England : Norfolk Clubs in Norwich

[wheres_my_beard]

Anyone got any experiences of the 3 main clubs that run in Norwich - Iceni Velo, Norwich ABC or VC Norwich?

I am looking to join one, mostly for non-competitive, social riding.

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

nope - but Iv heard good things about VC Norwich, and their website makes them seem like a friendly lot

I was thinking about joining them one Sunday, on one of there 50mile rides. Not too sure I could keep up though.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

I've dropped a line to Norwich ABC, and will probably be joining one of their Social Rides this Sunday; the chap I emailed thinks a taster ride will help me find which one of there different riding groups to join based on how I get on. I think the Social group averages 16mph, but as I am used to cycling with much less able riders (Mrs WMB, and some of my mental health clients) I have no idea if this is a tough average over 40 miles.

 

[Rob3rt]

I've dropped a line to Norwich ABC, and will probably be joining one of their Social Rides this Sunday; the chap I emailed thinks a taster ride will help me find which one of there different riding groups to join based on how I get on. I think the Social group averages 16mph, but as I am used to cycling with much less able riders (Mrs WMB, and some of my mental health clients) I have no idea if this is a tough average over 40 miles.

16mph over 40 miles (assumed flattish) is easy going, esp in a group. You will be fine.

 

[Saluki]

Let me know how you get on. Thinking of joining one of the Norwich clubs here too. I rode on Saturday, with a couple of the ladies from Mulbarton VC, they went at my sort of pace.

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

Looks like Im going to give Iceni Velo a go this Sunday. 50mile ride from Norwich to Bungay and back again.

Ill let you know how it goes.

 

[e-rider]

I've cycles with all three within the last year, two in the last week or so!
To summarise:
1. VC Norwich is the largest club and has quite a few serious roadies - too serious in that even other club members are worried that they are putting people off. They have rides almost every night during summer so you'll likely to find a friendly group if you try hard enough.
2. Iceni claims to be the most inclusive, and their club rides are certainly friendly - seem like a good bunch and have had loads of new members recently.
3. ABC seemed a bit old school to me, and only offered a few different rides each week, none of which suited what I wanted

 

[e-rider]

nope - but Iv heard good things about VC Norwich, and their website makes them seem like a friendly lot

I was thinking about joining them one Sunday, on one of there 50mile rides. Not too sure I could keep up though.

that's quite funny - their website was completely militant and unfriendly until it was re-written about 18 months ago!

 

[e-rider]

Looks like Im going to give Iceni Velo a go this Sunday. 50mile ride from Norwich to Bungay and back again.

Ill let you know how it goes.

might see you there then - I'm the 'fat' loner bloke on the Focus Cayo with black Giro helmet. I suspect that I probably know you already anyway.

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

might see you there then - I'm the 'fat' loner bloke on the Focus Cayo with black Giro helmet. I suspect that I probably know you already anyway.

I'll be the tall, lanky guy with long hair. Come say hi if you can

Intrestingly I settled on Iceni because they seemed to be a nice middle option between ABC and VC Norwich. Your comments seem to back that up

 

[wheres_my_beard]

I've cycles with all three within the last year, two in the last week or so!
To summarise:
1. VC Norwich is the largest club and has quite a few serious roadies - too serious in that even other club members are worried that they are putting people off. They have rides almost every night during summer so you'll likely to find a friendly group if you try hard enough.
2. Iceni claims to be the most inclusive, and their club rides are certainly friendly - seem like a good bunch and have had loads of new members recently.
3. ABC seemed a bit old school to me, and only offered a few different rides each week, none of which suited what I wanted

What does Old School mean in this context? Is it all gnarly old men with cloth caps, on steel 10 speeds?

 

[e-rider]

What does Old School mean in this context? Is it all gnarly old men with cloth caps, on steel 10 speeds?

almost

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Nice, that sounds right up my street. I'll maybe join them in 50 or so years then.

 

[e-rider]

I'll be the tall, lanky guy with long hair. Come say hi if you can

Intrestingly I settled on Iceni because they seemed to be a nice middle option between ABC and VC Norwich. Your comments seem to back that up

I think I'm on for Sunday, weather looking good and granted leave by the wife!

 

[bottlemsher]

I'm the ride leader of the Iceni Velo Tuesday evening ride
please come along ,we ride at the the speed of the slowest rider (usually me)

Tuesday evenings

7:30pm start
Plumstead road ,Witard road junction
We have 15 ,18, 21 ,25 mile routes we do (depending on the weather)