New to cycling

[ChrisG89]

Good morning all,

Not sure where to post this?... I'm new to road riding and have just bought a Cannondale Evo last week after much debate and advice on what to go for. I am already a keen runner and into training and cycling is something that has interested me for some time. Once in settled and have experience i want to move on to challeneges/races etc.

I am based out of South West London and would like to get out with other cyclists to learn routes and techniwhes as well as meet some friendly people on the way. If anyone has any pointers for me to go as a beginner. Clubs/meets etc it would be greatly appreciated!

[AndyBSG]

First off, regardless of fitness I recommend getting a few rides under your belt of at least 15 miles simply to get the muscles that are used in cycling but aren't used in running up to speed and, more importantly, to get your butt used to the abuse it will take... Despite wonderfully expensive spring loaded or gel seats the only thing that really helps with that new rider saddle sore is a decent set of padded shorts and getting some miles done!

Once that's out the way and you want to start going on some group rides i'd suggest starting with http://www.goskyride.com. They run reasonably good group rides without having to join a cycling club and will let you gauge what level you're at, get you used to the etiquette of group rides and decide if group rides are something you want.

Once that's all out of the way it's simple enough to find out where your local cycling club is(or post your general location and i'm sure people can recommend a decent one near you) and they'll be able to help you from there.

[ChrisG89]

Thanks for the advice Andy. I have got some padded shirts to go with my rock hard seat. And I will look into the website once ready as you said. Thanks again

[Zanda]

My thoughts on saddle fit are here:
http://cyclingfortransport.com/bike/components/saddle/

Here's a list of the things I take with me when I go out on a bike:
http://cyclingfortransport.com/plan/pack/

And here are the regular maintenance checks I do on the bike:
http://cyclingfortransport.com/plan/maintenance/

If you want comprehensive hints and tips on cycling on road, (defensive riding, if you like) take a look at Cyclecraft by John Franklin.
http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/

Finally, get out regularly with your local CTC group. You'll get the choice of B rides which are about 60-mile day rides with a cafe stop at lunch, and A rides which are the same but faster, covering 100 miles.
http://www.ctc.org.uk/local-groups

[Slow Loris]

Welcome . For newbies, Pollards Hill club cover SW London – I've no experience but have heard them recommended: http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk/index.html

get out regularly with your local CTC group. You'll get the choice of B rides which are about 60-mile day rides with a cafe stop at lunch, and A rides which are the same but faster, covering 100 miles.
http://www.ctc.org.uk/local-groups

Just to add, some CTC groups offer a wide range of rides, including under 60miles for those starting out. If you don't mind trains, the Central London group are worth a look: http://www.centrallondonctc.org.uk/
If you go out regularly, you'll find it easy to progress to longer, faster rides and challenges in the future.

Good luck!

[TrevA]

Are you anywhere near Richmond Park? It's something of a mecca for SW London cyclists, providing a circuit of roads that don't have much traffic.

[Vorpal]

If you are interested in racing, it may be worth looking for a BC or time trialling club

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubfinder
http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/Clubs

There are also a number affiliated groups that organise rides using Facebook. If you are a Facebook member, you can find these by searching for cycling and the name of some areas near you. For example 'cycling Kingston upon Thames' or 'bike rides Kingston upon Thames' Note that I haven't tried those in Facebook, it's just an example. I know that 'cycling Chelmsford' will turn up a couple of hits on Facebook, but those won't be much good to you