Frequently asked questions

Here are a few of the the question that club member find they are most commonly asked by people interested in club activities. If you have any other questions the feel free to contact us via the CONTACT page.

Do you think there are many people in this area who may be interested in joining this new club?
There are many people who have all the proper equipment, bicycle, clothing, helmet etc., who tend to cycle alone. We believe that this club will offer them a chance to join with others who are interested in cycling, training together and taking part in a great range of events that are planned locally and further affield, thoughout the year.

I am not really fit, but I would like to cycle. Can I just turn up at 9am on Saturday morning?
You need a roadworthy bicycle, a hard cycling helmet, clothes to suit cold and wet weather. You should have a reasonable level of general fitness and the willingness to take part in a physical work-out that will last for a few hours. (If you are in any doubt about your health or fitness level you should consult your doctor before you take part in any physical activity).

I do a little cycling, but don't think I could cycle 40 miles on your club runs. Can your club offer any help to people like me?
If you feel that 40 miles is too long, you have an option to turn after, say 10miles, to make a 20 mile run. Hopefully after a few weeks, you will be able to master the 40 miles.

I don't have a "racing" bike, but I have an old mountain bike, will that be OK?
Mountain bikes are slower than road/racer bikes, but are acceptable. However, we would strongly advise that the normal heavy tyres are replaced with "slicks" which are lighter and more suited for road use.

Does your club cater for younger people?
For the club to properly cater for people under 18, this will require a lot of organization, training and committment from our committee and membership. If there is sufficient interest, we will set up a youth section, but not during this first club year. For 2004, we will focus on developing our adult membership and monitoring the feedback we receive on special interest sections such as youth or mountain biking.

Do you have to be a club member to go out on the club runs?
Initially No, although we are confident that most people who cycle with us on a regular basis will want to join the club.

Do you have to have insurance to go out on the club runs?
Initially No, although most people who cycle regularly already understand the many benefits of having insurance. All current members do have insurance.

Why is the cycling club trying to attract new inexperienced members?
We all had to start somewhere. We remember how daunting it seemed to us a few years ago. Cycling is great fun. We want to help you realise that. Oh and also we want more people to go down the pub with, more people to crack poor jokes with, more people to race with, more people to share lifts to events with etc. It works both ways!