We pride ourselves on being a well-organised club enabling members to access many different aspects of cycling. As club runs are our most popular club activity, we often have in excess of 100 riders out on the roads of Hertfordshire (and beyond) on a Sunday. In order to make these club runs as enjoyable and safe as possible for riders (and other road users) we have a defined process for welcoming new members as well as introducing you to all our club activities.
Are you ready to join us?
Before you join us, you need to be able to ride a minimum of 50 miles (with a short cafe stop) at an average speed of 13 mph. Club runs last a minimum of 4 hours and get back to St. Albans around 1.30pm. You should also have a working knowledge of the Highway Code and have good bike control e.g. being able to make controlled hand signals, change and use appropriate gears. If you are uncertain about this requirement and want more practice or guidance before joining our club then check out the British Cycling website or the free Sky Rides (both men and women).
Here's a step-by-step guide to our joining process:
Youth Riders (u/18 in January of current year): Please express an interest with Doug Driscoll (our Chair, who organises the youth section) by clicking here.
- Decide if you are ready to join and meet the baseline standard (above)
- Read all about us on our website at www.verulamcc.org.uk.
- Book a New Members' talk by contacting Mick. You will receive an email explaining the purpose, venue, date of the next talk and asking for confirmation that you will be attending.
- Attend the New Members’ talk at which the focus is on group riding and safety. At this you can book your place on the next induction ride (see 11. below).
- Ensure you have THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE. This is not expensive and comes as part of the following cycling association memberships: British Cycling (BC) / Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) - now called Cycling UK / League of Veteran Racing Cyclists (LVRC) / British Triathlon (BT). There are differing advantages in joining these associations e.g. CTC offers discount at 'Cotswolds', BC entitles members to priority tickets and entry to national and international events. Both provide excellent information about cycling. Note: VCC affiliation to CTC entitles members to discounted CTC membership & insurance (less then half price) - https://www.ctc.org.uk/join-membership/setup/AFMI. This includes a field to add the affiliate code, available from Mick (rather than the discount code). If you join British Cycling, you need at least 'Ride' or 'Race Silver' membership to get the benefit of liability insurance. Note that 'Race Bronze' membership does not include the liability insurance you need before you join the VCC.
- Apply for VCC membership online. (You will need your membership number from 5. (above).
- Receive email of membership acceptance which explains payment.
- Pay annual (calendar year) membership - by card or Paypal. Payment is refundable within the first month if you decide not to remain a member.
- Receive your VCC bike tag, check / insert details & fix to your bike(s). Tags are normally distributed at, or after, the induction ride (see 11. below)
- Ensure your road bike is roadworthy and you have the right kit. Essential items are: helmet, pump and/or gas, tubes x2, tools, first aid, (long rear mudguard when wet). Recommended: gloves, food, drink, café lock, mobile phone, map, tyre boot patch, jacket &/or space blanket, chain splitter & money. Read In your saddlebag for further advice.
- Complete an induction ride - you will have discussed this at the New Members’ meeting and will automatically be emailed further details.
- Your induction with us is now complete and you're free to join in with club activities – e.g. club rides, time-trials, MTB and training camps.
- Get club kit at cost price - come to our Try-on Club nights or available at Rock&Road Bikes, Victoria Street, St Albans – located between the station and ‘Cotswolds Outdoor' shop. This is not compulsory but we prefer members to ride in club kit whenever possible while taking part in club activities. Find out about our club kit here.
If you have any questions about membership, please contact Mick.
