There are a wide variety of individuals who make up our 30 "core riders", none of them are typical.

The CTC covers a wide spectrum of cycling, and this is reflected locally with some members who have an interest in the racing side of the sport and  maintain contacts in South Pennine and Derby Mercury, or those interested in cycle campaigning, for instance through Derby Cycling group. People cycle for a thousand different reasons, and our club is fairly representative of that mix.

I've listed responses to some common concerns new members might have.

I've only just started cycling, and the CTC group will be full of expert riders.

NOT True. Some have taken an interest in cycling for years, although they may not have ridden many miles. Others have only recently discovered cycling and are still learning what its all about.

The other members will all have several bikes and I only have one.

NOT true. Some members have more than one bike, but as you only able to ride one at a time, then one bike is all you need.

I have a mountain bike, and you need an expensive racer or touring bike to attend CTC rides

NOT True. Any sort of bike is welcome, as long as it is in roadworthy condition.

I am not very fast and the group will leave me behind

NOT True. The rides do try and maintain a reasonable pace, but riders are NEVER abandoned. Often the leader will wait at certain points to allow the group to congregate, as even among the established members there are a variety of paces. If the pace is too fast, you'll be given advice as to the best route home if you feel as though you cannot continue. Some shorter, slower rides will be starting soon (see website).

I won't be as fit as the regular riders, and will slow down the ride.

Unless you have been doing alot of cycling on your own, you probably won't be as fit as those who have ridden regularly. Riding socially is the easiest way to gain that fitness and as most people in the club have been in a similar position, the group accepts that the ride will be slower when somebody new joins us.

Rides last all day and I don't have that much time.

NOT true. The rides are as long as you want them to be. They are often scheduled to last all day for those who want to stop out all day, but any member can leave at any time (and many do), for example after the morning coffee stop. Just inform the leader.

The other members will all be older/younger than me.

We have a wide variety of ages, from a couple of teenagers to a gentleman in his seventies. Cycling keeps you young!

Occupations vary widely as well. Whatever your job, your likely to find someone within the group who has a similar one.

There are many events other than Sunday rides, and as in any group what you get out of it depends on what you put in. You can either use it as an occasional social Sunday ride (as many members do, especially those with either families or other hobbies), or as an extension to your social life, attending all rides and socials.

There is only one qualification you need. You must enjoy cycling!

If you do we hope to see you soon!