A friendly, social, road cycling club based in Shire Oak, Walsall Wood, catering for riders of all abilities.
Joining a club is a great way to get the most out of your cycling. Whether you are a seasoned racer or a complete beginner, there is nothing better than riding with like-minded cyclists to develop your skills and challenge yourself.
Many riders are put off joining a cycling club by tales or hard as nails clubmen, novices being spat out of the back of training rides or unfriendly and intimidating attitudes. This couldn’t be further from the truth and joining a club is one of the best ways to improve your cycling skills, fitness and find like minded friends.
“To me, it doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or the sun is shining or whatever: as long as I’m riding a bike I know I’m the luckiest guy in the world” – Mark Cavendish
Cycling is a beautiful sport. We hear it all the time. We experience it when we ride and race. For the ever-increasing number of us that have caught the cycling bug, we know how happy cycling makes us.
Cycling is not just for the super-fit. Group cycling can be an easy and fun way of getting on your bike. Many of us had a beloved bicycle as a child, yet the delight of speeding downhill or feeling the wind on your face is all too often forgotten as we get older. Join our group and ride your bike again.
If you haven’t been on a bike since you free-wheeled down the road to school, then you’re not alone. A lack of confidence, fear of traffic, worry about punctures or simply no time are just some of the reasons that so many of us never feel the joy of whizzing along on two wheels.
Cadence is really important. Set an alarm on your computer for when cadence drops below 80rpm, meaning it’s time to drop a gear. Eventually it becomes second nature. You have got to spin to win.
Start slowly, don’t aim to go too far or fast too soon. Build it up steadily over time and as you feel more confident and comfortable push your limits. Oh, and the most important tip of all….. Just enjoy yourself
We’re all responsible for ensuring that we behave ourselves out on the road … And that means behaving ourselves as if we were driving cars instead of bikes, since as cyclists on the road we have the same responsibilities as automobile drivers. we stop at stop signs and red lights, signal our turns, stay in our lane, and so forth. And we watch out for one another to ensure that our fellow members stay safe. We point out problems on the road to one another, We stop and help each other when someone has a mechanical issue or gets a flat.
Over the years I’ve got to meet some great people in various clubs. I found SOCC through some cycling buddies and I have to say best thing I ever did joining the club 12 months ago. Really helped me improve my cycling and I’ve met some great people, and got to see some of our great countryside.
