The A-SIG Classic Mission
Our goal is to produce “Great Wheels.”
What’s a “Great Wheel”?
These are the riders everyone wants to follow in a paceline. 
Safe, smooth, strong, responsible A-Riders who are capable of riding any NYCC ride at the designated speed. As a “Great Wheel” everyone will be comfortable riding with you and behind you. Sure we can ride fast. Some of us race. But contrary to what you may have heard, the A-SIG Classic is not all about speed or “dropping” slower riders. It’s about safety, skill and the camaraderie of a great group ride.

What to Expect

The program features a series of 12 rides, each gradually building in distance and speed from the previous, leading up to a final 100+ mile graduation ride to Bear Mountain. The leaders teach skills, focusing primarily on how to ride in a paceline as a group.

This is serious training, and it will require an equally serious commitment of time and effort from you. If you complete it, you won’t just come away a vastly improved rider. You’ll come away with new friends, and what many have called “the most enriching athletic experience of their lives.” Please note: Helmets mandatory. No aerobars. Road bikes only.

Dates

The A-SIG Classic takes place every Saturday from March 5th through May 21st. Rain dates are Sundays. If weather seems a threat to any ride, check the A-Classic Google Groups Page, the NYCC Message Board or email any of the designated leaders.

Time

Rides in the early part of the series start at 9:00am. Be prepared to spend your entire day doing the SIG ride. Some days you will get home at 2pm. Other days, due to flat tires, mechanicals, refueling stops or longer rides, you may not get home until 5pm or later. As the distances increase and the weather gets warmer, the rides will start earlier.

Stops

Each ride is broken up by a quick lunch stop. It is a chance for you to get more acquainted with your fellow SIG mates, and the leaders to talk training. As the series progresses, some of the most fun stops are the ones we’ll make for an icy cold beverage at the end of a long, rewarding day.

Coaching

We focus on skill, safety and building confidence in group riding. Participants must be willing to listen and accept coaching and criticism from the leaders.

You may be in great shape, but no one will care if you can’t ride predictably, smoothly and cooperatively. Speed and endurance will follow as you train and master smooth group riding skills. 

Throughout the series, your ride leaders will give you tips on bike fit, handling, safety and organizing and leading rides.

Attendance 

The success of all SIG programs stems from the commitment made by everyone who participates. Commitment fosters consistency, which builds strength, skill and confidence, ultimately leading to groups of confident, skilled riders who safely navigate the road’s challenges. 

So, to progress together, participants are expected to attend all sessions. If you have more than two absences you may be asked to leave the program. The A-SIG Classic does not accept new participants after the third week of the program. Graduates of the A-SIG Classic must complete the graduation ride on May 21st (rain date: May 22nd).

NYCC Membership

All participants must be members of the New York Cycle Club. In addition, each participant must lead at least one NYCC ride in 2011.

Registration

Online registration begins February 1st.

Orientation and the first ride will be on Saturday, March 5. We will meet at the cafeteria of Middle School 44, on the north side of 76th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam. Look for A-SIG signs directing you to the correct door.

Walk-in registration starts at 8:30am and Orientation begins promptly at 9:00am. Bring your bicycle (parking indoors allowed) and be prepared to ride. The A-SIG will allow for new participants in the first couple weeks. Contact the A-SIG Classic Captains Mitch Rubenstein or Sarah Tombaugh for details.