Spring Training: 2019 A-SIG
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2019 – 8:30 AM
Spots: 60
The A-SIG Approach
The A-SIG is a 12-week training series that teaches group cycling skills for those interested in being ‘A’ riders. Our goal is to produce “Great Wheels,” cyclists with whom everyone enjoys riding because their presence in a paceline enhances safety, smoothness, predictability and fun, making it a better ride for the group.
Participants will spend twelve weeks learning to ride confidently and at speed in close proximity to others in a disciplined, rotating paceline. The A-SIG progresses gradually, from a 40-mile spin into New Jersey in early March, to a challenging 100-mile century ride in mid-May. We’ll climb many of the best-known hills in the area and cruise 9W and other roads in tight, cooperative pacelines. You’ll learn skills for bike handling, techniques for climbing and descending, and tips for nutrition, all while getting into great shape.
One recent A-SIG graduate called it “bootcamp on a bike” and we don’t disagree. But you will also have fun, riding with many different cyclists and meeting new friends in the NYCC.
Here’s what other recent graduates say:
“The program was challenging, the leaders were very dedicated and supportive. Everything was highly organized and I learned a great deal.”
“I was looking for people to ride with but didn’t expect such a vigorous and well-organized 12 week program. I learned so much about becoming a steady and safe wheel and love riding in a paceline now whereas before I found it the most stressful thing ever.”
“I am a better rider as a result of the program. I thought I was pretty experienced and didn’t need that much. It was eye-opening. It was a pleasure to ride with so many good riders. I learned a lot just by watching them and that was further enhanced by the coaching.”
“I’ve always been intimidated by other cyclists. The group was welcoming even though I came to the first ride lacking in any real skills. I then learned how to improve these skills to become more comfortable – and now I feel like I belong among other cyclists.”
One of the goals of the A-SIG is to teach a specific style of cooperative group cycling in a fast, rotating paceline that emphasizes smoothness and safety, focusing on consistent effort rather than speed. The A-SIG requires a significant time commitment for twelve weekends from early March until the required graduation ride in mid-May. Early in the season, we may get home in the early afternoon on Saturday (our rain-dates are Sunday), but as rides get longer we may not return until the early evening. During the week, most participants will join A-SIG morning training laps in Central Park or Prospect Park, and everyone is expected to give back to the NYCC by leading at least one club ride after graduation. The A-SIG is a progressive series, and since each week builds on the preceding week, participants are expected to attend all twelve rides. Those who miss two rides, or whose fitness or group cycling skills seem not to be progressing well, may be dismissed from the A-SIG.
Leaders
Most A-SIG leaders are themselves graduates of the A-SIG, and many are also graduates or past leaders of the A-Classic SIG. They have a wealth of cycling experience and knowledge that they are eager to share, and throughout the program they will volunteer coaching and give instruction on bike handling and training techniques for cooperative group riding. Participants will get to ride with different leaders and participants each week as well as be assigned a mentor to convey feedback to help get the most out of the A-SIG program. Not everyone who signs up for the A-SIG will graduate, but we will give you the tools to succeed in learning how to ride safely and smoothly in a fast, rotating paceline.
For most participants, the A-SIG is challenging but enormously rewarding, and well worth the effort. Many graduates go on to the A-Classic SIG, which offers a similar curriculum and coaching, refining group cycling skills but pushing you harder and faster than in the A-SIG. Please read the FAQ at the top of this page for most Frequently Asked Questions, or contact this year’s A-SIG captains, Douwe Busschops and Michael Gately, at asig@nycc.org.
We hope to ride with you this spring!