FAQ

Sure. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to join a clinic that is being offered. Or ask about our mentorship program where we pair you with an experienced member of the club to give new riders advice and direction.

The BBC has a mentorship system where riders with years of experience riding and racing provide mentorship to newer less experienced riders. In the past, the mentorship program has included weekly group rides, criterium racing clinics, and cyclocross skills clinics. Members have access to discounted coaching from certified instructors.

Nope, you can show up in a t-shirt and shorts! But have you seen those new BBC jerseys? You'd look great in one of those so check out our shop today!

GROUP RIDE BASICS – Pull through without surging. – If two of you are peeling off the front of a double pace line, try to do so when there’s a gap in traffic. – Rotating pace line: When you’re at the front and someone is pulling past you, say “yes” to let them know they can safely slot in front of you (without chopping your wheel). Say “last” when you’re in last position to the person coming back from the front of the pace line. Elbow flick tells someone when to come through AND which side to come through. – Hold your line in corners. – If you want to stand up (out of the saddle), do so smoothly and learn to not throw your bike back (that means no freewheeling, esp. on a hill). This is harder than it sounds. – give the person ahead of you on a climb a little more room to stand up. – respect the yellow line and switch to single file when impeding traffic. – When at the front you’re responsible for pointing out significant road problems to the group — if you see a dangerous hole, say “hole” (middle, left, right). Cars coming from front: “car up”. Car wanting to pass: “car back”. – brake less, especially in a pace line. Learn the art of feathering your brakes. Keep a high cadence—85+rpm. – follow the wheel in front and do not overlap. – if it’s a no drop ride, we always reassemble at top of major climbs. If it’s a drop ride, know the route. – You’re responsible for the person behind you. If someone punctures or is dropped, get to the front and inform the front rider — by default the group always waits/assists. – change clothes as soon as you can post-ride #saddlesores. – hydrate and fuel regularly during your effort (budget 1 bottle per hour). – remember you’re repping the club whenever you’re wearing the kit. For more detail/explanation, watch GCN’s How To videos or read about etiquette here (thanks to the Morning Glory Cycling Club).

Here's some tips we found useful from a sister club: Park Training/Racing Protocols (http://www.kissenacycling.com/wp-content/uploads/Park-Riding-Protocol-1.pdf)and the How to Race Your Bike guide(http://www.kissenacycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/How-to-race-your-bike-v10.pdf).