Joining my 1st Cycling Club

kerry4sam

I'll be joining my 1st Cycling Club before end of this month, all going well. I've it narrowed down to 4 clubs and trying to decide which of those 4 to actually sign up with.

They are ranging in price from 20euro -> 40euro (incl) and I don't know why one deserves a higher membership rate over another.

~ I am already a registered member with Cycling Ireland as an Individual, so what would I have to do once I sign up with a club?

~ Did you change clubs after initially signing up with another? If so, any issues?

~ What made you choose the club you are currently signed up with?

~ What would make one club charge half of what another charges for membership? Why the difference?

As I said, this will be my 1st Cycling Club to sign up with so all this is new to me.
Just looking to bring a new dimension to my cycling and honestly looking for assistance with my confidence out cycling again. Just cycling as a leisure cyclist and nothing competitive so not looking for any specialist club/training.

Hope someone can assist,
Thanking You,
kerry4sam

conkennedy

Hi Kerry4Sam

Iv you've got a CI license, once you join your club of choice you (or the club) can transfer your unattached license to the club in question. A 30second job on the CI website.

Club fees are dependent on club overheads, usually the more members the lower the unit cost.

My choice of club (and a recent join too) was location, like yourself a leisure, I've no interest (or fitness) to compete!

yop

kerry4sam wrote: »

I'll be joining my 1st Cycling Club before end of this month, all going well. I've it narrowed down to 4 clubs and trying to decide which of those 4 to actually sign up with.

They are ranging in price from 20euro -> 40euro (incl) and I don't know why one deserves a higher membership rate over another.

~ I am already a registered member with Cycling Ireland as an Individual, so what would I have to do once I sign up with a club?

~ Did you change clubs after initially signing up with another? If so, any issues?

~ What made you choose the club you are currently signed up with?

~ What would make one club charge half of what another charges for membership? Why the difference?

As I said, this will be my 1st Cycling Club to sign up with so all this is new to me.
Just looking to bring a new dimension to my cycling and honestly looking for assistance with my confidence out cycling again. Just cycling as a leisure cyclist and nothing competitive so not looking for any specialist club/training.

Hope someone can assist,
Thanking You,
kerry4sam

Good luck with it.
I choose mine as my mates were in it and they had a great leisure setup which got me into it.

kenmc

can you go for a couple of spins with each of the clubs and see which you find most friendly, or most helpful or most convenient, or with the nicest kit? Then you can decide which to join. Most clubs should be open to you tagging along for a couple of spins.

yop

kenmc wrote: »

can you go for a couple of spins with each of the clubs and see which you find most friendly, or most helpful or most convenient, or with the nicest kit? Then you can decide which to join. Most clubs should be open to you tagging along for a couple of spins.

Ah hey!!!! Your sounding like my wife now!

shaka

Cycle with each club first , most clubs allow people a little grace before joining and see what fit is right for you. If they don't allow you cycle a few before joining I wouldn't be in a rush to join .

I cycled with a number of clubs , one club in particular was very unfriendly - only seemed to want people they knew locally or people who raced. I remember there were three people trying out on their club spin that evening and we were all surprised that they were doing there best to burn us off (unsuccessfully) , three of us joined another local club.

I Cycled with Club I joined for good few weeks possibly longer without any pressure or mention of joining, they were one for me and my wife and a few friends ended up joining.

Transferring between clubs usually happens without hassle,think secretary supposed to release you but could be wrong on that. We had new guy join us recently who had difficulty transferring after falling out with main guy in previous club but once he contacted CI it was pushed through.

Our membership is 25 euro with some of that money going to subsidising cycling gear for kids who join.

At end of the day joining a club was best decision I made cycling wise and I was lucky with my club choice .

omri

Just applied to CI myself - re the clubs - do you need to use the clubs kit or can you keep your own ? Unless there is a Saxo/Tinkoff club in Dublin ??

quozl

omri wrote: »

Just applied to CI myself - re the clubs - do you need to use the clubs kit or can you keep your own ? Unless there is a Saxo/Tinkoff club in Dublin ??

You can use your own kit unless you're racing for the club.

shaka

omri wrote: »

Just applied to CI myself - re the clubs - do you need to use the clubs kit or can you keep your own ? Unless there is a Saxo/Tinkoff club in Dublin ??

No but it is handy on sportives for keeping track of each other, no problem not wearing it

slap/dash

I'm suprised to see that clubs would be an option. I thought you had to join up in sept/oct?

quozl

Most clubs you can join any time during the Winter season.

That's ending this month though, so if people want to do it, then they want to get a move on!

