To join a club or not?

thebouldwhacker

I'm thinking of join a club and so am wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages?
I have never joined one before as I am happy to cycle away myself but I'd like to know what I'm missing by staying solo?
I do enjoy that I have no obligation to cycle with a group at set times, set routes and pay for the privilege but I think I'd enjoy the club training, motivation and all that goes with the group solidarity of a club.
I have never raced and being at the mature side of 35 I think I may have missed my hay days but wouldn't mind giving it a go.
So what are the considerations? Do people join them like gyms, pay, show up once or twice and then forget about it or is it the best way to 'be a cyclist' or is solo just as good...?
I'm interested in all opinions and experiences.
I'm based on the Glanmire side of Cork City so any club recommendations would also be welcomed.
Cheers

IM0

another advantage is in a group your less likely to be bullied by cars on back roads.

yop

From my own experience

- You get stronger on the bike
- You get great advice on gear/nutrition/training
- You get regular, hail rain or shine
- You get bully the cars when in a big group
- You will do more mileage and they know all the good routes
- Varied training, some spins are short and quick, others are long spins but can be flat or hilly
- You get to meet you people!

Enjoy it

CarlosK

I'm in the same situation myself. Just contacted the Navan Road Club last week and spoke to a very approachable and nice member who told me all I need to know about the club and what they participate in etc. The membership for the year is cheap as chips and then the cycleireland membership on top means cover for the full year. I'm new to all this myself and I can't wait to join up with their leisure group on Sunday mornings to settle into things and find my feet within the group. The winter is long, dark and cold, so why not get training and make the most of it rather than sitting in eating crap for a few months. My goal for next year is to complete as many sportives as I can, with the Ring of Kerry being my main focus. Fingers crossed, being a part of a club will help me achieve this (I have no doubt that it will). Bring it on!

ednwireland

did my first ride with the four masters in letterkenny yesterday
and nice to ride with other guys, did a bit of paceline, and the last hour was eyeballs out more of a workout than i would have done on my own in 75km
the only prob i have is its 40 min drive to meet up with them.

so will prob join in jan (if only to justify more kit )

Beasty

yop wrote: »

- You get regular, hail rain or shine

Plenty of fibre in the diet should help sort that out ...

aquanaut

Bouldwhacker - I am 35 and wondering the same thing, are you going on Saturday (Ballyhoura)? - can talk about it then - all the pro's are good, but the same concerns as you.

thebouldwhacker

Sat looks good though its gonna be raining till friday:eek: Though sometimes its better up there when its wet.
All sounds good, chat to you then.

Captain Havoc

I think ye'd be mad not to. I'm a hundred million times fitter, nine kilos lighter and look about five years younger.

thebouldwhacker

But your hitting yourself with a U lock......

ednwireland

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

But your hitting yourself with a U lock......

side effect of club membership obviously something you just have to deal with

thebouldwhacker

I guess if your a hundred million times fitter, 5 years younger, lighter and a mod one can absorb such work-a-day events as a lock to the head:D

yop

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I think ye'd be mad not to. I'm a hundred million times fitter, nine kilos lighter and look about five years younger.

You sure thats not down to that lippo, nip, tuck and botox

Captain Havoc

ednwireland wrote: »

side effect of club membership obviously something you just have to deal with

I didn't say anything about being mentally better off, did I?

ednwireland

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I didn't say anything about being mentally better off, did I?

suppose not !

thebouldwhacker

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I didn't say anything about being mentally better off, did I?

Ah sure thats what the cake is for..... do clubs have cake?

Morrisseeee

do clubs have cake?

Fermoy CC has lovely cakes, well they did after the Knockmealdown cycle.:D
Actually, I was thinking (toying with the idea really, as I'm in a very similar situation as the OP) of joining Fermoy CC. But..............and there's a couple of 'buts' really...........will I have the time??........how much will it cost me, membership/races etc ??..........will I be up-to-speed (even at their lowest level) ?? ie. whats the average race speed for a 20/40km race etc ?

Signal_ rabbit

I used to cycle on my own all the time, I decided to join a club but due to the lack of cycling clubs in West Cork I joined the Schull Tri Club.

I only join them on Saturday mornings for the cycle spins and really enjoy it. The main advantage I find of cycling with a club is your more likely to push yourself as it's all to easy to stop for a rest when you're on your jack, not to mention the craic!

I have found that my cycling has really improved from cycling in a group and the cake stops are a lot more enjoyable too.

thebouldwhacker

Fermoy CC is around a long time and have a great name so would have a good idea how to make you welcome. Check out their web page.
I know they do spins at leasure and race pace so no worries there, cost is never too daunting I reckon. Def give them a buzz. Best of luck with it....

thebouldwhacker

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

I have found that my cycling has really improved

We should give Mt Gabrial another go so (ouch)

aquanaut

I was looking at Comeragh CC and Waterford Sportif and wondering if there is a big difference between the 2. Also concerned about the fitness levels, speed, races etc. Hadn't even occured to me about paying membership - and what about cake?

thebouldwhacker

I'm pretty sure someone posts here from Comeragh CC. Try the main forum to see if you can tease them out....afaik club membership is pretty low, €10 for a CI lisence and maybe 20/40 ish on top of that, but I thats a guess.

Captain Havoc

There are posters from both clubs here.