Davidc
Guru
- Location
- Somerset UK
Use Google or Yahoo to help, local authorities have cycling officers who'll know if there's a suitable group/ club, and there's a list of affiliated clubs on the CTC website
Don't think a club is for me
- Thread starter Stonechat
- Start date
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derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
I think our club is great, we have two rides every Sunday morning, the fast group goes out at 8-45 am and the slower group leave at 9-00 am, there is a bit of competitiveness in both groups but we always regroup at a junction. 
BigonaBianchi
Yes I can, Yes I am, Yes I did...Repeat.
- Location
- Iskele TRNC & Mordor UK
Yeah I am in the ride alone camp...clubs just don't do it for me...I dislike riding in a big group and and just happier and mor ein control out there on my own. I like deciding where I go, don't need anyone else to tell me....Im more of a leader than a follower I guess. I joined for the social interaction but that never really happened...mostly because I just feel better riding alone...catch 22.
Anyway..Cycle Chat is my Club.
Anyway..Cycle Chat is my Club.
OP
OP
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
I fall a bit between CTC groups could reach Woking by train, if I cycled I would not want to cycle so far
Hill Wimp
Fair weathered,fair minded but easily persuaded.
Got put off at the weekend by being engulfed on a blind bend by a cycle club. How one of us didn't get killed i will never know. To be fair they all said a cheery hello as they swamped me !!!!!
Would Uxbridge be too far for you stonechat? The club there (and I thought they were the Wheelers??) do shorter Sunday rides.
http://www.uxbridgeloiterersctc.org.uk/ULrideslist.html
http://www.uxbridgeloiterersctc.org.uk/ULrideslist.html
e-rider
crappy member
- Location
- South West
all clubs are different but generally the 'ride' you decide to join has a set pace - if you happen to be slower than that then you will not enjoy yourself, however this isn't the fault of the club. Some clubs organise rides 'at the pace of the slowest rider' but these are very unpopular as 98% of the riders end up riding much slower than they want waiting for the other 2%.I tried a club once and did not like it. I must say though that all the lads were friendly and helpful but I felt like I had to keep up with them and ride at their own speed ( which was faster than mine).
So riding solo I will carry on to do. I like my own company when I ride anyway as I don't feel under pressure then. Occasionally, I ride with some friends and enjoy it.
The art of enjoying club rides is to find a group that rides at your pace - simple as that really.
I have had the honour of accompanying the Uxbridge Loiterers. As fine a bunch as one can imagine. Not fast and very friendly.
GrumpyGregry
Here for rides.
Start your own?
Were they ever called the Wheelers? Is that another club? Or am I just getting confused.
Many moons ago, I rode with a few of them (at least I think I did!) and a most enjoyable day out it was.
Hip Priest
Veteran
I'm always thinking about joining the local club. You only have to turn up at the meeting point to join the club run, but I always feel a bit awkward about approaching a bunch of strangers and saying 'Err...hi' so I end up making excuses and going out on my own instead.
I'll have to try it soon though, as I'm hoping to get into time-trialling.
I'll have to try it soon though, as I'm hoping to get into time-trialling.
most CTC rides are conducted at the pace of the slowest. And they're far from unpopular.
The thing about clubs is this - they're social institutions. Some are founded in common endeavour, and some are founded in an appreciation of the countryside. Some are more about a day (or a night) on wheels.
Some cyclists find accommodation with others difficult. I would say that, as a group of people cyclists are no better at socialising than any other group. If you don't fancy joining a club, then don't, but I'm always a bit puzzled by people who say 'well, I'd go along, but I don't know if it's going to be any good'. Just go along, and if you have a good time think about going again, and if you don't have a good time, then don't bother.
e-rider
crappy member
- Location
- South West
well if everyone there likes to average 13mph then I guess there wont be a problem with this approach - the CTC is a special case though.
Silver Fox
Guru
I once joined a mtb club like that. The hardcore of racing snake mountain goats at the front were clearly inconsiderate when it came to the less capable riders. At the regroup point when the slowest caught up, no time was allowed for them to have a breather before the group moved off again.
Although the club has since changed for the better, I ride for pleasure and the social side of things, not to be beasted by a group of ego tripping dudes overdosing on testosterone. I'd rather ride on my own or with a small group of mates than be part of a club with people like that.
