The Problem With Cycling Clubs...

[@stevegeek]

For 20 years I was happy riding solo, then I joined a local club in 2016 and discovered a whole new world! Group riding taught me new skills, I discovered new routes, met some great people and found many super cafes and coffee shops. My fitness / endurance also increased. Having said that I still enjoy riding solo also. It's nice to have the choice.

[@lomicwind]

I joined a small gravel club less than 2 years ago, great bunch of guys, cool spirit, we go on many lovely rides together and there is nearly always some people available to go on a ride on sunday morning, that's cool. But one thing that was absent, was an entry door for less experienced riders. Guys were riding together as a small group with various levels but wanting "long" and "hard" rides (very relatively speaking). I knew about them at least 6 months or a year before joining them, but as I was a beginner, I rode by myself to up my game (mainly my endurance) to not be a burden when riding with them. After a few weeks of riding, I saw that it was always the same small bunch that was present (not every time but a mix of a small pool of riders) and I began asking questions about opening to less experienced riders. The issue was that they were proposing rides at the beginning of the school year (september, when all clubs and associations meet to recruit new members), but it did not result in much new riders, while gravel is very popular and we constantly see other people riding on gravel but that are not part of the club (it is a small town). By discussing a bit more on the topic, and with a friend of mine who did a september ride with them (a woman), I understood that the "discovery" gravel ride she did was 55km long ! Yes it was a tad shorter than the usual sunday rides when all the guys are well trained and at their peak, but still... that's a lot for beginners. In fact they either were disconnected of what it is to be a "beginner" (not a lot of fully beginners will do a 30km gravel ride either), or not motivated to "sacrifice" their sunday ride to lower the bar to allow for less experienced riders to come along. They tried to do double rides, where the more experienced would start earlier, and then meet up with less experienced to do another ride. But the second part was too slow or too late for some of the experienced riders who did not find it motivating. Plus it was more work for the guys who does the routes (who is always the same, I don't know why). In the end I offered to open a saturday morning ride, for which I'll do the route and take all those who want with me. It is working very well, we generally aim for 30km, and the rythm is set to the slower participant. We also have some women regularly riding with us (and some came because they saw other women saying they'll come, that's not only because the ride is shorter). And there are nearly every saturday some experienced riders too, because they are not available for the sunday ride. Not sure if a lot of saturday riders will become sunday riders, but at least we doubled the number of participants every weekend (and I got double motivation to put on some miles 😁) We went from 30 members on the WhatsApp group with 8-10 riding the sunday to nearly half of the group members who ride on saturday and or sunday, and I hope this number will grow.

[@Atamanxxxvii]

You many good points, but I'd also point out that you riding solo to prepare yourself to join them is an entry door in and of itself. Barriers to entry, as long as they aren't unclimbable walls, can be great sources of encouragement.

[@lomicwind]

@@Atamanxxxvii that's right but I think it is better to have multiple opportunities, not everyone is able/willing to go through a solo 1 year or 2 to be able to join a group. Some need emulation, boost from other people or simply don't want to ride alone. I am not the most social person and I enjoy being alone on my bike for my own "adventures", not everyone enjoys that way of riding. By offering easy saturday rides, we don't prevent the people who want to get more experience by themselves to do so either.

[@Northwindbreeze]

The same in Germany. Fair enough, they were friendly but, it ends up in riding style not suitable for begginers

[@KeithHeinrich]

I've observed this where I live also. The beginner is frequently not catered to at all. On the road an average 25km is considered the entry point along with a 2 hour ride for a start and generally with some decent elevation. I ran a 20km average social ride over two hours with a coffee stop mid way through for a while and it was hugely popular with a whole range of people, none of whom had the desire to race or go any faster. Ride was generally at the pace of the slowest rider. Good times but for bike clubs that seem fixated on racing and fitness (which is fine btw), not an area they seem keen to cater to.

[@lomicwind]

@@KeithHeinrich Which is something I fail to understand. Ok they are interested in riding fast/long/whatelse, but how do people join them? Is there an experienced riders infinite fountain somewhere ? Especially in small towns, I feel you need to bring in new blood regularly. Otherwise you end up being two in your ride like we were this morning (also lot of rain and holidays so less riders partaking but still).

[@MarkSheldon-c8s]

My wife and I joined the Holsworthy Peloton cycle club in 2022 when we moved to Devon and it was literally the best thing we ever did. We've made loads of new friends through the club. They run rides to suit all abilities, are super friendly and we have often commented how no one ever gets left behind. We start as a group and finish as a group. I realise that not all clubs are like this, but for £20 a year it suits us perfectly.

[@ev-ezaye3580]

You're blessed then! 🙌 🙌 because the majority seem to complain about the snobbery or lack of ride support - from an entry/ beginners POV

[@jaywonder7268]

My club in London is Chain Gang Cyclist (CGC) and they're great. different levels to ride and always open to new people. Moved to the southwest and joined a club here that you had to pay to join. I got left behind (even though I said I was new to Devon) on a ride and they didn't provide GPX either as the ride leader made the route up on the day. T hat left a bit of a bitter-sweet taste.

