New York Cycle Club Signature �Spring Training Programs

INFO SESSION

Agenda

• Welcome
• New York Cycle Club Rides
• Racing and Development Team
• Spring Training Series (STS)
• SIGnature Training Series (SIG)
• A, B, C, D
• Breakout sessions for Q&A

Ride Classifications in NYCC

A, B, C, D + Cruising Speed

Visit https://nycc.org/rides for more details and instructions on the Central and Prospect Park Self Tests for cruising speed

Racing & Development

James Gilbert

https://nycc.org/ridesevents/nyccraceteam

Spring Training Series (STS)

How to Join:

SIG (SIGnature Training Series)

• Register for the entire Series, which opens TOMORROW February 11^th.

A-Classic

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February 28 – May 16

A-Classic

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The A-Classic is a challenging & empowering program that works to produce group riders who are “Great Wheels”

• Safe
• Smooth
• Predictable
• “We ride as one” mentality
• Graduates feel comfortable riding most places with most groups

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“The Original SIG” - 1986

A-Classic

12 rides: Weekends of Feb 28 - May 16

• Saturdays, with Sundays for weather reschedules

Smooth, rotating paceline: All rides after week 3

Groups: ~ 5 - 7 riders, including leaders. Groups change weekly

Weekend ride progression: ~45 miles/2,000 ft to 100+ miles/7,000+ ft

• Fundamental group riding
• Technical skills
• Climbing, descending, cornering, bike handling
• Efficiency and Momentum
• “Classic” style
• Use individual strengths for the benefit of the group

Midweek training: 2 times a week (Not mandatory, but encouraged)

• Coached by A-Classic SIG leaders
• Central Park, Prospect Park

Program Structure

A-Classic

• Plan to attend all 12 rides
• Must not have 2 consecutive absences
• Must attend 3 of the first 4 rides
• Must attend 10 of the 12 rides
• Must complete the graduation ride (#12)
• Road bike w/ drop handlebars and clipless pedals
• Some experience riding with a group
• Both B-SIG and C-SIG graduates welcome!
• Some base fitness: ~40 mile ride pre-SIG
• Welcome coaching from all leaders
• Expect feedback
• An open mind and willingness to try
• Expect a physical and mental challenge
• It will be worth it! We promise!

Requirements

A-Classic

People: We’ve got all kinds!

• All ages: 20s - 65+
• Participants/Leaders who have been riding for decades and those newer to the sport
• Variety of riding interests:
• Road | Racing | Dirt/Gravel | Bikepacking | Cycling Vacation | Volunteers | Mountain Biking
• Wealth of knowledge of the local area and routes (and delicious places to re-fuel!)
• New to the city - grew up here
• Artists, healthcare workers, researchers, writers, students, managers, engineers, service industry professionals, finance folks, parents, musicians, lawyers, and on and on and on…

Who are we?

We Love to Ride Our Bikes!

A-Classic

• We wake up early!

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• Long rides through some of the tri state’s most beautiful areas

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• Delicious refueling spots

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• Social events throughout the program

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• Bike Education: mechanical maintenance, chain waxing

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• Come away with:
• New friends and like-minded cyclists!
• Join A-level NYCC club rides
• Learn about local routes
• Gain skills to help with racing
• Gain fitness

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The Experience

A-Classic

• “I’m worried I am not as strong/fast/fit as an ‘A-Classic’ rider”
• The point is to be a good group rider
• Smooth is fast!
• Safety will always be paramount
• The first weeks are intentionally mild while learning how to ride and rotate safely and smoothly
• “I’ve never done a rotating paceline before”
• That’s why we’re here!
• “I hear not everyone graduates?!”
• Not all get through the first time. Many come back!
• Life/fitness/skills may get in the way
• Absences are the most common reason for not graduating
• Not a punishment! It can become unsafe if someone falls too far behind
• “Are you a cult?”
• Not a cult!
• We try to behave similarly while riding only

Worries and Myths

B-SIG

Bob Gilbert

Mar 7 - May 9

B-SIG At A Glance

• Program Duration: 9 rides-Saturdays, March 14 - May 9 (Plus March 7 Classification Ride). Will move rides to Sundays if weather issues.
• Ride Lengths/Elevation: 40-100 miles; 3000-5500 ft elevation, including a Century and Bear Mountain.
• Teams: 10 teams-Reshuffle during weeks 1 and 2. Then will stay in your team.
• Pacing: 16-18 MPH cruising speed after build up.
• Gear Requirements: Any bike with gears (No fixies) + helmet. No aerobars/ebikes.
• Pre-requisites: Basic cycling skills. Shifting and braking. No group experience necessary.
• Pedals: Flat or toe clips are fine. Clipless recommended.
• Attendance: 6 of the 9 rides. Cannot miss both the first 2 rides.
• Weekday Rides: Need to do laps or other rigorous exercise.
• Teaching Sessions: Have scheduled first aid/crash, mechanics, yoga/stretching and nutrition courses.
• B or C?: Should be at 13.5 mph or greater for 3 laps in CP or 6 in PP. If in doubt, sign up for the B SIG since it starts before the C.
• Other Questions: Email me at BSIG@nycc.org

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C-SIG

Peter Storey

March 21 – May 9

C-SIG 6

GROUP CYCLING 101

THE C-SIG STORY

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• Entry-level SIG started in the 1990s
• Comprehensive instruction in a supportive, friendly environment
• Emphasizes safety, basic skills, and comfort
• Gateway to NYCC:
• Ride leader
• B-SIG
• SIG leader
• More…
• Variety of experience levels welcome

C-SIG LEADERS

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• Team of dedicated, experienced group riders
• Most are C-SIG graduates
• Enjoy teaching and promoting safe and enjoyable cycling

WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU

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• