Should I join a bicycle club?

[janus77]

Ok, so I ride every day to work (not far at all, but keeps me fit enough I guess), then usually have 1 or two longer rides on the weekends.

I'm loving the rides, but it would be nice to ride with others occasionally.

What's the go with bike clubs, can you enter a comp where you road racing as well as velodrome? With the street racing, there seem to be Crits which will be multiple laps of a designated route around an area?

Do clubs do regular training rides, and then races too?

How do you get graded etc?

[kaz]

I have just joined and have found the training rides really push you which will make you fitter and faster. The company is great. You can not beat riding in a bunch.

Kaz

[chris641]

What's the go with bike clubs, can you enter a comp where you road racing as well as velodrome? With the street racing, there seem to be Crits which will be multiple laps of a designated route around an area?

Do clubs do regular training rides, and then races too?

How do you get graded etc?

My club has races and training rides every week. Some clubs do track and road racing but you'd have to do some research of clubs in your area to find that out. Crits are high speed timed races around a circuit.. generally lasting between 30 minutes and 60 minutes depending on your grade. You get graded by the club handicapper who will check you out when you sign up. At the beginning you will probably be put in D grade and then move up depending on your results.

[JV911]

I have just joined and have found the training rides really push you which will make you fitter and faster. The company is great. You can not beat riding in a bunch.

+1!

many reasons to join from improved fitness by being pushed, improved group riding skills & social aspects

where are you located?

The BNA website has a list of clubs

[janus77]

I'm in Rozelle, anyone know a local club who are fun to ride with, a bit competitive but not too serious about proceedings?

[sogood]

I'm in Rozelle, anyone know a local club who are fun to ride with, a bit competitive but not too serious about proceedings?

Didn't realize that you are just down the road from me.

For Rozelle, your easiest options are,
1) LBUG. Leichhardt Bicycle Users Group <http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/lbug/>
2) CanadaBayBUG. <http://www.baybug.org.au/>

For more racing orientated, then there are,
1) DHBC. <http://dhbc.org.au/>
2) Variety of clubs with regular serious training rides starting from Centennial Park eg. RBCC, East, SCC.

[janus77]

thanks Sogood, will look into them.