[@Panironic]

Rode a few times at a bike shop on Saturdays for their no drop beginner group. Was really fun but was a little slow to me. Went to their no drop intermediate ride and the ride leader attacked a yellow light from about 100-150feet away. The light turned red by half the group with 2-3 running the red light late and dropping me and my friend. Needless to say we never returned back to that shop, not even to buy gear.

[@TheKeylor107]

Joining a club was great when I moved to England. This was pre-Strava so the local knowledge was helpful in learning routes. Living in the US now, where clubs don’t exist, I miss the structure and camaraderie.

[@danwillygreen]

Cycling clubs have a bad habit of surfacing those types of characters who crave a position of leadership. You get a lot of bossy, micro-manage-y, jobsworth-y types 'leading' rides and making the experience unpleasant for people who are looking to chill out and make friends. Also, even as someone who's reasonably capable on faster rides, I hate 'drop' ride culture. I fully appreciate wanting to hit a set speed/effort and if people fall off that shouldn't impact everyone else's experience, but we're not all climbers, and we're not all rapid on the flat.

[@phillippitts6294]

Truth!🖖🏻

[@phoffen3829]

Can't argue with this. Cycling is fun. Many cyclists are not fun. It was like that when I downhill raced, and it is like this road riding. The snobbery around cycling is baffling. People are on push bikes. The same idea as when you were 5.

[@KeithHeinrich]

@@phoffen3829 same but with logos on Lycra. 😉

[@JonathanWhoever]

To many gate keepers. I'll ride solo, and talk to myself.

[@LesleyVanner]

I'm in New Zealand and belong to a fantastic cycling club (Te Awamutu Sports Cycling Club). Our club is inclusive to everyone from children through to elite level riding. We have club races once a week in the summer and winter so get lots of great club level racing most weeks. There are also bunch rides going most Saturday mornings for anyone (whether you belong to the club or not) and doesn't matter what level of riding ability. I am 60 years of age, a woman and I absolutely love being part of the cycling community and belonging to a club where everybody is welcome.

[@grahambleach]

I’d been riding mostly solo for about 11 years before I joined a club. Through the club I have tried CX, TTs, hill climbs, zwift racing, rediscovered XC racing and now have a coaching qualification so I can teach the kids. I don’t know of any other type of organisation that could broaden my cycling horizons like this. Not that it’s all smooth sailing and everyone acting in unity of course. People are still people. As mentioned in the video clubs are the institutions that support the voluntary organisers of “traditional” cycling events; social rides, evening and weekend TTs, CX, road races etc. I don’t see a replacement for them, although I do look at what parkrun has done to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of running and wonder what that would look like for cycling.

[@boudoir00]

I usually ride solo and I like it. I can head off whenever I want, I don’t feel compelled to go out on a rainy day (why??) and I can ride as hard as I like. If I want to ride with others, I set something up with a friend or two. I also get lots of group rides in when doing Sportives. Works for me and I wouldn’t want it any different. I joined a club for 2-3 years but never ended up going on the club rides, I joined because I wanted to dip my toes into racing and they had a club league.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

When I lived in NYC, I was a member of the New York Cycling Club (NYCC). I was a good mix of structure and friendly flexibility. I particularly liked the relatively fine gradations of the group ride speeds. There were like 3-4 separate ‘A’ level, 3-4 ‘B’ level and I think 2 ‘C’ level ride speed categories. They also had structured, 4-6 week spring training/education programs. Lots of emphasis on safety and appropriate behavior. There were also numerous social events. I am extremely grateful to NYCC for all the learning and camaraderie I experienced. They also had a good online ride registration system that worked really well. I then moved to a much smaller town in Connecticut and discovered a local club called the ‘Pequot Cyclists’. Membership was obviously much smaller than NYC, and the rides were less structured. For better and worse. I grew to really miss the structured riding etiquette of NYCC, but when I mentioned it, not many of the local club people seemed very enthused about a culture change. When in Rome……as they say. All in all, I’m a big fan of group riding in a club, but as was mentioned in the video, you do need to find one that fits you. For example, there’s a local race oriented club I have zero interest in because I don’t race. All good.

[@Aiden.K]

Been in the same club few yrs ago. Their weekly Central Park morning rides are my fav.

[@shawnarni8101]

I'm affiliated with a Cycling Club focused on High School riders around a Fall MTB racing season. To get more kids on bikes we've moved to a year round model and it's been OUTSTANDING to see these young riders grow. I'm very proud to be a part of it and thankful I found this community of riders! Find a club which works for you and don't underestimate the affect you may have giving back to your local community.

[@Lamby1010]

A lot of clubs are clicky like running clubs , they look down at people they don’t know especially if they been together a while . All the gear no idea. Rather ride alone or with a mate 🚲

[@kennethduckworth7111]

I started cycling with the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club in Washington, DC. It’s one of the largest clubs in the US, with probably 1000+ and multiple level rides for everyone. Here in Mexico, I feel group rides are necessary for safety and security. I’m a slower, older rider and it’s important not to be left behind, esp when it means not bringing left in an unsafe place/position.

