clubs? is this a place for me?

[Torvi]

Well since i decided in getting into road bikes i started to check out all the local clubs and what bothers me is that the average age of members is 35+ and there is a question i keep asking myself, will i fit? I know many can say clubs are about enjoying riding in a pack and having a laugh but will 24 year old really fit in? :/

 

[DCLane]

Which club is it?

I know when I joined mine 18 months ago (Ravensthorpe CC) there was only one member younger than me, and he was the son of another member.

Since then the older members, who often didn't ride, have left and there's been an influx of those in their 20's and 30's plus a few under 18's.

 

[Torvi]

well im talking about general and iv'e seen other clubs around and ive seen people much older than me thus i feel discouraged to join a club to be honest

 

[midliferider]

Which part of the country?

 

[Torvi]

east midlands wellingborough

 

[midliferider]

Have a look at A5 Rangers cycling club in Towcester. Not too far from you. They have members from all ages including children.
You can select what kind of ride you like on Saturday, easy, intermediate fast pace etc.

 

[Garethgas]

You'll learn a lot more from 35 + yr olds than a bunch of 18 yr olds.

 

[Torvi]

it's just the age difference that im afraid that i just will stand out too much.

 

[Garethgas]

it's just the age difference that im afraid that i just will stand out too much.

You might well be fitter than some of them
However, I really think that you're worrying over nothing. An age gap is a good thing to have in a group.
You'll call on their experience for some things, they'll call on 'the youngster' for others.
Why not just try it and see?
I tried it many years ago and didn't like it one bit but I don't, and never have cycled in a serious/competitive way so
our aims and attitudes were different.
You've got nothing to loose

 

[derrick]

Just do it, you have nothing to lose, but don't get upset when the old boys beat you up the hills.

 

[robjh]

Won't they let you go out on a trial run or two before joining? I would have thought most clubs were open to this...then you can see how you get on before committing yourself.

My guess is that the 24 to 35 age difference will matter much less than you think when you're on the bikes, but you need to try it and see.

 

[Torvi]

oh im well aware they gonna beat my ass on hills, im terrible climber, i prefer long runs over short climbs

 

[50000tears]

Us slightly more mature folk are nothing to be afraid of. I will happily chat and get along with the early 20s guys in the group right up to the 60 somethings. I would expect most members in most clubs to be the same. Everyone is far more interested in your bike and how you ride it than in any particular age bracket.

 

[50000tears]

oh im well aware they gonna beat my ass on hills, im terrible climber, i prefer long runs over short climbs

That will come with time. Nothing will bring your along fitness and ability wise quicker than weekly runs with stronger riders.

 

[400bhp]

At your age, you might find joining a club is very beneficial. If you're prepared to listen you can learn a lot of the more senior members.

Depends a lot on the club and in particular the people of course.