I'm sure if you're experienced you can join a club any time of the year but if you're a novice then it's going to be difficult during the summer without any beginners spins being run. Especially if you don't already have a friend in the club to help you out.

shaka

We run beginner/improver spin every Saturday all year so no limit time wise and have different groups on Wednesday evening spins so always open . If we do it say a few others do it

kerry4sam

Wow, Thanks for much for all of the replies, truly Appreciated

When the thought of joining a club was initially raised with me, only one came to mind. After looking around the County, there are so many around it's brilliant to see!
The club will be one in Kerry.

I took off this evening for a solo-spin and returned an hour later feeling well refreshed. Thinking the club could get me on my new racer just a bit more often though, with the group-dynamics at play.

Meeting some folks from 2clubs this week including my first choice so hopefully that'll go okay

Again, Thanks so much to all for info and advice,
kerry4sam

omri

kerry4sam wrote: »

I took off this evening for a solo-spin and returned an hour later feeling well refreshed.

It probably must have felt quite lonely too ... alone in the dark.

Beasty

I would suggest speaking to members within the club. Some clubs can be very proactive in certain areas such as racing, sportives, youth etc. Others can be perhaps a little larger and catering for a wider spectrum of cyclists. Again your fee may cover quite a lot of support but equally a club can often pass on any third party costs. A club website should also give a clue as to the nature and scale of support they may provide in different disciplines or to different "standards" required/expected from members.

smacl

shaka wrote: »

We run beginner/improver spin every Saturday all year so no limit time wise and have different groups on Wednesday evening spins so always open . If we do it say a few others do it

Spill the beans so, which club?

slap/dash

shaka wrote: »

We run beginner/improver spin every Saturday all year so no limit time wise and have different groups on Wednesday evening spins so always open . If we do it say a few others do it

Is this club in Dublin ?

Beasty

shaka wrote: »

We run beginner/improver spin every Saturday all year so no limit time wise and have different groups on Wednesday evening spins so always open . If we do it say a few others do it

To be clear as I understand it CI provides insurance for non-members up to 3 spins, and even then the official CI sign-on form must be used. Any CI affiliated club (and committee members/organisers) in my view leave themselves exposed to potential 3rd party claims if they go against thse rules (as does the "uninsured" rider)

killalanerr

Beasty wrote: »

To be clear as I understand it CI provides insurance for non-members up to 3 spins, and even then the official CI sign-on form must be used. Any CI affiliated club (and committee members/organisers) in my view leave themselves exposed to potential 3rd party claims if they go against thse rules (as does the "uninsured" rider)

You dont need insurance to go ride your bike you dont even need insurance to go on a group ride with a few like minded people,we get hung up on this sometimes,best of luck with the club best move i ever made joining one

RayCun

killalanerr wrote: »

You dont need insurance to go ride your bike you dont even need insurance to go on a group ride with a few like minded people,

No, but if a club says "we are organising a group ride" they take on some liability for what happens on that ride.

killalanerr

RayCun wrote: »

No, but if a club says "we are organising a group ride" they take on some liability for what happens on that ride.

Without taking this off topic,lets think real world here,ok lets say i fall off on a spin with you i damage my bike and broke a bone,now how are you in any way responsible for my actions

RayCun

killalanerr wrote: »

Without taking this off topic,lets think real world here,ok lets say i fall off on a spin with you i damage my bike and broke a bone,now how are you in any way responsible for my actions

In that scenario, we are both private individuals responsible for our own actions.

Think about this case. I organise a cycling race. I fail to take due safety precautions. People pay to enter the race and crash. You agree that in that situation I might be liable? Maybe people crashed because of their poor handling, or the poor handling of other riders, and maybe the decisions I made in planning the race contributed to the crash. It's the kind of thing that would be hashed out in court. As the organiser of an event, I am responsible for making sure it is run properly.

If a club organises a training spin, they take on responsibility for making sure it is run properly. 'Properly' could be a low bar to clear, but if something goes wrong because the organising club made bad decisions - brought a group over roads that were unsafe in the conditions, for example - the club is going to have some trouble.

