The club run is a British cycling institution. Every weekend, thousands of riders from hundreds of clubs meet and ride out into the countryside for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.
The club run is more than that, of course. It’s a chance to log valuable miles, to learn new skills from experienced riders, and for like-minded cyclists to put the world to rights with a natter in the bunch.
The club run is the quickest way for a new cyclist to progress through the ranks and, with the prospect of a group of mates to ride with, is a sure-fire way to boost your motivation to ride when the weather’s telling you otherwise. Joining a club can also open other doors, whether that’s riding sportives, racing, going on a training camp or organising a trip to the Alps.
But joining a cycling club can be a daunting and, quite frankly, nerve-wracking experience . Will I be fast enough? Will I cause a crash? Can I last the distance? It needn’t be that way, however. Here are five tips for your first club run.
