Joining a club

Don't Chute!

Hi guys, i know this subject has probably been brought up lots of times but i am thinking about joining a cycling club. At the moment i only cycle on my own and don't mind it at all but i have been thinking of taking the plunge recently. I have done about 3300kms for the year so far which i think is not too bad!?
My biggest problem though is that i am very quiet and shy and it takes a while for me to open up to new people. Would this be a problem i wonder? Also i have never riden in a group before and think i would find it quite intimidating.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I'm living in Greystones so Bray Wheelers would be the nearest club, does anybody know what they are like?

Beasty

Don't worry about being "too shy" - cyclists are a friendly bunch and joining a club is a great way to supplement your network of friends

Bray are a large club who I am sure will cater well for newbies, and being based in Greystones they will be ideal for you. Have you checked out their website/FB page(s) for details of their spins? Beginner spins are typically designed to get people used to riding in a group and after a couple of spins I am sure you will feel very comfortable

mal1

I'm not a member of a club at the moment but have gone on rides with a number of clubs in Dublin and around. Cyclists are generally a nice bunch. Like anywhere, there's always some oddballs around but if you start off with the club beginners group then the first club members you meet tend to be the nice sociable type. You'll meet the Lance and Bernards later.

Riding in a group is just something that you need to adjust to. I can't give much more advice then that.

Felloffmebike

Do it. You won't regret it. Joining a club was the best thing I ever did. The difference between riding in a group and doing it by yourself is enormous. It's a bit scary at first having people close beside you and you have to keep your concentration and your front wheel in the right place but you'll get used to it in no time. And most clubs have experienced people to show you the ropes. And as everyone else has said, most cyclists are a friendly lot. I've made a lot of new friends in the year since I joined.

ckeego

I was in the same boat 3 years ago-I used to meet some of the midweek riders from Bray Wheelers when I was out on my Tobler (and Sorrento too) and they encouraged me to join up.

I'm in Greystones too, as are quite a few members from Bray Wheelers..They are a very friendly and welcoming group and you will have great fun along the way. There are at least 3 group rides every Saturday and Sunday morning of varying levels.

Feel free to drop me a line.

Plastik

Another Wheeler her . Loads of spins, something for all levels and friendly bunch. Plus we have a great midweek race league handicapped so that everyone is in with a shot at winning. Check out the Facebook page and forum on the website for spin info, they all leave from Kilmacanogue.