C-SIG 2011 REGISTRATION IS CLOSED: The C-SIG and the waiting list are full. Thanks for your interest and we hope to see you next year. The best time to sign up is early or mid-February. This summer, please join C rides and try slower B rides all summer, attend special all-class rides such as the Newcomer's Ride, attend meetings and programs, and you should be able to fully enjoy membership in the New York Cycle Club.

Think of it as Cycling College

Learn the basics of cycling from experienced ride leaders with a passion for the sport. Whether your interest is touring, competitive cycling or group riding, the C-SIG provides 8 weeks of intensive training and practice during all-day group rides in the following areas of competency:

Essential Riding Skills — efficient pedal stroke, cadence, using a cycle computer, maximizing use of gears, balance/coordination, passing/acceleration, hill ascent, braking on fast down-hills, short stops, hairpin turns, etc.

Road and Group Riding Skills — hand signals (stopping, turning, road obstacles), safety skills for riding in traffic

Bike Maintenance and Repair Skills — changing a flat, care and lubrication of chain and crank, adjusting brakes

Nutrition and Hydration — timing, quality, quantities

Bike Fit — for maximum efficiency and injury prevention

The Best Cycling Clothes — for riding in comfort in cold, hot, wet and everything in-between weather

Emergency First Aid Response — basics for acting quickly in case of emergency AND much more!

Build a foundation of cycling skills that will last a lifetime. Learn to ride safely and stronger with groups and develop as a cyclist beyond your wildest dreams. The C-SIG is a stimulating and supportive environment for developing endurance, stamina, and friendships.

This is a progressive series, with each week taking us a little farther and a little faster. Each week, we build on what we have learned in the previous weeks. As much of our course material is presented in the early weeks, attendance at the first three sessions is particularly important. Participants are required to attend at least six of the eight sessions in order to graduate. Those who miss two out of the first three sessions will not be allowed to continue with the series.

We start with a classification ride on the morning of either Saturday March 5 or Sunday March 6, your choice. More details are in the confirmation email when you sign up, and there will be another email toward the end of February with more information as well. The course itself takes place on Saturdays, all day, from the last Saturday in March to mid-May. Sundays are back-up days.

There is more necessary and important information in the C-SIG FAQ linked here. If you are interested in taking the C-SIG, you must read the FAQ. You may also like to get a headstart by looking over the C-SIG Materials page...especially articles on clothing, nutrition, exercises, checking your bike.