Hold on to your helmets! Grab your water bottle! Are you ready blast off into 2010 with what promises to be one of the most thrilling experiences of your life? Do you want to feel exhilarated every Saturday afternoon? Are you prepared to embark upon an eleven-week journey that will challenge you physically and mentally? Are you ready for intense camaraderie born of the extremes of physical endurance matched to weather, unexplored terrain, the privation of Saturday morning luxuries and the shared objectives of ending up as an improved and confident cyclist?

If reading this makes you salivate for more, maybe you're the type of person we need to kick off the tenth running of the A-19 SIG. This program was carefully designed for serious riders interested in improving their cycling skills and physical capabilities. Each week, under the careful tutelage of our fantastic team of leaders, you'll ride a little further, a little faster and a lot more confidently because you'll be learning all the skills used regularly by "A" riders. You'll also look incredible on your two wheeled weapon of choice.

Rider and group safety are the focal points of this program at all times. You'll become comfortably expert at riding single and double rotating pacelines, hill climbing, shifting, braking, and communicating while riding. You'll feel a oneness with your bicycle! You'll learn how to train, eat, dress and prepare for cycling success. You'll become familiar with the essentials of bike maintenance and what to do in case of a crash or injury on the road. Your leaders will make you ready to enter the cycling season as a capable cyclist, ride leader, and an enthusiastic supporter of the NYCC.

Sound a lot like the "A Classic" SIG? Well it should. The leaders of the "A"-19 SIG are either seasoned "A Classic" SIG leaders, graduates of one of the SIG programs or bike racers. Both "A" SIGs are coordinated with each other and there is an opportunity to change groups during the first few weeks if you feel you made the wrong choice at the outset. The main difference between the two programs is the target cruising speed. For the "A" 19 SIG, we aim to achieve a target flat terrain cruising speed of 19 mph during the last few weeks of the program. The venerable "A Classic" SIG graduates are expected to cruise a bit faster.

What do you have to do to participate and graduate? There still is no such thing as a free lunch. We expect all participants to take this program very seriously. From the first ride on March 6, (see ride listings and posting for time a place of introductory session) to the graduation ride 11 weeks later, we own the first part of your Saturdays. You should attend all sessions. We expect you to be self motivated and to train several times a week on your own or in small groups. No one with more than two unexcused absences will be permitted to continue.

Here's the deal: everyone must become a member of the NYCC by the second week, sign up with us to lead one or two non-SIG rides and take our cyclist's first aid course. You are expected to show up on time, with your road bike ready to go. Mountain bikes are not encouraged; bikes with aero/tri bars and riders without helmets will not be permitted. There it is in a nutshell. We will nurture you while we beat you into shape. Some of you will love us; others will hate us, but all of you will thank us for the great experience that will be the "A"-19 SIG. You will be so proud of yourself in May!

We look forward to seeing you. You have to check out the March ride schedule for more details. On the first day we do NOT meet at the Boathouse.

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 one or two non-SIG rides in 2010, and also take our A-19 SIG cyclist's First Aid course.

Orientation and Registration

Registration, orientation and first ride will be on Saturday, March 6 held in conjunction with the A-SIG Classic. 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 of weeks.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the A-19 Captains:
Ed Fishkin, 917-578-1078, email
Jim Galante, 212-529-4300, email
George Arcarola, 917-837-9010, email

We look forward to cycling with you!

<top>

HOME RIDES RESOURCES MESSAGE BOARD