[@HamptonWickCyclingClub]

Really interesting conversation and lots of valid points made. We launched our club in October 2022 and one of the things we wanted to do was to hold Beginner Sessions for riders who wanted to try group riding, but were perhaps put off by the myth around cycling clubs of having to be fast or capable of riding 100+ miles. We are not a large club in terms of membership numbers, but we do rotate our Sunday Club rides each week, so we have a short Social ride, followed by a medium distance Steady ride a week later. The members understand that we do not have the numbers yet to host short, medium and longer rides each week and the faster/stronger riders support the shorter, slower paced rides which is really amazing. Regards, Jad.

[@tonybradford9061]

Joined North Road CC years ago. Different groups, interests, paces, racers, social riders, great local route knowledge.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

As a solo rider. Sometimes I wish i could have some people to cycle with but not a club. Im at that age where its not worth my time dealing with club bureaucracy and the constant drama that seems to follow when a random bunch of people can meet up. Have a chat and fun ride together. I have been out on a few rides like this with random groups but I often find hard to gel with them as people in the group have been there for years and knows everyone else compared to me who is basically a fly on the wall. Went on a few rides with them then i started noticing I would put headphones and music on when the ride started because nobody was talking to me 🤣🤣 When that started happening, I knew it was time to go solo or find a different group. I wouldnt say im an introverted sort of guy. I will talk to you if you approached me to converse but when other people who have known each other longer are talking to each other I wouldnt find it polite for me an outsider to be injecting myself into the conversation unless it was a topic or subject I had a fair bit of knowledge about... And thats pretty much how it went during rides and social meet ups. Id turn up, say my hellos, good mornings and how are yous then be a fly on the wall for the rest of the ride or till I decided to leave the social gathering (end of year meet ups etc) Id hang around for 30-60mins at a end of year drinks social then leave because nobody talked to me 🤣🤣 now I just dont bother attending at all. I'll still go for the occasional ride with them though but its always more of the same. Hence why im solo I guess.

[@DDai-qd8uk]

What a miserable sod. Please don't join my cycling club.

[@Tailspin80]

I never put headphones on. Hearing the traffic is a vital part of safety. Likewise, if you ride on towpaths etc. all too often you can ring your bell as you approach pedestrians and many just don’t realise you’re there until you literally stop and tap their shoulder.

[@Tailspin80]

I’m trying to get involved with a local social cycling club. It’s ok but… chatting to other cyclists on the ride is not that easy and stopping at the half way point at a cafe means I don’t really want to take a bike I’m not prepared to have pinched. Mostly I just like blasting off solo for a 20 or 30 mile ride, cycling as fast as I can on a timed route…

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

@@DDai-qd8uk Probably full of toxic people just like yourself. So no worry there.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

@@Tailspin80 I can still hear traffic around me. I have earbuds that dont sit deep in my ear canal and block out the sound of everything around me. I also dont run them at full volume and im forever shoulder checking... Something that most cyclists dont seem to do given my 8 years of observations while commuting to and from work on the bike.

[@lawrencerobinson7601]

While living in Albany, NY USA, I attempted to join a local bike club. I received a minimally veiled negative response that stated since I was not known by the club and they did not know what my level of riding strength, then I should not consider asking to join. The challenge I have found with most cycling clubs is that it is very hard to join when you are an experienced cyclist but new to an area and do not know any club members. I have received and perceived very elitist (oh we are really athletic/committed/etc. cyclists and you probably don't measure up to our club) attitudes. Now, I just ride alone or with my brother on the roads of Vermont.

[@dorseykindler9544]

Sheesh. I’ve ridden alone my entire cycling life (20+ years). Glad to know I haven’t been missing out.

[@erices5252]

On one hand, joining a cycling club in the early 80’s as a junior was great for me. I learned a lot, had older guys to chase after and eventually keep up with, and an actual local pro who rode with us that ai looked up to. Now days, I right a lot by myself or with a friend. I don’t really need to meet more people these days. The club ride I have joined, was full of attitude and people who just want to hammer. I found it funny with some of these guys…they acted like they were pros and were never going to achieve anything more than being a fast local dude.

[@S9999Frank]

One very good thing about clubs is that you meet other riders there that you can ride with in small groups or just 1 other rider that are interested in the same kind of riding, and will get good rides together.

[@Keyprinciples9]

There are a few people I enjoy riding with, but they are an acceptation, alone time on the bike with the headphones is very enjoyable. I ride for enjoyment/fitness, not control drama.

[@JacobWilson]

Goodweather bike shop in Seattle, they run the fun club with a social casual ride every Sunday, but also a ride that is faster and about twice the distance for those wanting to go a bit faster. As well as a few bike packing trips throughout the year.

[@alblack1818]

I loved the cycling club I belonged to in NZ. Great racing good community great raffles and a little cash. I wish more were still around.

[@christopheparisse9499]

Clubs are just fabulous but you have to find the right one for you.

[@RobertJWaid]

Clubs/groups are great for riding etiquette, group skills, new routes, sprint points, climb challenges, water locations, club kits are usually cheaper, learn about local shops and equipment.

