Anyone a member of an MTB club?
Discussion
I've always stayed away from clubs, not for any particular reason just that I have quite a few like minded mates that enjoy mountain biking. However, at the moment no one seems particularly interested in riding for various reasons (I think the cold weather puts them off 
), so I'm finding myself riding alone a lot. I don't mind this as I can ride at my own pace, but find it harder to get motivated to go out and not as enjoyable.
I've spotted a couple of localish clubs and am tempted to give it a whirl, but just wondered what to expect. What would be a typical number of riders, typical fitness level and typical mileage (if there is such a thing)?
), so I'm finding myself riding alone a lot. I don't mind this as I can ride at my own pace, but find it harder to get motivated to go out and not as enjoyable. I've spotted a couple of localish clubs and am tempted to give it a whirl, but just wondered what to expect. What would be a typical number of riders, typical fitness level and typical mileage (if there is such a thing)?
I joined mmb in manchester. Was good because there we lots of rides and it was reasonably well organised.
Fitness and skill Levels varied so had to be careful to pick a ride to suit your own needs.
Many open rides meant large numbers and lots of waiting around for stragglers.
I eventually found a group in the club that suited me and mainly road with them.
Best thing was riding in areas I would not have on my own, so got away from my usual routes.
Fitness and skill Levels varied so had to be careful to pick a ride to suit your own needs.
Many open rides meant large numbers and lots of waiting around for stragglers.
I eventually found a group in the club that suited me and mainly road with them.
Best thing was riding in areas I would not have on my own, so got away from my usual routes.
The club I ride with has 15 MTB rides on the calendar this month, ranging from night time hill repeat training to intro and advanced rides. And then there's the road rides, WATT bike sessions, turbo sessions and spinning classes.
If you're South Yorks then we might be close enough for you.
If you're South Yorks then we might be close enough for you.
I've looked at a local club but it baffled me that they say you need to be confident in riding upto 50 miles on a MTB. I must be super unfit because the furthest i ride on the MTB is around 25mi.
Also, looking at the photos they post i was a little dubious of the kind of people that join a cycling club. Might be a bit presumptuous?
Also, looking at the photos they post i was a little dubious of the kind of people that join a cycling club. Might be a bit presumptuous?
bulldog5046 said:
I've looked at a local club but it baffled me that they say you need to be confident in riding upto 50 miles on a MTB. ....?
Jesus!! Easy if it's all downhill.We also tend to to 22-26mile routes and that see's you pretty much done in.
They must live in Norfolk or something.
bulldog5046 said:
I've looked at a local club but it baffled me that they say you need to be confident in riding upto 50 miles on a MTB. I must be super unfit because the furthest i ride on the MTB is around 25mi.
Also, looking at the photos they post i was a little dubious of the kind of people that join a cycling club. Might be a bit presumptuous?
Some clubs appear to be a bit over-regulated and inflexible to new members. Insisting that a potential new member must be able to ride at a certain speed and be able to cover a minimum distance just screams that the club is up it's own arse and has a bunch of riders that are unwilling to differ from their normal ride.Also, looking at the photos they post i was a little dubious of the kind of people that join a cycling club. Might be a bit presumptuous?
I've sacrificed several rides last year because we've had a newbie come out who was averaging under the normal Sunday ride speed, the bunch rides on and a few drop back to keep the newbie company. Newbie came back the following week though and joined the more social ride that runs later in the day.
I've only once had to turn someone away, a young lad who turned up for a planned hilly 3 hour Sunday ride with no drink/spares/suitable clothing. He'd previously turned up for the mid-week all-abilities ride and averaged 10mph over a 10 mile loop, so I didn't think it would be suitable for him to spend 4+ hours out in the Peak District.
They are all Very different, two clubs locally, one is hardcore- no talking riding to the max and brief stops for drinks and energy gels only then 100% again for another few miles and does 25+miles each outing. The other does 12-15miles each trip, stops as often as the group needs, regular pace and lots of banter (probably more skilled riders too but I wouldn't dare mention they exist to the other lot!)
The more casual group do 1 ride a week, 52 weeks a year, anyweather, same time each week so lights all winter, the hardcore group retreat to the road and gym over the winter and do weekend daytime rides instead.
Try and few, most are happy to have "visitors" to try them out.
The more casual group do 1 ride a week, 52 weeks a year, anyweather, same time each week so lights all winter, the hardcore group retreat to the road and gym over the winter and do weekend daytime rides instead.
Try and few, most are happy to have "visitors" to try them out.
bulldog5046 said:
I've looked at a local club but it baffled me that they say you need to be confident in riding upto 50 miles on a MTB. I must be super unfit because the furthest i ride on the MTB is around 25mi.
Also, looking at the photos they post i was a little dubious of the kind of people that join a cycling club. Might be a bit presumptuous?
Quoting MTB rides in miles is a bit silly really - I've rode 60+ miles before, took a while but wasn't hard - easy terrain, I've done 10 miles rides which were harder. Also, looking at the photos they post i was a little dubious of the kind of people that join a cycling club. Might be a bit presumptuous?
We run rides for all abilities and fitness levels. Nobody is left behind, but if you go out with the race team you may be asked to ride with a group more suited to your level when you don't keep up.
We also do various skills courses and the like. And drink beer/tea and eat cake.
And faff with bikes.
We also do various skills courses and the like. And drink beer/tea and eat cake.
And faff with bikes.
Bike clubs can be funny things. Some rides I've really enjoyed, some rides I get pissed off with everyone and just make my excuses mid-ride and go off by myself. Used to go riding with a small group of mates who were of the same mind-set, had some superb trips to wales etc, good times.
