Beginner's Guide

Cycle racing is a sport which offers something for everyone, whether you're a nine stone mountain goat or a fifteen stone colossus, or whether you're male or female. There are races for you if you're eight years or if you're eighty. And if you're partially sighted or physically disabled there's definitely a place for you in cycling too.

Local cycling clubs like Glasgow Nightingale CC are the grass-roots of the sport, and they're the foundation of the pyramid which is topped off by elite riders competing for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, and Great Britain at the Olympic Games or World Championships. If you get involved in the sport though, whatever level you're at, you should be aware that cycling has a tendency to become an obsession that lasts a lifetime!

Types of cycle sport

See our sections on road racing, track racing and Sportiv riding for introductions to those aspects of the sport. We can also help you get involved with mountain biking, cyclocross and Triathlon. You'll definitely find something that suits you – in the meantime, just take part in as wide a range of cycling activities as possible (particularly if you're under 18) and enjoy what you're doing.

Bikes and equipment

You certainly don't need an expensive bike to start cycling and racing. In fact it's far more important that your bike is set up well to fit you comfortably, and well-maintained so that it works efficiently and reliably. A good bike shop will help set up your bike for you, and will often swap particular components so that the bike is just right for you. Before long though, you'll be hankering after the latest carbon fibre or titanium components and justifying buying them instead of “luxuries” like food or paying the mortgage!> A standard “road bike” will be sufficient for you to train, commute to work or college, compete in road races and time trials, and take part in Audax events. If you're interested in trying track racing, you can usually borrow or hire a specific track bike.<

Clothing

Enormous progress has been made in this area of cycling over the last ten years or so. Now it's possible to buy clothing that looks good, keeps you dry in the wet, cool on hot days, and warm in the winter. At last there is a good choice of clothing available for womens too.

Bike shoes have also improved hugely. Their rigid soles and strong velcro straps make sure that all your energy is transferred to the bike, and their special shoe plates connect you firmly to clipless quick-release pedals.

Don't forget a proper cycling safety helmet - they're not compulsory for general riding (although most people want to wear one), but they are mandatory for road racing, track racing, cyclocross, mountain biking and Triathlon. Under 18s must wear them in time trials too.

Training and fitness

There's no doubt that cycle racing is a tough sport, and cyclists are amongst the fittest of athletes. But you don't need to be a Bradley Wiggins to take part – when you start out, just enjoy riding your bike. Gradually you'll be able to increase the distance that you cover and your speed, and before long you'll be racing if that's what you'd like to do.

There are hundreds of books and internet resources on the subject of training, and it can be daunting to make sense of it all. The club has lots of experienced members, so don't hesitate to ask if you want some advice.

Cycling has a long history dating back to the 19^th Century, and it's always been a social activity and form of transport as well as a sport. Glasgow Nightingale CC, founded in 1925, is a friendly club that holds social events throughout the year for members and their families. We enjoy our sport but realise that there are (sometimes!) other things in life too.

Contacts – what to do next
Just get in touch through this website. You'll be made very welcome, no-one will expect you to be a superstar, and you shouldn't hesitate to ask any questions that you might have.

We look forward to hearing from you