About Us
New Cyclists Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of Cycling do Lakeland CC members do ?
The answer is a bit of everything. There are members who race, who tour (with panniers etc..), who do sportives (sometimes called Leisure Tours) and some who just bike for fitness. Some of our members are social only and help with running the club and marshalling at events. The general idea is 1. set a goal for the season 2. train towards that goal and 3. achieve it.. whether that goal be to do a cycle of 50 miles, become a CAT1 cyclist, take part in a top European Sportive, or simply lose weight.
What Events do you run ?
Take a look at our current calendar to see some of the events. We're trying to document all the routes but bear with us. We do Timetrials - thats the rider against the clock over distances from 5 - 25 miles. We hold club races - massed start, albeit normally in different groups, giving some riders a handicap over the better riders in the field, and tours - where the emphasis is on keeping together and working around a 50-100 mile ride. We also have hill climbs - where the distance is rarely greater than 10 miles, but its all uphill and against the clock. We sometimes hold variations on these (ie two person/three person timetrials). In 2009 a group organized a traverse of the Pyrenees. We generally have an end of year weekend away somewhere, and other functions such as prize-giving dinner dance.
How do I find you ?
You can contact us here - that should send an email to mailto:lakelandcc@hotmail.com which should go to the club secretary.
What about training ?
.. some of us would say " what about training ? " too. Over the last years with the cold snaps we've stopped the winter training runs.. However many in the club want to re-instate. look out for information. Over the summer months there are club events on a Wednesday night. Sometimes a club member will suggest a route for weekend and there'll be a meet at a certain time / date.. As I say keep upto date with the website/ensure other members have your mobile.
No I meant How should I start training ?
OK.. right I'll get some info put up on general starting off.. and some guidelines.
A good place to start however is with a bikefit.. Our sponsors Lakeland Bikes can advise.. and you'll be amazed at the difference a few cms here and there make with regards to comfort on the bike.
What sort of Bike should I use ?
In theory any bike as long as its road worthy.. in practice though you'll want a decent road bike with "skinny" wheels, good brakes, and reasonably light. Many members have a training bike for winter months and a faster bike for events. Some of the specialists in the club have specific bikes for timetrialling, for road racing and training, with many wheel combinations to suit..But its not just about the bike.
What about other equipment ?
Well a good pair of padded shorts, a cycling top with pockets in the back, a well fitting helmet and cycling shoes/clipless pedal combination are generally the minimum requirement. Add to that training tights, overshoes , gloves or mitts , glasses , hat, jacket , arm warmers , leg warmers etc.. and the kit soon adds up. Most essentially if going cycling 1. take some food/drink 2. take a spare tube and pump (and know how to use both) and 3. take a mobile phone. One advantage of club membership is a discount on club gear in Lakeland bikes.
How does insurance work ?
To be properly insured, you pay club membership (that means you've joined Lakeland CC) and also you need to join Cycling Ireland if you intend to do any form of racing... indeed its advisable to join them also if you intend participating in any club leisure events. They have special introductory rates of 10 pounds for leisure cyclists. If you want to get a bit more competitive there are different categories of licences which you can take out. look at the faq on Cycling Ireland website for more information on benefits of Cycling Ireland membership.How much is membership ?
Membership is currently 30 pounds per year. However membership is free for the first year. Also there are reductions on club clothing when you are a current member.