles or so ride back from the cafe at Hatton - so probably 21mph+ in the group (I'm usually blowing to hang on up Newborough Hill (which is nothing outrageous by any means but at pace can be tough - cannot have been that bad that day as I was still in the group at the end!)
http://www.strava.com/activities/76369453
Don't wait until Spring unless you get some Winter mileage in
To Ben above - not sure I've noticed any major slacking off of pace to be honest unless road conditions are bad :shock:0 -
diplodicus wrote:Is there a best time to join a club?
Now.
Seriously, our club slows its rides for the winter down to about 15mph. It then builds speed toward the start of the time trialling season. By joining now you build the speed and will be flying next summer. Join in the spring and it would be harder and you may be put off.
I am looking at prospective clubs in my area, I will need to get some kind of insurance it would seem before they accept my application. I've just come back from another 20 miler with my average speed being 15.5 mph, so luckily I'm not getting any slower just yetI am sure it would be quicker if I was in a group, it would certainly give me more incentive to keep up & of course I wouldn't be battling those lovely headwinds alone
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When I joined our club I was advised to get British Cycling silver which gives you all the cover you need including race. The club gives new members a code which gets you a discount on the first year.0
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diplodicus wrote:When I joined our club I was advised to get British Cycling silver which gives you all the cover you need including race. The club gives new members a code which gets you a discount on the first year.
Is it wise to have this kind of insurance regardless of being a club member?0 -
As far as I am aware it is third party insurance, so will cover you for claims other people make against you. There are probably cheaper ways to do this, (house insurance? CTC? etc) but it was the one recommended by my club and easy to do.
As to whether it is wise to have it if not a club member, like all insurance you are mitigating a risk. Do you think you may need it?0 -
nochekmate wrote:Yes they do go out from Willington on a Wednesday - meet 9.30am at the double roundabout pub. Also some of the same guys go out from Willington on a Saturday at 9.00am meet by double roundabout pub (other side of road funnily enough - by bus stop). A significantly slower group usually leave 10 mins earlier or so.
I may have to join you for a session or two in the near future.
18 miles to my club run start point (Heather) now I have moved and I do not always get 6 hours spare anymore.Yellow is the new Black.0 -
smidsy wrote:nochekmate wrote:Yes they do go out from Willington on a Wednesday - meet 9.30am at the double roundabout pub. Also some of the same guys go out from Willington on a Saturday at 9.00am meet by double roundabout pub (other side of road funnily enough - by bus stop). A significantly slower group usually leave 10 mins earlier or so.
I may have to join you for a session or two in the near future.
18 miles to my club run start point (Heather) now I have moved and I do not always get 6 hours spare anymore.
You have all the info you need above Smidsy! I can only get to these sessions in the holidays as I am usually at work on a Saturday. :evil: Fortunately, I get plenty of holidays.0 -
nochekmate wrote:Bozman wrote:cyberknight wrote:nochekmate wrote:To Bozman
The medium group would be usually nearer 18mph rather than 16mph in my experience.
Don't let age put you off - I'm 50 but can still take a trip out with the quick group (usually had a damn good work out by the time I get home mind). As somebody said earlier, if the medium group is too tame, just do a bit more work on the front rather than hiding at the back of the quicker group.
Nothing wrong with a cake stop either - it tends to go somewhat ballistic after that though!
I just need to get out with the club more as this year i have moved house, had health issues and 2 young kids so once every 3 weeks has been about my limit .
Guest riders are more than welcome if you want to come and try a ride , membership is yearly paid in January and it is only erm £15 ish a year.
I've hijacked the original post but at least something positive has come from it, I'll wait until the spring and give it a go, I'm only five miles away and a few folk have told me to join so maybe it's time to join. I've got a feeling that a few go out on a Wednesday from Willington too, I usually get a free day during the week so I could try and make that a Wednesday. Cheers folks.
Yes they do go out from Willington on a Wednesday - meet 9.30am at the double roundabout pub. Also some of the same guys go out from Willington on a Saturday at 9.00am meet by double roundabout pub (other side of road funnily enough - by bus stop). A significantly slower group usually leave 10 mins earlier or so.
Both rides can be pretty sharp - expect to average 20mph+ usually. The link below is a typical workout - and includes 2 miles to the start of the ride and a slower 6 miles or so ride back from the cafe at Hatton - so probably 21mph+ in the group (I'm usually blowing to hang on up Newborough Hill (which is nothing outrageous by any means but at pace can be tough - cannot have been that bad that day as I was still in the group at the end!)
http://www.strava.com/activities/76369453
Don't wait until Spring unless you get some Winter mileage in
To Ben above - not sure I've noticed any major slacking off of pace to be honest unless road conditions are bad :shock:FCN 3/5/90 -
^^^^ Old git called Paul - usually out on either a Colnago C40 Mapei or Trek Madone 6.9 in Astana colours.
Not been at Mercia Sunday rides for a few weeks now as I've been taking my youngest son (aged 15) on the easier Repton RC ride on a Sunday and doing a few triathlon events.0 -
Snowy 70 wrote:Hi all,
I've been cycling alone for the best part of 6 months now & often see groups of roadies out on my journeys, I often think that it would be of great benefit to join a club but have some doubts, namely..
Self confidence - At the moment I am doing fairly hilly terrain ( South Downs area) 30 mile rides with my average speed currently being 15mph. I usually stop a couple of times to take on water, no more than a couple of minutes each time. My concern is that I won't be able to keep up with the group...
As I'm new to the sport I'm not really clear about what 'standard' you should be fitness wise, I'm fairly fit (for a 43 year old :P ), 5'8 173lbs,don't smoke or partake in the devils nectar :twisted: , I've played football for most of my life so am used to keeping a certain fitness level. (My knees and ankles may beg to differ here)
So, would I be better off cycling alone, training myself up to a better level of fitness or do clubs have a certain tolerance for beginners?
All you need to know is here:
http://www.sussexnomads.org.uk/index_fi ... bRuns.html
Very very friendly bunch of guys and gals !!!!0