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OPINION
A leap into the unknown
short-sleeve-jerseySo after months of soul searching and plenty of discussion, my move is made and I am now part of a different cycling club.
I have had spells away from Fenland Clarion before, but they were geographical neccessities as opposed to anything sinister.
This parting of the ways is pretty much the same thing.
My new club, St Ives, runs their weekly ten a 6 mile ride from my front door. The ideal warm up. This will save much rushing to get home, brief hello with the wife and kid(s) before packing the car, braving the A1 and then building up my bike, signing on... you get the picture.
With a young family I accept that the limit of my ambitions should be the weekly club 10. I don't accept that means I shouldn't train as hard as I can and race harder than I can imagine.
That's just me, I suppose.
With the amount of politics surrounding club cycling in the UK, I am glad to be moving for a real genuine lifestyle reason as opposed to having fallen out with someone. I just can't wait to get my kit delivered and get started now, despite some obvious nerves.
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2 comments
I think there is a lot of stall put on cycling clubs as being stuffy and elitist.
The reality is probably not that grim nowadays.
Most clubs are geared up to provide a service for their membership as opposed to operate in a clique.
I will keep all posted on how I do
Sounds like a great decision. I changed clubs recently for a few different reasons. Mainly political I'm afraid: two factions fighting and holding up club development and a sponsor who had smothered the club's identity to the point where the club was known by his name rather than the original club name.
I don't believe racing as an individual helps the sport so I've joined another club with a large friendly membership to race in their colours and all is good. I still ride with members of my old club as they are on the doorstep and there is no bad feeling with most of them. I see my new club members at races and it's working out pretty well.
Cycle clubs are a very personal part of your life - but they are not close family and they do not pay the mortgage. If you don't enjoy riding with them, or like the club kit then leave. Best move I made.