[@ajack3380]

I joined a local club 2 years ago (South East England - Lewes Wanderers) and they are great. Sunday rides are well organised, great routes, and people who do care, do talk and make sure everyone is OK. Saturday rides are punchy and more competitive, but still, the people are great and still check everyone is OK. Not all clubs are the same but find a good 1 and they are a great way to meet people and ride new routes.

[@daphenry]

I went on a 'taster session' with the biggest cycling club in our county. It was called a social ride to get to know the club and gauge your abilities. 40miles and not a single person talked or was social to me after the initial hi and hello. Then one of the other 'tasters' dropped his chain (SRAM AXS FTW) and the group carried on not knowing he did, I saw him so I slowed and checked on him. One of the ride leaders did turn back for us and said the group will wait at the coming cafe. The guy who I checked on is now my best riding buddy and we've grown from a duo to 4-6 riders who were all 'tasters' from that day that didn't really feel welcomed at all. So completely agree about club to meet riding buddies. Also, clubs shouldn't try to be the biggest club at the expense of not being able to check on all members just so they can say they are the biggest club in town/county.

[@softreset82]

We knew it was SRAM AXS by you saying he dropped his chain! :)

[@newttella1043]

Every club has it's personality and how can you contribute to it? A club is what you make of it.

[@danielklaussen3054]

I’ve found that there are 4 very different types of group rides. (1) Adventure/Touring (2) Fitness Training (3) Race Training (4) Race Simulation. When it’s not understood what type of ride it is, an how to behave on each of these, is what causes most of the problems.

[@KeithHeinrich]

5. The social ride. Out for a spin and chilling with friends.

[@demhabeenum]

My club in Lahore, Pakistan is Gulberg Cycling Club. We do have a racing side and a joy ride side, we even have a recognized Kidical Mass Lahore club. We have a presence on social media. There is a mechanism for leadership rotation as well. Our club is one of seven or eight cycling clubs in Lahore.

[@aaroncogs]

I left my local road club that I had been a member of for 10 years and vice president of because of a narcissist who has been the club secretary and handicapper for probably 20 years. I was a club A grader till COVID hit and had to work remotely and 6 days a week average of 60-70 hours a week and therefore almost no riding. I went from 67kg to 79kg in 6 months and FTP went from over 300 to 250 watts. They let me race B grade while working away and I best placed 7th and regularly got dropped. They moved me back to A grade with no warning because I was "riding more" and had gone on a "training camp" which was actually 4 days away to relieve stress after having to quit my job because my mental and physical health had deteriorated. I asked to move back to B or I will leave the club and the short reply was to just leave. I then had to drive 3 hours to race at the next closest club to get a fair go. That same club is now begging members to come back to racing because they struggle to get enough members racing to make the club financially sustainable. Too many dinosaurs in road cycling these days that need to move on.

[@tobycolin6271]

I was at a cycling club meeting On the agenda was 1 How to make cycling more inclusive 2 How to ban people that ride rim brake bikes. You couldn’t make it up.

[@troycollett8540]

In Australia we have 2 types of road clubs Auscycling which is aligned to uci and national level etc Then there’s vets clubs for over 30 Sill thing is you need a licence for each

[@dbpantani]

Depends what state your in. In Victoria all the old Vets clubs are now part of AusCyling. So, one licence for a whole range of racing options. It's fantastic.

[@TeddyFaceFiver]

Was listening to TWOs today and Jimmy was saying there is zero difference between a 40 quid jersey and a 100 quid jersey and the pricing of jerseys nowadays is ridiculous. Just looked at his brand Attacus and theyre 90 quid lol. Integrity issues

[@wandering_pete]

He did also explain why there's that price difference.

[@AndyRides]

I've enjoyed being a member of my club. It caters for all speeds and fitness, I know some don't. The kit is very reasonable priced. Very supportive when I crashed and broke my hip, (didn't happen on a club ride). Oxted CC.

[@thecyclingsoldier6732]

Can confirm Nics gravel rides consume absolutely no gravel. Very inclusive and fun tho. Broken bones at your own risk

[@ZanziBarroso]

If you're a new and inexperienced cyclist, cycling clubs can be awful. There are too many clubs trying to get new members by offering "beginner friendly" rides only for these rides to turn out to be 45-50 miles long and on hilly routes. Just because you have a no drop policy doesn't mean your ride is beginner friendly. I think these clubs have good intentions but the riders clearly have no clue about what it's like to be a beginner.

[@mikeainsworth4504]

Unfortunately society is affecting the way clubs (both cycling and non-cycling) operate. Society has become more and more litigious - the ‘where there’s blame, there’s a claim’ effect. In legal terms, a cycling clubs is a ‘unincorporated association’. As such, any third-party liability lies with the individual club members. However, in practice, a claim would be made against one or more club officials. So if an incident occurred on a club activity in which the club was deemed to be negligent the a claim could be made against, for instance, the ride leader, the chairman, or the secretary. Although, this is rare, it can be extremely distressing to those involved. Provided that club officials act honestly and reasonably they will usually be entitled to have any debts or other liabilities met out of the assets of the organisation - ie club funds. However, if an organisation does not have sufficient assets (and most cycling clubs do not), then the officials may have to make good any shortfall personally. This leads to clubs seeking to indemnify against that risk by ensuring that they have third party liability cover. Associated membership of British Cycling or Cycling UK does come with club third party liability insurance cover (providing £20m and £10m of cover respectively). However, as with most insurance policies, these come with conditions and restrictions. British Cycling’s guidance to clubs is confusing, often contradictory, and comes with a plethora of exclusions. Whereas, Cycling UK’s guidance is, in my opinion, overly bureaucratic.

