Joining a cycling club

[drivin_me_nuts]

I'm reaching the stage where I want to start cycling with others. Not in a competitive way other than against myself. How do you go about choosing a club / ride etc. Is it just a case of turning up with a bike and seeing how you get on? I'm in Brighton and if anyone has experiences of a club that would take on a late 40's recreational rider with a desire to go faster, for longer, which would it be?

Cheers,

DMN

[Thorpy]

All I did was turn up at at the meeting point for an evening club run. Most clubs have different pace groups which are lead by experienced members. If you know what your average speed is just join that group. If you've no experience of riding in a group it could be worth going with a slower group to get to grips with all the calls and just getting used to being close to other riders.

You will enjoy it and you will find yourself going a lot further and faster.

[JustinF]

On the Rivet are very friendly as are Lewes Wanderers

[Nighthawk]

I contacted my club via their Facebook page and asked to join then on a ride before joining, they were great and allowed me to tag along on several rides before joining.

I totally recommend tagging along on a ride before you join, riding at speed in a tight pack takes a degree of concentration and skill which you might not be aware of at the moment. A club ride will ease you in and explain how it all works and ensure you are safe.

Look to go out on the social rides and make sure they have a no drop policy on the ride.

[Daveyraveygravey]

There's Brighton Excelsior too. Most clubs let you go along for a couple of rides and then expect you to sign up.

[Black can man]

drivin_me_nuts said:

I'm reaching the stage where I want to start cycling with others. Not in a competitive way other than against myself. How do you go about choosing a club / ride etc. Is it just a case of turning up with a bike and seeing how you get on? I'm in Brighton and if anyone has experiences of a club that would take on a late 40's recreational rider with a desire to go faster, for longer, which would it be?

Cheers,

DMN

Great call sir, I'm addicted to my sunday club runs.