Having a nightmare joining a club

[Irishrich]

I come from a sporting background having played rugby since I was 10. Due to dislocating my shoulder numerous times I've decided to retire and have taken up cycling but joining a cycling club seems almost impossible. I've emailed clubs asking how to join but got no response in 2 weeks. I've now resorted to looking them up on facebook and send messages to members asking if I can join. I feel like the outsider kid at school who just wants to be part of a group lol. Don't know what this thread can achieve but maybe someone from the co. Derry area is on here and can steer me in the right direction to good clubs.

 

[buggi]

that sounds a bit crap. why not ask at your local bike shop if they do rides? i know my LBS does.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

http://www.cyclingireland.ie/Ulster/Club-List.aspx

From memory: Carn Wheelers/Bann Wheelers/Causeway CC/Spires CC/Foyle CC/Roe Valley are all "active" haven't seen or heard much about the others.

 

[Rob3rt]

Cycling clubs are often a bit archaic (you still post paper forms through the post, with a cheque inside to join some clubs, and indeed to enter races) and might not check emails, sad but true! Turn up to a ride!

 

[Irishrich]

http://www.cyclingireland.ie/Ulster/Club-List.aspx

From memory: Carn Wheelers/Bann Wheelers/Causeway CC/Spires CC/Foyle CC/Roe Valley are all "active" haven't seen or heard much about the others.

I've tried contacting 2 of the clubs you mention as I'm more Mid Ulster based. Still no answer via email or their contact form on their website. Really starting to annoy me now and makes me think that they must be like closed groups where outsiders aren't welcome. I'm naturally competitive so think I'm missing out by cycling on my own as I only have my times to beat.

 

[screenman]

Read the post by Rob3rt above which is extremely good advice.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I've tried contacting 2 of the clubs you mention as I'm more Mid Ulster based. Still no answer via email or their contact form on their website. Really starting to annoy me now and makes me think that they must be like closed groups where outsiders aren't welcome. I'm naturally competitive so think I'm missing out by cycling on my own as I only have my times to beat.

Find a phone number or facebook. Joining clubs and club websites have moved on with the times due to the ease of social media.

IIRC you can ride as a guest a few times before deciding to join a club. A process which is a pain in the ass to undo if a particular club isn't for you. (requires letters of release to cycling ireland and a bit of faff)

 

[Irishrich]

Not having any luck with facebook, seems the club I really want to join rarely updates facebook page and members dont seem to post very often. Can't find any info on their website about club runs so it's starting to feel like trying to infiltrate a secret society. I saw a few guys out cycling the other day while I was at work who were wearing the club kit, I was even thinking of going over when one of them stopped but he rode off again lol.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

What club are you looking at?

 

[Irishrich]

Spires CC as its the closest to me and their rides start from my home town. Also seemed to be a good mix of abilities.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Have you emailed secretary@spirescc.co.uk ?

I know a couple of Spires CC guys, if that isn't fruitful I'm sure I can get something more modern like a mobile number

 

[Irishrich]

hadnt emailed them, just filled in a form on their website but got no response twice. Will send them an email now, thanks. Will probably see some of them at this weekends causeway coast challenge if all else fails.

 

[cyclewick]

If you know where they start their club ride, just turn up and ask to either tag along or chat to one of them

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

How did you get on with the club hunting Rich?

 

[Saluki]

I know how you feel. I messaged on FB a brand new cycle club, near to me (been operating since May this year) to ask if I can just turn up to join one of their rides and if so, where do they meet and at what time please. haven't heard a thing so I'll not bother then.