[@swordmonkey6635]

One big downside to Bike Clubs is the passive peer pressure to get the latest and shiniest new frame or tech for your bike. Some people in clubs buy stuff to impress other club riders or spend more time worrying about how their bike looks than actually taking advantage of it as an exercise tool. It's a minority, but those riders will compensate for admiration and validation with their bikes because they feel inferior in other parts of their lives.

[@richg7163]

I've not found this so much in the UK. Any club that is like this doesn't deserve members.

[@swordmonkey6635]

@@richg7163 It's a thing in the USA, especially California. Some people buy high end bikes as ornamentation and status symbols rather than exercise tools.

[@leedorney]

Clubs in any genre are cliquey at best, from clubs turning up to fast group rides which all could join & taking over, to trying to join one and not being welcome, at best it can be a really good experience at worst HELL - tho they do give you great experience at holding a wheel and riding in close proximity which soo many can fail on!

[@razorree]

what's the problem with organising a few rides with different level? when we ride, for example we have 2 groups, slower group starts 15 minutes earlier.

[@Bazza1968]

I'm rural highlands of Scotland, with 2 "clubs" equidistant in opposite directions from me... to do a standard "club ride" with either means an additional 18 miles round trip...too much faff in a car tbh so I generally just ride alone. I was in a sea kayak club some 15 years ago and got p*55ed off with that- too many members not prepared to learn new skills and carry basic safety equipment and you ended up "carrying" them... often there were 4 or 5 of us who would just organise our own weekend trips. I get the feeling a lot of bike clubs would be similar in that respect...folk with no repair kit, badly maintained bikes, all that faff over turning up late.... nah...I like doing my own thing these days!!

[@scottwatson7844]

I’ve always preferred riding on my own. When I did use to ride with my local bike shop it always scared me a bit as road riding is pretty dangerous! We all know this and riding two abreast around the narrow lanes around my area made me decide I’d rather go it alone.That said the gravel scene would be pretty cool.

[@mikeowen5484]

My local club - a few people I know in it who are great but not even they, let alone anyone else in the club, has ever asked whether I even know where the club house is and if I fancy a cup of tea on a Wednesday (I know where it is and when club night is because I've worked in the bike trade, locally and nationally for 30+ years). They just don't think about reaching out, events are put on and - even working in the bike trade - I don't hear about them unless by accident I pass by that way. I've ridden, and will continue to ride, on my own.

[@clinthoneycutt4246]

Maybe you guys can have a discussion about group rides v solo rides. Or, even just 2-3 riders at a time. I think here in the US a lot of people do solo rides, but I only have a small view.

[@chriswarwick563]

Nice to have the choice to ride solo or with a club,riding with a club improves your fitness and speed 🚴‍♂️😀

[@erikaleksandermoe1634]

I have joined a cycling club at work, for free. I joined them once but sent an email first to ask if it would be fine if I joined them, informing them that I am overweight but loving cycling and that I don't want to slow them down. They wrote back to me to tell me that its fine and anybody is welcome. I went, and what happened was the expected, the others just rode way faster than I and ended up riding alone. I really love riding bikes even though I am overweight. My speeds are not fast, around 15-18 km/h on average on 50km rides. I take breaks occasionally. But the act of bicycling is something I really love. I guess I'll have to look for a club for the show riders. 😀

[@ajayrathore8704]

in india we just join decathlon cycling club from your nearest stores and you can use any bikes it's not mandatory to buy a bike from them.

[@jasonosunkoya]

Tbh id recommend joining a big club like dulwich or kingston wheelers first and then maybe branch out

[@slantedorbit]

Three issues as I see it: 1. People are busy with jobs, family and life, so people seeking out clubs skew toward either young singles or pensioners, each with particular needs/wants, independent of expectations about level of athleticism or time availability. 2. In my lifetime, cycling has gone from being either road/touring or city riding to a broad spectrum of types of bikes, each seemingly with its own lifestyle and culture, and the contemporary media consumption climate has segmented that spectrum almost infinitesimally. 3. Some seeking entry into cycling via a social or athletic club may be actually trying simply to integrate cycling more into their lives as social people, i.e, life, but most of where any of us lives is actively hostile to any cycling at all, so cycling clubs and potential members encounter each other in a climate of defensiveness. Great topic! We should start a club!