Buzwaldo

killalanerr wrote: »

Without taking this off topic,lets think real world here,ok lets say i fall off on a spin with you i damage my bike and broke a bone,now how are you in any way responsible for my actions

Let's say a cyclist, or a group of cyclists clip a jogger, resulting in him/her sustaining a broken arm and four weeks off work. Not to be a killjoy, but as mother would say " it's all fine until somebody gets hurt"

Beasty

The most important part of insurance in my view is cover for 3rd parties. If an uninsured individaul is permitted on a club spin and that individual, for example, crashes into someone by ignoring a red light on a ped crossing, that individual can sue potentially 3 categories of party - the person(s) causing the accident (who without cover may not be able to afford such a claim), the club organising the spin (who may not be able to rely on CI insurance because the club has not followed the rules set out by CI which provide the 3 spin limit assuming proper sign-on) and the club committee who have effectively condoned uninsured riders participating in their spins thereby possibly knowingly contravening CI and insurance rules (possibly also any identifiable organiser of the spin). It may well be that this has not been tested in the courts, but as a committee member of a club myself I would certainly not wish to become a test case and will always insist on anyone taking part in events put on by the club being adequately insured. If not they can perhaps do their own spin, and face the consequences of triggering a 3rd party claim alone.

VanhireBoys

We have a sign on sheet for non members of our club. You are limited to 2 spins. As said earlier you need to be firm but fair otherwise boys can take the p**s and you are wide open to litigation

The original question I joined the club I am with for the simple fact that I was very well looked after on my first outing.. Ended up being pushed home by 2 others. There is great camaraderie and we all look out for each other. They were the first group I went out with.

Great plan to join your local club

fixie fox

Beasty wrote: »

I would suggest speaking to members within the club. Some clubs can be very proactive in certain areas such as racing, sportives, youth etc. Others can be perhaps a little larger and catering for a wider spectrum of cyclists. Again your fee may cover quite a lot of support but equally a club can often pass on any third party costs. A club website should also give a clue as to the nature and scale of support they may provide in different disciplines or to different "standards" required/expected from members.

This is good advice. Some clubs have different emphasis - they may not be any better or worse than the next one. Pick a club with a few friendly people that do whatever it is you like to do.

Also, remember that being in a club involves contributing two - that's the meaning of the word 'club'. A lot of people forget that bit.

cdaly_

Beasty wrote: »

To be clear as I understand it CI provides insurance for non-members up to 3 spins, and even then the official CI sign-on form must be used. Any CI affiliated club (and committee members/organisers) in my view leave themselves exposed to potential 3rd party claims if they go against thse rules (as does the "uninsured" rider)

Does that rule include unattached CI members? I've ridden with Swords on a number of occasions and they seemed to think it sufficient that I had a CI license.

shaka

Beasty wrote: »

To be clear as I understand it CI provides insurance for non-members up to 3 spins, and even then the official CI sign-on form must be used. Any CI affiliated club (and committee members/organisers) in my view leave themselves exposed to potential 3rd party claims if they go against thse rules (as does the "uninsured" rider)

I would say nearly everyone on our beginner/improver cycle at the moment are signed up members .

What I was saying was we are open to new members all year round.

CI sign on form is interesting

Beasty

cdaly_ wrote: »

Does that rule include unattached CI members? I've ridden with Swords on a number of occasions and they seemed to think it sufficient that I had a CI license.

I'm in no state to check the detailed rules, but if your CI insurance covers you for training (which it should from recollection) you should be fine. However the club are reviewing their rules for participating in official club spins in light of some of the issues I have mentioned. Indeed there has been a questionmark over whether some spins are official club spins with a number that were mentioned on thr website now removed. Going forward there may be more restrictions on who can participate in those spins that are determined to be official club spins to eliminate/minimise any exposures in this area

killalanerr

Beasty wrote: »

' However the club are reviewing their rules for participating in official club spins in light of some of the issues I have mentioned.

This is exactly the type of thing im on about getting hung up on what might be,i often ride in groups with a mix of clubs there has never been a problem what is their to review .
Their are 2 people on this thread that suffered serious injuries while racing over the last few weeks,i very much doubt if either incident will end in litigation indeed why should they, Jayus lads let us just get out and ride our bikes as we have been doing for years stop making problems where there are none

Beasty

killalanerr wrote: »

This is exactly the type of thing im on about getting hung up on what might be,i often ride in groups with a mix of clubs there has never been a problem what is their to review .
Their are 2 people on this thread that suffered serious injuries while racing over the last few weeks,i very much doubt if either incident will end in litigation indeed why should they, Jayus lads let us just get out and ride our bikes as we have been doing for years stop making problems where there are none

We are talking 3rd party risks here (and certainly not the risk I was taking on when racing (fully insured) a couple of weeks ago) - ie the possiblilty someone sues you because you (or more importantly an uninsured rider) causes an accident which may injure a completely innocent 3rd party (or indeed their property). If you or they are happy to take that risk, it's your (and/or uninsured rider's) assets that's at risk. If it's an official club spin, the assets of the club, as well as any organisers (which can include commitee members) may also be at risk. For that reason it makes absolutely no sense for clubs to allow uninsured riders to participate in their official spins

ragazzo

Beasty wrote: »

We are talking 3rd party risks here (and certainly not the risk I was taking on when racing (fully insured) a couple of weeks ago) - ie the possiblilty someone sues you because you (or more importantly an uninsured rider) causes an accident which may injure a completely innocent 3rd party (or indeed their property). If you or they are happy to take that risk, it's your (and/or uninsured rider's) assets that's at risk. If it's an official club spin, the assets of the club, as well as any organisers (which can include commitee members) may also be at risk. For that reason it makes absolutely no sense for clubs to allow uninsured riders to participate in their official spins

I have to side with Beasty on this one.

