UPDATE: Dilemma - Go back to my old club or try somewhere new

[123456789]

I used to ride with a local club and got quite involved with it all. I was a regular on their club runs, did a season of Wednesday 10s and some Sunday league TTs, marshalled a few TT's and Races and even assisted in establishing a new group ride that catered for those between the really fast guys and the newer riders.

At the start of the next summer I just had enough of it all and that led to me having a two year total hiatus from cycling. I never left with any ill feeling or due to any disagreement (like every club there are cliques and people you don't take to as well as others but on the whole they were a welcoming and friendly bunch) I just drifted away quietly.

Trouble is I kind of miss it all but I'm slightly torn. The majority there are the same faces and if I turn up I will have gone from the guy that used to lead a couple of those rides to the slightly podgy bloke wheezing up a hill.

Should I just swallow my K*&^, MTFU and turn up with my tail between my legs or is it time to remove those rose tinted specs and try something else.

Has anyone else been in this position and what did you do?

Thanks

 

[Joffey]

Never been in your position but I'd go back. I'm sure they would be pleased to see you.

 

[DCLane]

Go back; you know them already and they won't mind someone who's lost a bit of fitness. It'll come back quickly anyway.

 

[Saluki]

I'd go back. I bet they'll be thrilled to see you.

 

[Milkfloat]

I am not sure why you would think you would be going with your tail between your legs. Drifting away is fairly normal. When I see people coming back it is a great chance for a natter and a catchup. You will soon feel like you were never away.

 

[Dayvo]

As the others have said, there's no shame or dishonour in going back.

And your form will return once you get the miles in your legs.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd go back and tell the truth, it all got a bit much isn't like saying you were fed up with the people is it.

 

[123456789]

Thanks all there does seem to be consensus of opinion

I knew there was another reason that I didn't throw the club kit away apart from it costing a fair bit.

 

[Ian H]

"Sorry I haven't been around for a while, guys. Life got in the way. I need a bit of help to get fit again."

 

[screenman]

I was only one letter off, I got fat instead of fit. I have drifted away a few times, I am always welcomed back.

 

[Sittingduck]

As said, just go back and drop down a group. At this time of year it's quite enjoyable to just get the miles in and not have to worry about getting your legs ripped off by the fast group.

 

[Sharky]

Depends?
Is there an alternative club within the same area?

I was in a similar situation about 15 yrs ago. I had gone "stale" with my then club, but after a few years on lean cycling, my enthusiasm returned, but I didn't want to go back and fall into the same routines which had made me "stale". There were other clubs and I choose one of these. This gave me some new rides, new club mates and did wonders for my enthusiasm. Still very friendly with some of the old club, but happy I started afresh with a new club.

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

I would go back, your fitness will return and you might find you end up being a positive influence on the club again. I have had a two year gap from my club due to serious illness, and although I wasn't close to anyone in the club one particular member visited me at home while I was really ill. I am now a positive influence in the club leading club runs for the steady group after only being back this year.

Go for it.

 

[123456789]

Depends?
Is there an alternative club within the same area?.

There are 4 clubs locally (one CTC, one informal but active facebook group) but only two that tick the traditional club box one is a 6.5 mile trip to HQ and the other is a 12.5 trip to HQ

I wouldn't say I went stale with my old club in fact things were going good but I picked up a couple of injuries that resulted in me pulling out of the next season after a hilly opener. I was also due to ride the Ride London 100 (4 of us as part of a club entry) but had to pull out of that too. As a result of those injuries I had to be off the bike for a while which turned into a long while and then turned into my hiatus.

 

[cyberknight]

I am in a similar position ,after the incident where a rider ran up my back wheel and fell off after i braked to avoid a road hazard i haven't been on a club run in what 2 months ?
I want to go back but not sure if im welcome.