Online registration opens February 11
Need help with registration? Instructions are here.
Details & RSVP for the February "All About The SIG & STS" Club Meeting are here
The A-SIG Approach
The A-SIG is a 12-ride coaching series designed to remove the mystique from becoming an “A” rider. For many NYCC members, the A-SIG hits the sweet spot in pushing them to a new level of cycling ability and personal fitness without pushing them over the edge.
This is done gradually, progressively, taking you from a 40-mile spin into New Jersey in late February all the way to a challenging 100-mile “century” ride in May. We’ll climb many of the best-known hills in the area and speed our way down 9W in tight, cooperative pacelines. Along the way, you’ll pick up new skills in group riding, climbing and descending techniques, and much more, all while bringing yourself to peak physical condition. You’ll not only come away from the A-SIG with new skills, you’ll make new friends that you’ll ride with for years to come.
Goals
One of the goals of the A-SIG is uniform/consistent effort, not speed; we teach a very specific style of cooperative, group riding with an emphasis on safety, smoothness, and altruism… but by the final weeks you will be riding 20+ mph on flat terrain and climbing over 6,000 vertical feet. The A-SIG will challenge you physically and mentally. While we strive to avoid overextending your limits, the very nature of our curriculum will in all likelihood increase those limits. At the end of the SIG, each participant is expected to give back to the Club and lead at least one club ride in 2015.
Leaders
The A-SIG leaders bring a wealth of cycling knowledge and experience. All participants are expected to listen to and accept coaching and criticism from the leaders. Through the entire series, the leaders will give suggestions on safety, bike fit, bike handling and training techniques. The leaders will also make suggestions on organizing and leading Club rides. While you’ll ride with different leaders every week, every participant will have a leader-mentor to help them get the most out of the SIG.
Time Commitment
Early in the season, when the rides are shorter, you may get home early in the afternoon. However, as the length of the rides increase, we may not get home until late in the day. Basically, we own your Saturdays. Participants are also expected to put in the necessary midweek training. For most, one or two high-intensity training rides (15-20 miles) as well as at least one low-intensity dedicated recovery ride are recommended each week during the SIG. Yes, it’s a big commitment and we ask that you consider this before registering. However, it’s a time investment that for most people results in the one of the most rewarding experiences they’ve ever had, on or off the bike.
Attendance
Participants are expected to attend all twelve rides. As a progressive series, each week’s ride builds upon the previously taught skills and enables you to manageably increase your physical effort over the course of the program. Those participants who attend every ride tend to get the most out of the SIG; conversely, participants who miss more than two rides will likely be asked to leave the program (you may return in a subsequent year).
Having trouble deciding between the A-SIG and A-Classic SIG?
That’s likely because the curriculum and coaching philosophy is quite similar and both are physically demanding experiences. What it comes down to is that the Classic will ultimately push you harder and faster than the A-SIG. Still can’t decide? Do what many do: take the A-SIG this year and the Classic next. If you have other questions, read the FAQ at the top of this page or contact this year’s A-SIG captains, Susan Conova and Bob Ross, at asig@nycc.org. We hope to ride with you this spring!