I would much prefer the scenario that kilallanerr speaks off and I remember always training with different clubs over the years. I was welcomed by all and insurance was never mentioned.

Races were less structured, easier to organise, and probably more enjoyable than the present day.

Cyclists were easily pleased too. They were happy to race and never looked for tea or cake. It was all about the bike and you ate when you reached home.

But times have changed and we need to meet the new challenges. Most of these are not competition related but more to do with health/safety and administration.

As Beasty outlined, clubs have to be careful and look at the bigger picture. Sometimes harsh decisions have to be made and it is often difficult to find a clubman to communicate these decisions as they are often met with a similar response as kilallanerr opines.
The communicator quickly becomes the bollix according to the offended.

I would love to cycle as kilallanerr outlines but I think Beasty is leaning towards the side of reality.

It's unfortunate and is probably an impediment to the growth of our sport of racing.

Beasty

I admit it - I am that Bollix (in our club anyway, but actually I've spent quite bit of time explaining some of these issues particularly to fellow committee members, some of whom hsd little idea of the potential exposure to both the club and to them as individuals resposible for the club's activities. Society is becoming far more litigeous. and insurance is there (and required) for a reason - insurance companies are also scrutinsing claims and exposures a lot more closely)

kerry4sam

^^^ Thanks to all for your input in here!

omri wrote: »

It probably must have felt quite lonely too ... alone in the dark.

Nah, force of habit tbh! I started that way and been grand upto now. Some days I am in no humour for small-talk so me being on a group-spin on those days probably would not be in best interest for anyone

VanhireBoys wrote: »

We have a sign on sheet for non members of our club. You are limited to 2 spins. As said earlier you need to be firm but fair otherwise boys can take the p**s and you are wide open to litigation

The original question I joined the club I am with for the simple fact that I was very well looked after on my first outing.. Ended up being pushed home by 2 others. There is great camaraderie and we all look out for each other. They were the first group I went out with.

Great plan to join your local club

You know this man contacted me recently and put me thinking. Out of no-where VanhireBoys, twas real nice though

Going on first club spin this week-end!

Thanks so much Everyone for the info in here,
kerry4sam

Felloffmebike

I looked at the nearest club to where I live but concluded they were too competitive for me. Great club though but just not for me. Next nearest I didn't really know anyone. Same with the next. So I joined a club back in my home village which is 20k away. On the downside I need to throw the bike up on the car to get there. But on the plus side it is a great club, a great balance between leisure and competition for those who want it. Lovely people and great crack and banter on the spins and a social side. And when the weather warms up I will try to cycle there rather than drive. It will add 40k to the club spin though so maybe not every time.

kerry4sam

Felloffmebike wrote: »

I looked at the nearest club to where I live but concluded they were too competitive for me. Great club though but just not for me. Next nearest I didn't really know anyone. Same with the next. So I joined a club back in my home village which is 20k away. On the downside I need to throw the bike up on the car to get there. But on the plus side it is a great club, a great balance between leisure and competition for those who want it. Lovely people and great crack and banter on the spins and a social side. And when the weather warms up I will try to cycle there rather than drive. It will add 40k to the club spin though so maybe not every time.

Thank you ,

From watching the local club, they are just far too serious and intense for my liking. I'm not looking for that.
Went with a club just starting up; in a town close to my Heart, where I spent many a fun-filled loving day with my grand-parents growing up - still only a 30-mins drive but scenery and surroundings are beautiful.
Besides, I can cycle on my home-turf any day without fear. If something happens then I know someone somewhere close to assist.

Up at 7:15 this morning and heading into work at 14:30 until 23:00 so should sleep well tonight! Nothing like a bit of Sun, Rain, Hail & Wind today on this leisurely spin to feel refreshed though.

Damn did I miss cycling! Short spin today, no real pressure or challenge for me, my fitness levels surprised me today, but Wonderful Company!

