Choosing a cycle club

[Chicken Chaser]

What do people look for when they join a cycle club? Its easy to say, the closest one but it might be that you have 3 or 4 on your doorstep.

So what makes the difference?

[TwistingMyMelon]

Give them all a go and see which you like best

[Mr Will]

TwistingMyMelon said:

Give them all a go and see which you like best

Pretty much.

Also, have a look at each clubs main aims. Some are more racing orientated, others more social.

[anonymous-user]

Depends what you want really, some clubs are geared more towards social rides/touring, others are far more focused on racing.

Do they have any coaches, what level are the coaches, are they focused on road racing or TTs, do they organise any events (means you can get involved), what shops are they supported by (clubs often get good deals)...

Join them for a ride and see if you get on withthem, there are a few in Bristol, some seem to get off on the whole "club ride" politics thing more than the actual riding and then there are the clubs which are good fun and dont think they are the last bastions of cycling tradition....

tri clubs are worth a look too, they seem to be far more relaxed about rides

[ro55a]

Go with the one with the best kit, you will have to buy it so need to like it

[AndyWoodall]

Road or MTB or something else?

I've been vaguely involved with super serious groups, which to be honest seemed like the most tedious thing in the world.

I prefer a group who just want to ride and have fun. I have friends I ride with who are also so minded, and to be honest most mountain bikers I know tend to be reasonably chilled out so its not so hard to find.

Personally I wouldn't want to join a group who leave others behind, which I know some groups do, maybe thats a road thing more than an MTB thing, but I have seen it creeping into our world.