So what do you do?
We run club rides on Sunday mornings throughout the year and Saturday mornings during the winter months, as well as club time trials and a club race team.
Do I need to be in the club to come on a club run?
The first ride is free, because we’d like you to be sure that you want to join the club. You’ll be more than welcome to join us on one of our weekend rides before joining, but the most important thing is that you are able to keep up. Our rides page will help you assess which ride is best for you but first you need to come on one of our Joiners Rides to learn about our group riding – these are run every few weeks. Please contact us before coming on your first ride. Send an e-mail to our New Joiners ride coordinator Email Link Here
How fit do I need to be to be able to come riding with you?
You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to be able to do one of our rides. Before joining our Introductory Ride you should be able to ride about 50 miles in less than 4 hours. Our other Sunday rides require a significantly higher level of fitness.
What kind of bikes do you ride?
Generally we ride road bikes with dropped handlebars as most of our riding is done on tarmac. Our bikes are often quite light, with narrow tyres that help us maintain a good pace. Inevitably we have members who enjoy riding quite expensive bikes, but many others of us have quite ordinary frames with mid-range components. In winter the traditional amongst us ride with mudguards, although this is not a strict rule as it is with some clubs.
Once you have your chosen bike, then it comes down to making sure it is in good condition and ready to ride. Don’t forget before every ride to carry out a ABC check on your bike and ensure it is serviced at least annually. We have members of our club who carry out servicing if you need some help. Ask one of your fellow riders for help.
Do I need Insurance if I am a club member?
Club Insurance
Public Liability Insurance, we can all agree is often difficult to navigate and understand. Hopefully this short summary can clarify it, at least a little bit.
ARCC is affiliated with British Cycling which includes public liability insurance cover for the claims against the club, club officials acting on behalf of the club as well as individuals invited to join the club to participate in club group rides such as as joiner rides before they have officially joined the club or other governing bodies like British Cycling or Cycling UK for example. However, It does not cover individual members. Here is the link explaining that in more details
Individual Members Insurance
Individual members need to get their own insurance in place if they want to get public liability cover as ARCC club insurance by affiliation does not cover individual riders. This can be obtained, for example, by joining British Cycling, another cycling body or specialist bicycle insurance that includes public liability cover as an extension of accidental bike damage insurance.
Here is more info from British Cycling cover for their members https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/thirdpartyliability
If you are a member of Cycling UK they also provide essential cover included with their membership https://www.cyclinguk.org/member-benefit/10m-third-party-insurance-cover
Unfortunately, as we know and some of us have experienced it, accidents happen. ARCC is advising all club members to take a closer look at all those options and at least get the essential cover but preferably a more comprehensive one as a simple way to avoid worrying how to cover those huge liability costs while trying to recuperate from injury.
Do I have to wear ARCC club kit (jersey, shorts, socks etc)?
Wearing club kit on group rides in encouraged but in no way mandated. ARCC jersey is a lovely piece of kit, well designed and made of high quality materials used in pro pelotons around the world. However, If you want to wear another jersey that you feel is more suited to the weather (or simply haven’t had time to wash your ARCC kit from your last ride), please feel free. Join ARRC group rides equipped with good sense of humour and of course…a bike.
I only have a mountain bike, will that do?
Probably not! The problem with mountain bikes is that they tend to be heavier than road bikes and, with knobbly tires, can make riding on tarmac seem like hard work! Some of our members can keep up on a hybrid but nearly everyone rides road bikes. If you do want to use your mountain bike, you will find the ride improved by fitting slick tyres, but you may still have to improve your fitness as well.
Do you ride close together in a group on club rides? Why?
Yes, we do tend to ride in fairly close formation and this does take a bit of getting used to if you’re new to cycling. Riding ‘on someone’s wheel’ as it’s called gives you the benefit of slipstream. Riding close enough to the person in front of you can save you as much as 15 – 40% of your energy, depending on the speed and size of the group, allowing us all to ride a bit faster and a bit further than we could on our own. Those new to group riding should download and read our Guide to Friction Free Riding to find out about the basics. Then arrange to come on an introductory Ride. Once out on the road it’s best to start at the back of the group where you don’t have to worry about people around you.
Do I have to race?
No. We have a fair number of riders who do race or ride time trials but we are definitely not a racing club. Most of our members have never raced, whilst others have a racing background but are now content to take things at a slower pace.
Do I have to wear lycra?
Not at all. Lycra can be a bit ‘revealing’, but we dress like that for reasons of comfort. The shorts have a synthetic pad which helps keep you comfortable. The materials used in all the clothing tend to breathe well, reducing discomfort from sweating, and they don’t flap around in the wind. Basic rules for a beginner are ride in whatever you’re comfortable, and remember to keep warm, especially in the winter months. It is better to be too warm than too cold.
Do I have to wear helmet?
YES! – remember no helmet no riding with the club
Do I have to shave my legs?
Generally, no! Most of our (male) riders do not shave their legs but a number of our serious racers do. The main reason is not for wind resistance. Shaven legs are easy to massage and reduce chances of infection if you crash.
How much does it cost to join Amersham Road Cycling Club?
Membership isn’t expensive. Please see cost of membership for new joiners as well as annual renewals for existing members by clicking on the link below. New Joiners or your first membership also includes the cost of ARCC jersey.
The Committee reserve the right to make subscription changes.
To get your membership online click here: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/club/profile/3663/amersham-road-cycling-club?#join
How do you keep in touch with members?
This website provides up-to-date information on club rides, time trials and results as well as other club activities and events. Members also keep in touch using our closed Facebook, Strava and Whatapps groups
You haven’t answered all my questions!
Please do ask us any questions you may have by contacting us, details can be found on our contact page. and there is more information about on New joiners page.
If I wanted to join, what should I do next?
Send an e-mail to our intro ride coordinator here: Mail New Joiners Co-ordinator, who will book you on to the next intro ride. Once you have been on the free New Joiners ride and have read the New joiners page you can then join the club through British cycling and enjoy the Sunday rides.
Where to Meet
We meet on Sundays at 8.40am at the Car Park in the Link Road in Great Missenden. The calendar has the ride details
Not sure about riding in a club
British Cycling organise local rides such as women’s only rides, riding festivals and teaching your child to ride
for more information visit https://www.letsride.co.uk/