Why didn't I join a Cycling Club sooner?!
kerry4sam

redmenace1

QUOTE Beasty "The most important part of insurance in my view is cover for 3rd parties. If an uninsured individaul is permitted on a club spin and that individual, for example, crashes into someone by ignoring a red light on a ped crossing, that individual can sue potentially 3 categories of party - the person(s) causing the accident (who without cover may not be able to afford such a claim), the club organising the spin (who may not be able to rely on CI insurance because the club has not followed the rules set out by CI which provide the 3 spin limit assuming proper sign-on) and the club committee who have effectively condoned uninsured riders participating in their spins thereby possibly knowingly contravening CI and insurance rules (possibly also any identifiable organiser of the spin). It may well be that this has not been tested in the courts, but as a committee member of a club myself I would certainly not wish to become a test case and will always insist on anyone taking part in events put on by the club being adequately insured. If not they can perhaps do their own spin, and face the consequences of triggering a 3rd party claim alone".[/QUOTE]


Hi there,
Just came across that discussion recently.
I am a member of a club and have brought to this to the attention of the committee, as I agree there is an element of exposure here to claims resulting from the actions or behaviours of non-members or guests. I wonder has anyone came up with appropriate wording or is there anything on CI website to give guidance on this? There is stuff on CI that relates more to specific events rather than training spins.
Would a disclaimer that indemnifies the club/committee and other members that is signed by guests suffice.
Has anyone any views on this, please share them.

07Lapierre

I found a lot of useful stuff here..

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubs/article/20120607-club-static-Useful-stuff-for-clubs-0

redmenace1

07Lapierre wrote: »

I found a lot of useful stuff here..

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubs/article/20120607-club-static-Useful-stuff-for-clubs-0

Ok thanks for that, I will have a look through it - it seems well laid out & easy to navigate.

kerry4sam

Can someone tell me how I go about cancelling the membership?

Thing is: New Club. Monies paid up by me and membership form signed. Club not yet fully registered with Cycling Ireland.

Some things have cropped up and when I spoke with others about it, they say their clubs don't operate like that.
I signed up and paid up on first meeting due to club without any trial spin which I will do now.

What step do I take.

In short: I said above I had great company and I did. 4-of-us turned up that morning, 2gals and 2guys. The 2guys took off and in the space of the 2-hours cycling us 2gals only met them ONCE and spoke about 6words and that was it. Never waited; never contacted us; never seen when we returned either. It's been bothering me as not what I expected and others have told me that's NOT how their club spins actually go.

I'd like to join a registered experienced cycling club to help me with confidence and seriously don't think this club will do that.

What steps do I take? Join another registered club and if CI query, then I explain. I did message CI through their site to put the question to them there, but not sure how long I'll be waiting for reply.

I don't want to drive 30mins for more club spins to have that happen repeatedly. We got on great the 2-of-us but just taken aback at the general behaviour of the 2guys, one of which was the organiser! Does that happen on your 1st club spin with newbies.

Hope someone can help,
kerry4sam

ragazzo

kerry4sam wrote: »

Can someone tell me how I go about cancelling the membership?

Thing is: New Club. Monies paid up by me and membership form signed. Club not yet fully registered with Cycling Ireland.

Some things have cropped up and when I spoke with others about it, they say their clubs don't operate like that.
I signed up and paid up on first meeting due to club without any trial spin which I will do now.

What step do I take.

In short: I said above I had great company and I did. 4-of-us turned up that morning, 2gals and 2guys. The 2guys took off and in the space of the 2-hours cycling us 2gals only met them ONCE and spoke about 6words and that was it. Never waited; never contacted us; never seen when we returned either. It's been bothering me as not what I expected and others have told me that's NOT how their club spins actually go.

I'd like to join a registered experienced cycling club to help me with confidence and seriously don't think this club will do that.

What steps do I take? Join another registered club and if CI query, then I explain. I did message CI through their site to put the question to them there, but not sure how long I'll be waiting for reply.

I don't want to drive 30mins for more club spins to have that happen repeatedly. We got on great the 2-of-us but just taken aback at the general behaviour of the 2guys, one of which was the organiser! Does that happen on your 1st club spin with newbies.

Hope someone can help,
kerry4sam

You can be a member of more than one club but can hold a CI licence/membership with only one.

CI would not become involved unless there was a problem between you and the club with which you held your licence. CI clubs need to be affiliated and paid up. Otherwise CI have no jurisdiction and cannot become involved.

This would not be applicable in your case as you state that the club are not fully registered with CI. Therefore members would not have obtained CI licences in the name of the club.

All you can do is request your money to be returned and explain that the club is not really suitable for your needs.

There should be no problem with that.