Hold on to your helmets! Are you ready for an invigorating beginning to 2008 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 a three-month journey that will challenge you physically and mentally? Are you ready for an 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 seventh 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 learn how to train, eat, dress and prepare for cycling success. You'll become familiar with the essentials of bike maintenance. Your leaders will make you ready to enter the cycling season as a capable ride leader, and an enthusiastic supporter of the NYCC. Sound a lot like the A-SIG Classic? Well it should. The leaders of the A-19 SIG are either seasoned A-SIG Classic leaders or graduates. The two A-SIGs coordinated with each other and offer the opportunity to change groups during the first few weeks of the program 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-SIG Classic graduates are expected to cruise at faster speeds.

What do I 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 1st, to the graduation ride 11 weeks later, we own 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. Finally, all graduates will be expected to submit before graduation at least one NYCC ride that they will lead later in the year.

Here's the deal: everyone must become a member of the NYCC by the third week, sign up with us to lead two non-SIG rides, participate in the leadership seminar we offer 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 will be a "meet the leaders ride" in February where you can shake the winter cobwebs from your knees and have an opportunity to ask your leaders about the program. There it is in a nut shell. 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!

Pre-registration

If you want to participate in the 2008 A-19 SIG 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 co-captains Ed Fishkin and Jim Galante for details.

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