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 108 mile graduation ride to Bear Mountain. The leaders teach skills, focusing primarily on how to ride in groups (pacelines) with the aim of creating confident, skilled and responsible cyclists. This serious training program requires an equally serious commitment of time and effort from each participant, yet those who complete it come away with many enriching experiences and new friends. Please note: Helmets mandatory. Aerobars are not permitted under any circumstances. The A-Classic permits road bikes only.

Dates

The A-SIG Classic takes place every Saturday from March 6 through May 22. Rain dates are Sundays. If rain seems a threat to any ride, check the NYCC Message Board for updates or call the designated ride leaders for that week as published in the NYCC ride listings on the Web site and in the eWeekly

Time

Rides in the early part of the series start at 9:00 AM. Be prepared to spend your entire day doing the SIG rides. Some days you will get home at 2:00. Other days, due to an abundance of flat tires, mechanicals, refueling stops, or as the rides get longer, you may not get home until 5:00 or beyond. As the distances increase and the weather gets warmer, the rides will start earlier. We will remind you of earlier start times the week before each ride and each ride is listed in the NYCC ride listings.

Stops

Each ride is broken up by a breakfast or lunch stop at a diner or deli. The point of the stop is to get acquainted with your fellow SIG mates and the leaders and to talk about training and biking or the latest great movie you just saw. (Believe us, when we get into the longer rides, you'll be praying for those diner stops.) Throughout the series your ride leaders will instruct you about bike fit, handling, safety and organizing and leading rides. The A-SIG is meant to be FUN and social as well as instructive.

Coaching

Participants must accept coaching and criticism from the leaders about their riding. We focus on skill, safety and building confidence in group riding. You may be in great shape, but can you ride predictably, smoothly and cooperatively? Speed and endurance will follow as you train and master group riding skills.

Attendance

The success of the A-SIG program stems from the commitment made by each of the participants. Commitment fosters consistency, which builds strength, skill and confidence, ultimately leading to groups of confident, skilled riders who navigate the challenges the road coughs up predictably and safely. Everyone needs to remain on the same page in training and skills in order to ensure the progress and safety of the group. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants with more than two absences 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 22 (rain date: May 23).

NYCC membership

By the second week of the series, all participants must be members of the New York Cycle Club. In addition, each participant must lead a NYCC ride sometime in 2010.

Registration

Registration, orientation and first ride will be on Saturday, March 6. 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. Registration starts at 8:30 am and Orientation begins promptly at 9:00 am. 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 Captain Mark Loftis for details.

A-SIG survival tips

A-SIG history

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