If there are two or more clubs in your area, how do you know which one to join? It depends on what you want to do and how you want to do it. Are you interested in recreational rides or racing?

Talk to cyclists and bike shops in the area. Ask them what club they are with and why they joined. Go to club events to watch the organisation, see how friendly the club members are and feel the atmosphere.

Some clubs under their licence offer a trial Ride - take up this opportunity to see if you like the club and its members.

Recreational/Touring Clubs
Most clubs are geared to promoting fun rides and tours. Here are some ways you can identify a club that's doing it right.

• Good clubs offer a full schedule of weekend rides plus occasional longer tours.
• Good clubs grade rides in terms of distance, speed and ability so that newcomers don't accidentally bite off more than they can chew. One sure sign of a poor club is when a ride rated "easy" turns into a race as the leader shows off his fitness and power.
• Good clubs have rides that encourage participation by the whole family. They sometimes sponsor low-key time trials (safe races against the clock) and encourage everyone to participate, regardless of fitness or skill.
• Good clubs have social gatherings like 'coffee rides' that bring people together off the bike.
• Good clubs are active in politics. They support local and state bicycle advocacy organisations.
• Good clubs sponsor a major yearly event, such as a century ride. These rides are well organised, safe, and promoted to the regional cycling community. Shorter distances will be included to welcome everyone, not just enthusiasts.
• Good clubs regularly publish a newsletter or have a web site to keep members motivated and updated on rides and other events.

Racing Clubs
Some recreational/touring clubs have a racing division, while other clubs are strictly racing organisations. They exist to help talented cyclists achieve competitive goals. If you want to race, joining a good racing club is a key step toward realising your potential.

Some clubs are geared to junior riders, some to masters or veterans, and others concentrate on grade A to E "Open" riders. If you find two or more clubs that seem meet your needs, make your choice using this criteria:

• A good racing club provides a novice program with coaches to Work with young or inexperienced cyclists.
• A good racing club has a comprehensive year-round program.
• A good racing club promotes races.
• A good racing club will attract a strong loyal membership base.
• A good racing club will feature well in cycling carnivals or championship events.
• There's usually a local Time Trial series or weekly evening criterium.
• A good racing club is concerned with the safety of its cyclists, there are marshals, traffic controllers and signs out on the road when a race is on progress.
• Look for a club that starts events on time, are well organised and take place on safe-but-challenging courses.
• A good racing club offers a friendly, supportive environment despite the emphasis on competition.
• Team members encourage each other with advice and consolation.

Cycling is a relatively expensive sport, so good clubs work hard to secure sponsorships from non-cycling companies as well as from the industry and bike shops. Shops also may offer parts and service discounts to club members.

Content for this article was adapted from: www.RoadBikeRider.com "how to choose a bike club"