Please note - registration for 2017 is not open yet.
C-SIG on the Move!
Think of It as Cycling College
Learn the basics of cycling from experienced ride leaders with a passion for the sport. Whether your interest is touring, competitive cycling or group riding, the C-SIG provides 8 weeks of intensive training and practice during all-day group rides. Each week the rides get a little longer,a little faster and and a little more difficult, so you gain strength and endurance over the spring. You’ll also get lessons in the following areas of competency:
Essential Riding Skills – efficient pedal stroke, cadence, using a cycle computer, maximizing use of gears, balance/coordination, passing/acceleration, hill ascent, braking on fast down-hills, short stops, hairpin turns, etc.
Road and Group Riding Skills – hand signals (stopping, turning, road obstacles), safety skills for riding in traffic
Bike Maintenance and Repair Skills – changing a flat, care and lubrication of chain and crank, adjusting brakes
Nutrition and Hydration – timing, quality, quantities
Bike Fit – for maximum efficiency and injury prevention
The Best Cycling Clothes – for riding comfortably in cold, hot, wet and everything in-between weather
Emergency First Aid Response – basics for acting quickly in case of emergency AND much more!
Build a foundation of cycling skills that will last a lifetime. Learn to ride stronger and more safely with groups and develop as a cyclist beyond your wildest dreams. The C-SIG is a stimulating and supportive environment for developing endurance, stamina, and friendships.
This is a progressive series, with each week taking us a little farther and a little faster. Each week, we build on what we have learned in the previous weeks. As much of our course material is presented in the early weeks, attendance at the first three sessions is particularly important.
Attendance
Signing up for the C-SIG means you have made a commitment to spend 8 consecutive Saturdays cycling with us this spring. You are required to attend at least six of the eight rides. And if you miss the Orientation on March 12, plus one of the first two rides (March 26, or April 2); OR if you miss the first two of the first three rides (March 26, April 2, April 9), you will not be allowed to continue.
Dates
There is more necessary and important information in the C-SIG FAQs at the top of the page. If you are interested in taking the C-SIG, please read the FAQs, which may answer many of your questions.
You may also like to get a headstart by looking over the following C-SIG materials, especially articles on clothing, nutrition, exercises, checking your bike.
Towards the end of the C-SIG, your Leaders will make suggestions on organizing and leading club rides. While the SIG is “free”, at the end of the SIG, we expect that each participant give back to the club, preferably by leading a ride or by volunteering for a club activity in 2015.
C-SIG Handouts
Below is a collection of educational handouts used at various times by all the C-SIG groups. You may find it useful to look at them before taking the C-SIG, or you may find it more useful to receive them in context of our talks on the road. Some are easier to follow than others without the talk. However, we encourage you to read the first three right now for a safe bike, pumped up tires, and adequate clothes!
If you would like to read a comprehensive rider's handbook, check out the B-SIG Rider's Guide.
ABC Quick Bike Check: from Transportation Alternatives
Tire Care Before and After Each Ride
Coordinated Emergency Response
Amelia's Strength and Diet Tips
Riding in Traffic: from John S. Allen. Street Smarts: Bicycling’s Traffic Survival Guide
Stretching Chart p. 1 : from Bob and Jean Anderson.
Stretching 2000 Stretching Chart p. 2 : from Bob and Jean Anderson. Stretching 2000
Bike Fit : from Bicycling magazine, April 2002
Cleaning and lubing your bike: from T.K. at Larry’s Second Avenue Bicycle Plus (since updated)
Changing a Rear Tire : from Larry and Benny at Larry’s Second Avenue Bicycle Plus