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.

Dates

The A-SIG Classic takes place every Saturday from March 1 through May 17. 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 bulletin.

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 Bulletin and online 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. No one with more than two unexcused absences will be permitted to continue. The A-SIG Classic does not accept new participants after the third week of the program. Graduates of the A-SIG Classic are expected to complete the graduation ride on May 17 (rain date: May 18).

NYCC membership

By the third week of the series, all participants must be members of the New York Cycle Club. In addition, each participant must lead an NYCC ride sometime in 2008.

Pre-registration

If you want to participate in the 2008 A-SIG Classic please pre-register on-line by clicking here. Actual registration takes place on March 1, however those who pre-register will not have to fill out lengthy forms on that day which will help the orientation to zip along. Pre-registration also helps us plan ahead.

Registration

The A-SIG Classic and A-19 SIG will hold a joint registration, orientation and first ride (different destinations) on Saturday, March 1, meeting at the Public School 334 / Public School 9, 100 West 84th Street at Columbus. Registration starts at 8:30 am and Orientation begins promptly at 9:00 am. Bring your bicycle and be prepared to ride. The A-SIG will allow for new participants in the first couple weeks. Contact the A-SIG Classic Co-Captains, Mark Loftis and Timothy McCarthy, for details.

A-SIG survival tips

A-SIG history

<top>

HOME RIDES RESOURCES MESSAGE BOARD