[@out_spocken]

Your 1st point is way off. Almost half the guys I ride with on club rides are dads that are getting out at 5am in the morning to get a ride in with the lads before going himr to help get rheir kids ready and drop to shcoll before going to work for a day. I ride pro hours and it's scary how few people ride during the day...why? Coz they're all at work....and on weekends, all spending time with family after getting up, again, for a 5am ride so they can balance work/family/bike ride

[@chrisball3412]

I joined a cycling club because I was getting bored riding by myself. It depends on the club. Ours is pretty structured here in Long Beach California with a A B C groups. everybody’s really nice they do tend to be people that have retired so it’s an older group. I started off with the B group, but I am starting to dip my toe into the A group which is smaller made up of ex racers. You learn a lot riding in a pace group. It is more dangerous because you have to worry about yourself and other people and what they’re doing. Overall, it’s a great experience.

[@MooreMatt]

When you only have local clubs that the ones making Fundos and coordinating events. Yeah there is still a place for them. Unfortunately nowadays it’s so hard to get volunteers and the lack of volunteers is eventually what starts to kill clubs. Most of us just wanna ride our bikes whenever we get a chance we’re always working so often and don’t have much free time anymore just to be able to afford whatever this is life.

[@markhancock7527]

I'm a member of the oldest London Club Anerley B.C we have rides a few times a week usually Tues,Friday,Saturday,Sunday. We have lots of women members too.Are membership is mainly older people bewteen 40 to 80.we have average speed groups from 10mph to 15mph rides are usually 40 to 60 miles in Surrey,Kent,& London.Meeting places near Purley check are website.

[@MandyH1972]

Clubs and club rides on Zwift can genuinely provide that sense of a cycling community and that push to improve your cycling that traditional clubs do and are more inclusive. An important role of traditional clubs is the visibility of cyclists, the more cyclists are seen the less we can be ignored, cyclists need to keep riding to defend their right to be on the road in a world where many don't seem to want us to be there.

[@TheGroupRide]

I've been riding and racing for 36 years. Bikes have changed. The kinds of racing have changed. But one constant has remained; the team/club rides and community are at the center of a long "career" in cycling. The lone wolf and loose, unsanctioned, groups come and go.

[@davidnicholson6680]

To me, the central tension with group cycling is that imposing lots of rules tends to piss people off... but on the other hand a lack of clarity on ride pace, ride objectives and etiquette can be just as frustrating. Every club has to walk this fine line of being clear about the objectives of each ride so that people know what to expect... while not ruining the fun of group riding by being overly rigid and dictatorial. I think the central recommendation I would have is that everyone joining a club needs to have some sort of flexibility and accommodation. The ride is never going to be the exact pace, distance and type that you want precisely. Everyone else has their own feelings as well. Just be a bit flexible and accommodate others. If you have objectives for a day that few others share, maybe just ride solo that day. The other thing I'd recommend to new cyclists is to be inquisitive and learn riding etiquette. Cycling groups can be standoffish to new riders who don't know the rules. This can be an "elitist" thing, but it's often more about safety and training. If you're a new rider, maybe don't show up to A group rides until you've proven your fitness and pack riding skills on a few B group or C group rides. Similarly, if you're a new rider make sure you listen to and respect the advice of more experienced riders. Seemingly subtle or unimportant "rules" often have time-tested and critical safety implications.

[@dh7314]

There’s a great club near me but I don’t want to have my routes set out for me. Stopping to let people catch up. Stopping for mechanicals. Cafe stops. I have limited time I have e to ride to my schedule

[@a_donut_]

My Cycling is Wiener Schotteria. We are based in Vienna and do social gravel ride✌️

[@asams7255]

If I hadn’t joined a club I’d be nowhere near where I am now. Clubs are absolutely important and great

[@johnandrews3568]

I've had good and bad experiences with clubs. They always start off with a group of like-minded, similar fitness/riding goals people. If the club grows, people want to join and that means the club dynamic changes. Invariably people will be less fit/too fit, less competitive or bad overly competitive riding manners (half wheeling, for eg) and then you splinter in groups, which distills the whole process. Some clubs can deal with this well, while others implode, sometimes spectacularly. My preference these days is to float around with groups of friends and also ride solo a lot. Much more satisfying. If I feel the need for company or if someone's putting together an interesting route, i can jump in. My club days are long behind me. Never again.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

This. I've never ridden with any clubs but I know 90% of the clubs around me are just a bunch of wannabe racers with massive egos. If I want a good exercise I'll ride solo. I'm trying to look for a club that's just for social rides and party pace when I want to learn new routes.

[@catsihavemet]

Kind of (ok, totally) promotion here, but the woman you mention turning up to a ride in South London and finding it was hill reps (and any other women feeling similar) should look up Dulwich Paragon's "commute to club" programme. At one end of the club we're putting on National B races, at the other we're running this series of rides to provide a guided pathway for women to get into club cycling.

[@MrCreamlover]

I have ridden on my own for years but decided to join my local club.However they said my cycle insurance wasnt on there list of companies even though my insurance was better than the clubs recognised insurance.So they ripped up my check so stupid.

