Many people will be looking at getting their first bike in 2014 and on behalf of every cyclist out there I welcome you to the best sport in the world! Whether it's raining or wall to wall sunshine when you ride, every day is different. You'll meet some great people along the way that are like minded and will help you develop in your new found sport! Local clubs are always a good place to start and here are some near the shop who are worth checking out!
Cycle Club Sudbury - Cycle Club Sudbury was formed back in the late seventies when a couple of cyclists decided there should be a local club. Now the club sits at a healthy 125′ish members. We hold a regular Time Trial series, an Open Time Trial, Audax events, an annual Hill Climb , a Road Race and even a Reliability Ride in January each year. The club is open to all riders, young and old; no one is ever out of place on a bike!
The West Suffolk Wheelers And Triathlon Club - The cycling club, formed in 1922, is based in Bury St Edmunds and has produced many good riders over the years. We have a good cross-section of cycling on offer to welcome new and experienced cyclists alike. In 2010, a triathlon section was formed which has been a very successful and popular addition to our activities.
Stowmarket And District Cycling Club - SDCC is one of several long established cycling clubs in Suffolk, we always welcome new members to ensure the clubs thriving future. We have an expanding and very active membership involved in several disciplines of cycling, including Road Racing, Time trialling, Cyclo-cross, Mountain Biking, Sportives and social riding. We organise six evening 10 mile time trials as part of the Ipswich Cycle Association series, open 10 and 20 mile time trials (some as part of the SPOCO East series) a Regional B road race, a Sportive in August and reliability rides in February and October
Boxford Bike Club - Welcome to the Boxford Bike Club website! Over the past year the Boxford Bike Club, based around the small rural village of Boxford, Suffolk has grown from humble beginnings to now having a very active and ever growing membership of local riders. As a club, we don't take ourselves too seriously and we hopefully come across as a friendly and approachable bunch, at the same time endorsing the benefits and enjoyment of cycling in all its forms. Membership of a group such as this encourages increased participation in the sport. People new to cycling have an instant network of support and advice available to them, but also having organised group rides encourages members to get out and ride on a more regular basis. Your never too far away from people who are willing to help you cycle more!
So your already a cyclist, what now? Time trials, road racing, audax or sportives? Maybe you want to take in the atmosphere of cycling (after all the Tour De France is starting in the UK in 2014!) in which case a sportive would be a great place to start! Many local clubs run their own sportives so check out their individual websites to see what they have on offer. One of the best local sportives is the Essex spring lambs and autumn leaves sportives. Both have got fantastic support and back up, ample food and drink supplies and event photographers that can take a good snap or two of you busting a groove on your bike! This kind of event also gives you something to aim for in terms of training but also a solid target.
What about something a bit tougher...why not try an Audax?
Audax is a cycling sport in which participants attempt to cycle long distances within a pre-defined time limit. Audax is a non-competitive sport: success in an event is measured by its completion.
Challenging yet surprisingly fun especially as many rides are carried out with a group giving a real sense of camaraderie and achievement when completed. Distances range hugely from 100k to legendary rides such as London-Edinburgh-London which is one of the longest at 1400k (that's 868 miles!!). Local clubs are the best place to start your Audax challenge as many have members that either regularly partake in these or have a wealth of experience to pass onto willing volunteers.
Of course all of these activities will require a machine fit for purpose and up to the task of getting you through all your tough times on the bike as well as sharing you euphoric highs!
No matter how big or small your budget and no matter what your preferences are we will be able to help you one way or another. Your local bike shop is not just an adult sweet shop of bike porn and rubber smells. Its that extra tweak when you need is just before a big race, that last minute tyre swap just before your first sportive or your last minute purchase of gels the night before a 12 hour race. What ever you do decide to do in 2014 remember that LifecycleUK will be there to support you the best we can and to make your goals become reality.
From everyone at the shop, have a cracking (alright Stu, terrible joke) Christmas and all the best for 2014.
Rob, Mat, Stu and Rich
No matter how big or small your budget and no matter what your preferences are we will be able to help you one way or another. Your local bike shop is not just an adult sweet shop of bike porn and rubber smells. Its that extra tweak when you need is just before a big race, that last minute tyre swap just before your first sportive or your last minute purchase of gels the night before a 12 hour race. What ever you do decide to do in 2014 remember that LifecycleUK will be there to support you the best we can and to make your goals become reality.
Rob, Mat, Stu and Rich
