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HOW DO I MAKE FIRST CONTACT?
Why not come along to one of our Tuesday night training races at Steeple (Star pub), or one of our winter cyclo-crosses, that way you will see a lot of members straight away. Alternatively, ‘phone the clubrun secretary to discuss the upcoming Sunday runs. New faces are always welcome at the clubroom on Mondays, but these are more social gatherings than bike centred events. See the calendar of events on the “events” page and the “What’s on?” section to find out more about events and venues, plus the “committee members” page for ‘phone contact details.
WHO DO I SPEAK TO?
Approach anyone wearing a Maldon jersey and tell them you are new. They will immediately put you in touch with a committee member. Alternatively, you could ‘phone any committee member in advance.
WHAT IF I’M NOT INTERESTED IN RACING?
Lots of our members aren’t, but races are good focal points for seeing lots of club members. Club based races typically involve about 35 people racing plus perhaps another 20 there for social reasons. Tuesdays are only half over once the racing finishes as most people migrate to the pub for a drink and a meal.
WHAT IF MY BIKE ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH?
Don’t be put off by the standard of some of the bikes you see, virtually everyone started on a basic bike.
The club has a pool of road bikes, some new, for short to medium term loan to younger members who might be interested but only have mountain bikes. Please ask a committee member for details. For our cyclo cross races, mountain bikes of any standard are perfectly adequate.
I DON’T WANT TO GET SHOWN UP.
You won’t be. Although several of our members race seriously and at a high level, even more just take part for the fun of being involved. You will, genuinely, not be looked down on by anyone at all.
IS IT ONLY ABOUT RACING?
Absolutely not, simply that races form a good focal point for meeting lots of members. Newcomers to cycling are always astonished at how many cycling activities there are in the region, racing and non-racing. It is quite possible, if you have the stamina, to race seven days a week in the Essex region! Add in the wide range of non-competitive activities and there is more to go at than you could possibly keep up with.
WHAT IF I’M NOT KEEN ON RIDING ON THE ROAD?
We steer well away from busy main roads. Most of our racing takes place on the quieter roads of the Dengie peninsular, beyond Mayland. Leisure riding takes us into little used lanes and quiet villages all over the county and sometimes deeper into East Anglia. The region has a range of off road facilities for racing as well, see the “facilities” question.
HOW DO I JOIN THE CLUB?
Firstly, come along and have a look, you can ride our races as a “guest” for a few weeks before we ask that you join us more formally. Then, simply fill in the membership application form (”committee” page) and send it off to the membership secretary. Club rules state that all potential new members are approved by the committee at the next available meeting (first Monday of even numbered months). This is
Rarely more than a formality, so if you have need for this to be formalised more quickly, please get in touch as it can almost certainly be arranged.
WHAT IS MY MEMBERSHIP FEE SPENT ON?
Almost all of it is used for clubroom hire, membership affiliation fees to major cycling bodies and general administration. Members aged 18 and under’s are given membership to British Cycling at “Silver” level, which the club pays for.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS?
Yes and no. You are also strongly encouraged to join one of the major cycling bodies (British Cycling or Cyclists Touring Club – see links page). You wouldn’t expect to drive a car on the road without insurance, the same should apply to riding a bike!
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