[@JHBEM]

Please create the Bike Club Glassdoor? Cost (Free, Not Free) Groups (Junior, Social, Male, Female) Rides (Freeride, Chaingang, Race, Gravel, Road)

[@MisslanterneRouge]

Great video, I totally agree with Emily. I am someone in the LGBTQI+ community and sometimes it can be a little nerve-racking finding a cycle club to ride with. However, fortunately I'm currently riding with a lovely bunch over here in Australia. Agreeing with Emily that it's important to be transparent.

[@paulpenfold2352]

It's the discrepancy between what people say and what they do. Social media, on-line dating, selling oneself and virtue signalling means you can't really take anyone at face value anymore. I also blame videos like this and GCN who cater for enthusiasts while preaching against elitism.

[@newttella1043]

GCN knows how to flatter their fans with some elitism when realistically most viewers are enthusiasts with a bigger wallet than watts in the legs.

[@TREK8481]

​@@newttella1043very well said..

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Where do you find a club?

[@blaze1148]

When I recently joined a Cycling Club it was so _clicky_ anybody with a thinner skin would of left within a few weeks....they didn't exactly welcome me with open arms ! ....now I am better than the people that initially gave me a hard time I have less hassle. Some were super helpful when I newly joined others were just toxic.

[@buenox1414]

Clubs are dying for different reasons: - Aging of the cycling population - new cyclists or young people ride in groups of friends or alone - Many clubs are small identities so it's quite hard to find a group at the levels - It is a financial and time commitment - Many cyclists like me also hate doing the same thing every Sunday

[@stephentait8734]

Love NCC club, there is just under 100 people and jimmy is one, although have never seen him out on a ride, haha

[@TaichoCyclist]

My local club team has evolved to one of the leading global community club on Zwift with daily events to keep members engaged. The key thing is to have a vision, structure and committed leadership to steer the members towards our goals.

[@carefullin]

LaunchPad Cycling in Seattle

[@johnnyboy4711]

british cycling and club fee circa 70gbp?

[@sirdmayo]

Shout out to Cycology Cycling Club in Lagos, Nigeria!!!

[@nikaiwolf]

Personally I think yes. Clubs have gotten very old. I think clubs should be doing more outreach to communities and community college. People from local bike shops also be more involved in local cycling clubs too. More than just selling and repairing bikes because they can help build better a cycling community that’s better for the whole not just a club.

[@endcensorship874]

A vibrant cycling club is the best thing I've ever experienced. And this is the only way to grow the sport, to pass it down to the next generation. They are literally the most important part of the sport.

[@matteo.ceriotti]

The lady, whose name I don't remember, nails it.

[@liamc9425]

Solo ride every time

[@a1white]

It’s the elitism about wearing the correct kit and right bike etc. In London you can join your local LCC group as they do rides that are more beginner level and usually advertise well what the average speed is etc.

[@robertsmme]

How do you start when you are slow.

[@stevegeek]

Most good clubs offer different pace rides. My local club has weekly "introductory" rides for newbies, people recovering from accidents or illness or people who just want a relaxed pace. The ride pace is typically around 20 - 22 kph (12 - 14 mph), but the ride leader will ensure that no one gets dropped.

[@PJ-yx5zw]

I joined cycling club after moving to new area of Nottingham. Club advertised it catered for all abilities, but god forbid if you went over 16mph, you’d have the Chairman’s wife screaming at you! Too much in fighting between committee members. I tried to organise gravel rides, but very few we’re interested. Needless to say, I now ride solo.

[@ToOldToTurnProcycling]

I join in with a small group near to where i live, due to my mentality it didn't take long to outgrow them, don't get me wrong I appreciate they allowed me to join in, but when one of them got a bit ar5y passing snide comments and thinks I should have stayed with them and achieved nothing instead of racing. I now ride with a local Spainish group that have really got my cycling to a different level.

[@phillippitts6294]

My local club only cares about racing. Kinda sucks. They weren’t always that way . 🤷🏼‍♂️🖖🏻

[@CarnivoreDMD]

I’m a rebel😂 So unless beer is post ride, no club for me…..But I had my clubs years ago. People take themselves WAY too seriously now & not fun trying to socialize with people who have little social skills these days.

[@jonno209]

Depends on the club, some are friendly and teach decent etiquette. Others are a bit elitist and jump red lights...!

[@zoeycresswell]

Velociposse whoop! whoop!

[@olbucky9413]

My club is inclusive to a fault imo…unwilling to sort rides on the basis of group riding ability or set criteria beyond average speed which means fit people ie. from other disciplines like tri, can join a group based on their fitness rather than their familiarity with group riding etiquette/safety. Ride leaders tend to be too polite in the way they correct/counsel if they do at all. Having standards sometimes seems to be resented by the ignorant or undisciplined and proud. Consequently, few people want to be ride leaders or correct riders’ behaviours. I’m in favour of natural selection or elitism which I would prefer to a Darwin award…entrance requirements or requiring a sponsor to join a group would help but that wouldn’t seem “inclusive” in the way the word has come to be used.

