Clifton CC

Hi, I am thinking of joining your club for a variety of reasons but have a few questions. I'm a bike owner and have been for years but know nothing of caring for my bike or whether it is the "correct" bike for me etc. It is a mountain bike and does have nobbly wheels, which I believe isn't good for road but I fancy doing a mixture of road and off road (Dalby Forect tracks etc) but just need to up my confidence on the off road and my bike knowledge. Health wise I'm fit but am very aware that I can suffer a lot with my knees (literally depending on their mood it feels! and not the distance I cover), I am also getting back into cycling after breaking my back so again so fancy anything radical or bone threatening....can anyone give me any advice on any basics that will set me up for a ride with the group and joing CC? I am presently getting my bike looked at by Bicycle Heaven and plan to buy helmet, I have fingerless gloves, but should they be a particular type of cycling gloves or are these OK? Is there anything anyone can recommend to me for my knees? I have purchased padded shorts? Am I missing anything else I should to prepare for my first cycle out? I've also joined your Facebook page!

Huge thanks
Nikki

Hi Nikki

The only real 'qualification' you need is that you enjoy riding your bike - everything else will follow naturally. Don't worry too much about the equipment side of things - if you do 'catch the bug' and get really into it all that will quickly sort itself out and you will receive loads of advice from other members.

Basic cycling fitness does take a few weeks regular riding to build up but again will take care of itself if you are enjoying the riding.

There are groups of all abilities on the road (mainly road bikes with skinny tyres and drop handlebars) and off road groups too - not my forte so someone else will doubtless advise here.

Hi Nikki

if you are intrested information on the off road side of cycling have a look in the MTB section.
We go out on regular rides including Dalby forest to suit all abilities.

Thanks guys! Will check out the MTB section and join once bike is back from its check up! Excellent...thank you.

Hi Nikki

Keep an eye on this discussion board and see what's coming up, and read the About Us > Getting Started section of the website. There's also Willy's "Easy Riders" Monday evening rides - a very gentle intro to group riding - let me know if you're interested and I'll get him to add you to the email mailing list for them. Don't worry about joining until you've done a ride or two with us and reckon it's what you want!

Regarding ze knees... ...general advice is keep in a relatively low gear and learn to spin the pedals faster - it puts less strain on the joints although it feels pretty odd at first. Count how many full revolutions of the pedals in half a minute - you want 40+.

Phil B the Membership Sec