Frequently Asked Questions
People naturally have quite a few questions they ask before coming out with us. Here we try to answer some of the more popular ones for you. If you have any other questions about cycling in general or other activities, then please contact the General Secretary.
I want to ride with you. How fit do I have to be?
If you can ride about 30 miles or so then you are fit enough to try the Sunday road ride. If you can get to the Cafe, you can get back again. If you have ever ridden the
Is everyone else fast? What if I can't keep up?
Our club rides are steady. We want to encourage people to ride a bike, not leave them behind and put them off cycling for life. We do about 16.5 mph in training zone 2 and it's much easier when you are in a group.
Do I have to race?
Well we prefer you to as Thames Velo is a Racing Club, but nobody's forcing you and there is plenty of room for members simply willing to help the club or maybe ride Audax. However you may find that racing is infectious.
I have just seen the Tour de France on TV and I want to race. What do I have to do?
You're keen! We can help you. To keep it simple you need to ride club runs every week in winter to get fitness that will see you through the rest of the year, join Thames Velo, subscribe to a racing organisation and race. Work your way up the categories, get a pro contract and eventually you can try the Tour de France!
Can I ride the Tour de France?
You have to be the Cycling equivalent of a Manchester United striker! If that's the case, then yes, again, work your way up the categories, get a European pro contract and eventually you can try the Tour de France!
How far do you go on a Sunday?
Generally we go out for about 50-65 miles. Before
I'm fitter than that. Will I leave you all behind?
Maybe, but we like to save our fast stuff for racing. What's the point of wasting it on a club run where there are no trophies? A lot of us also meet up midweek for training rides. If you are fast then try one of these!
What is the difference between time trials and road racing?
Road racing is you against 60 - 80 other people riding in a big bunch (just like the Tour). The groups are made up of riders the same level as you so you won't be riding against the experts!
Time trials involve a field of riders who go off individually at 1 minute intervals over a set distance. The one who covers it in the quickest time is the winner. There are all sorts of abilities in time trials and you can race on two levels, against yourself and against the other 119
I only have a mountain bike and I want to go out on the road rides. Is this OK?
Yes, but for your own sake stick some slicks on and a set of pedals that you 'click' in to. You will be able to keep up. People even race MTBs in 10 mile time trials.
What is that track cycling all about? I saw it in the Olympics and I wouldn't mind trying that.
Good to hear it. We are just down the road from Reading track in Palmer Park and we are members of Reading Track League which will give you regular Monday night racing. You need a special Track bike with a fixed wheel and no brakes!
Cars scare me. Do you go anywhere quiet?
We try to get out of Maidenhead as soon as possible and hit the quiet country lanes that criss-cross Berks and Bucks.
Do I have to have all the gear?
Well, a road bike is a good start. It doesn't have to be fancy, just reliable. It is always a good idea to ask around other club members for advice on what to spend your money on. They often have a lot of good quality used stuff for sale as well and are always happy to see someone get a lot of fun from something. We have our own team strip which you will need if you plan to race but don't worry, it is cheaper than Premier League football kits.
Do I have to shave my legs?
Ah, one of cyclings many mysteries! Strictly speaking, no. But it is traditional. It's done for cleanliness and hygiene because of the embrocations that we use when racing. It's done for the ease of cleaning wounds and applying and removing dressings. It's done to fit in and look like a racing man, it's done to help tone up muscles. It's done for ease of massage. Shaved legs are usually the mark of an experienced rider, hairy legs are a beginner but that's not too rigid, we have a mix of riders – some do, some don’t, it's up to you, it looks better and when you've had a crash you'll understand why from a practical point of view. No one is going to order you to shave your legs but there may be a few hairy leg jokes cracked.
So what else do you do?
We have a Club Dinner each year to present Trophies, hear a speaker and have some fun. We promote 2 races each year. We have several meetings through the year which are usually informal in a pub or someone's house, we sometimes go to France to race and members sometimes get together to organise training camps.
OK, the Velo sounds good. What do I do next?
Just contact the membership secretary and we will get you out with people you will enjoy riding with. We have a regular club run on a Sunday and other opportunites to train together, which we update via a members only forum/messaging service. This way any information is always up to date and you will always know where we are going. In fact we have so much going on you will get swamped with Thames Velo email.
Why are you doing all this stuff for me?
We all have to start somewhere. We remember how daunting it seemed all those years ago. Cycling is great fun. We want to help you realise that. Oh and also we want more people to ride and race with, more people to go down the pub with, more people to crack jokes with, more people to share lifts to events with and more people to help with our promotions. It works both ways!
Haven't I seen this FAQ on other cycling websites?
Yes, but it originated here, isn't the web wonderful!
How can I join you?
Go to the Join page and proceed from there.