[@S9999Frank]

I have an idea of what you talk about. Getting people to show up on group rides can be hard, and maybe that is why some people get away with dangerous riding, because nobody wants to "educate" them, as then they might not show up next week ? I have one really experienced rider in my group, guy is in his 60s and have done stuff like 1500km endurance rides, he did London-Glasgow-London. Still this guy sits on your wheel, then blasts past, and when others catches to his wheel, he suddenly stops pedalling. The worst rider in the world to ride with, but it seems like nobody says a word to him, I've tried hehe... He actually late joined a ride last weekend, how he joined says it all, came cruising by with hands on TT-bars, full gas not even saying hi until we caught up to him again. TT-bars in a road riding group, and does not understand that this might have some risk attached to it. But a nice guy apart from riding style, so then it is ok it seems. The life of the cyclist 🙂

[@tthyssen]

The issue with my local cycling club is the routes are over 2-3 hours long and the level is semi elite. I simply dont have time to bike 2-3 hours 2-3 times a week with small kids and even though my bike fitness level is quite high I enjoy the social aspect of it and shorter more relaxed rides as well. I would love a club with a more average and broader approach.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

I've been looking for this type of club in my area. Just a social gathering of people to chill ride with. The problem is I very pick of the types of people in clubs. If I don't have any common interests with the club I'll just bail.

[@manuelwenaud8231]

Virtual clubs are on the rise...

[@user-gs7nd9ok3z]

Shout out for my cycling club "London Clarion". They have a great history, but you should be aware of their left wing philosophical bias. They are great for older and more recreational cyclists as their group rides are relaxed.

[@jazzcatjohn]

I ride alone.

[@Milo-wl2if]

You have to wear appropriate clothing when you go cycling, so why not buy the club kit, it’s typically a lot cheaper than vanity brands like Rapha or Assos.

[@markhay1664]

I found most cycling clubs are very competitive roadie types. Not much out there for leisure cycling & mountain biking. It Wasn’t for me I like riding and exploring not racing.

[@yasserfuad8775]

Our club used be called( noah cycling club) now (saba elites)in sanaa capital of yemen started 2011 because there was no care of newbies from the federation supported clubs they want elites not beginners I joined as a new in 2015 with no what so ever knowledge of cycling 😅, i had an allow cheap mtb they tought me how to become a cyclists and had to drop off to let me know how and what to do until i became one of the leaders and won races and led trainings out

[@jwarmerdam7578]

i struggle to find a group that meets my interest. The traditional clubs seems to be just groups of really old men that are more interested in cafe stops and after ride beers than actually riding. Smaller local groups are often either extremely competitive and elitist where gear is king and everyone is only out to drop each other. Or it's just leisure rides. Surely there are people that just like to ride, socialize but also competitve at times? How do you guys find likeminded groups ?

[@jonathanbouchard39]

"How do you guys find likeminded groups?" By inviting members. When you meet fellow cyclists, tell them what you do, and if they are interested, invite them to join you. Generally, I'll not invite someone to join our group until I've been out with them for a ride to assess whether they are dangerously incompetent (no), competitive (no) or teetotal (no); then, if they enjoyed the ride, I'll invite them to the next group ride.

[@tompainter3595]

n0 , the club near me is outdated and needs to get with the times

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Now feeling VERY pleased with myself having ridden at least 10K Km per year for the last four years 🙂 (it is about consistency too - my 7.75 Km each way commute contributes a lot and enables my base fitness to be at a level where my longer weekend rides could build gradually). Big shout out to my club Brussels Big Brackets - initially joined them to get experience of riding in a group ahead of doing l'étape du tour - but after more than ten years with them they have grown and grown and and offer all sorts of rides now: gravel, different speeds, different length routes, an active group of women riding together and promoting female riding etc etc. (we have also dressed the Manekin-Piss in club colours once too)

[@Vinch22]

Our Clubs are very much alive here in Belfast, UK. Long live Phoenix Cycling Club

[@jeremyemilio9378]

PCC has an obscene meaning in slang in my country 😂

[@boudoir00]

I’ve seen some of you at Sportives!

[@vaska00762]

A friend of mine who lives in the US said I should join a club, but I don't have a Facebook account, and the Malone Road is a 45 minute drive away from where I live. But aside from that, I actually have no idea which clubs are accepting of LGBT+ people, and I have 0 interest, like none at all at doing any sort of racing. And when Cycling Ireland is very silent on the matter, I have no idea what on earth to think. This is where I feel like my friend in the US has a bias - USAC is incredibly inclusive in policy, but then you have the total opposite of the spectrum that is British Cycling, and it's impossible to tell what things are like elsewhere. Going solo has been what I've been doing, and I'm going to be honest, with the way that culture war about gender minorities has been going in sports, I've even thought about just selling all my stuff off and giving up.

[@jon6346]

A lot of these comments assume that racing or at least becoming "better" (= faster) is the main benefit of joining a club. Which is why I'll not join one. I've been riding for many decades and I have zero interest in competing with any other cyclist. For me, cycling is an activity, not a sport.

[@christiankeim]

I hate clubs. I really tried to get into the club riding, I wanted to learn how to ride in groups better, in the end it was pointless, I felt better learning in the race than riding with clubs. So many cry babies in clubs and weekly it's their issues one after another. I'm riding to ride, not to be your therapist.

[@whichypoohs]

I'd hate it