I used to lead rides at my uni MTB club, we would try to be inclusive, but sometimes you'd have some guy on a £99 Halfords special that had never had even a drop of oil on the chain, wearing jeans and a t-shirt when it was freezing cold outside etc. That was when you knew it would be one of "those" rides. I doubt many of the "you need to be able to do 50 miles" type clubs actually ever do that, it's just to put off the numptys. When you're riding at a decent level the last thing you want to be doing is riding back up the path every mile to find the straggler and then spend half hour fixing bits of fallen-off bike. Been there, done that. I used to try to split the group into smaller groups and make sure they set off at slightly different times, then you can get everyone with people of the same ability and it's safer- people stop thinking for themselves when they're all bunched together. Doesn't always work if not enough people know the route though.
I've been out for group rides recently and just find I get annoyed at people, the sort that ride too close to your back wheel, don't anticipate hills so end up jumping off in front of you and blocking the trail half way up the hill just when you're in a nice rythmn. I find it much easier and more enjoyable riding by myself, no-one else to worry about, peace and quiet, don't have to keep stopping but no-one to moan if I do want to stop for half hour to just relax admire the view.
I used to lead rides at my uni MTB club, we would try to be inclusive, but sometimes you'd have some guy on a £99 Halfords special that had never had even a drop of oil on the chain, wearing jeans and a t-shirt when it was freezing cold outside etc. That was when you knew it would be one of "those" rides. I doubt many of the "you need to be able to do 50 miles" type clubs actually ever do that, it's just to put off the numptys. When you're riding at a decent level the last thing you want to be doing is riding back up the path every mile to find the straggler and then spend half hour fixing bits of fallen-off bike. Been there, done that. I used to try to split the group into smaller groups and make sure they set off at slightly different times, then you can get everyone with people of the same ability and it's safer- people stop thinking for themselves when they're all bunched together. Doesn't always work if not enough people know the route though.
I've been out for group rides recently and just find I get annoyed at people, the sort that ride too close to your back wheel, don't anticipate hills so end up jumping off in front of you and blocking the trail half way up the hill just when you're in a nice rythmn. I find it much easier and more enjoyable riding by myself, no-one else to worry about, peace and quiet, don't have to keep stopping but no-one to moan if I do want to stop for half hour to just relax admire the view.
lufbramatt said:
I've been out for group rides recently and just find I get annoyed at people, the sort that ride too close to your back wheel, don't anticipate hills so end up jumping off in front of you and blocking the trail half way up the hill just when you're in a nice rythmn. I find it much easier and more enjoyable riding by myself, no-one else to worry about, peace and quiet, don't have to keep stopping but no-one to moan if I do want to stop for half hour to just relax admire the view.
Although i'm yet to try a group ride, i think i'd agree. freedom to do as you please is nice when riding alone.Trying to arrange a few mates to go for a Bristol to Bath ride tomorrow + some beers in Bath. Maybe my moaning about 50miles is a bit unjust seeing as this will be near that..
Don't get me wrong I can appreciate why people really enjoy group rides, everyone gets something different out of riding. Some enjoy the social aspect, some it's purely about the trails themselves, others like just being in the countryside or doing it for exercise.
The other issue I found was that because I used to ride a light XC hardtail, I'd just about be able to keep up with the full-sus riders on the downhills then be loads quicker on the climbs, so I forever felt like I was either getting in peoples way or other people were holding me up.
Although remembering the n+1 rule I then went and bought a Trek Fuel EX9 xc full susser. the hradtail got relegated to commuting duty. Problem solved, although coming off with the extra descending speed you get scares me a bit.
The other issue I found was that because I used to ride a light XC hardtail, I'd just about be able to keep up with the full-sus riders on the downhills then be loads quicker on the climbs, so I forever felt like I was either getting in peoples way or other people were holding me up.
Although remembering the n+1 rule I then went and bought a Trek Fuel EX9 xc full susser. the hradtail got relegated to commuting duty. Problem solved, although coming off with the extra descending speed you get scares me a bit.
Edited by lufbramatt on Friday 10th January 11:45
Thanks guys, some good tips there! I went for a ride with my brother today around Sherwood Pines which is our localish MTB centre. He hadn't ridden for about 6 months so I was waiting at every checkpoint for about 5 minutes. It got tedious and we cut the ride short in the end. It's very hard to be able to match ability with someone else but I would like a go at a group ride. I would either surprise myself and be at the front of the pack or the complete opposite!
Where are you based GaryGlitter (my mum warned me about you)?
I am Dinnington, nr Worskop.
Where are you based GaryGlitter (my mum warned me about you)?
I am Dinnington, nr Worskop.
I have just started riding with a club, find it better and more motivating for night rides, the day rides are good to show me new routes etc, but it's hard matching the ability of people the fast riders must get frustrated, I find myself in the middle of the field fitness wise so don't suffer to much. I do like setting my own pace tho on my normal rides out alone
8potdave said:
Thanks guys, some good tips there! I went for a ride with my brother today around Sherwood Pines which is our localish MTB centre. He hadn't ridden for about 6 months so I was waiting at every checkpoint for about 5 minutes. It got tedious and we cut the ride short in the end. It's very hard to be able to match ability with someone else but I would like a go at a group ride. I would either surprise myself and be at the front of the pack or the complete opposite!
Where are you based GaryGlitter (my mum warned me about you)?
I am Dinnington, nr Worskop.
The club's in Bolsover (Bolsover & District CC).Where are you based GaryGlitter (my mum warned me about you)?
I am Dinnington, nr Worskop.
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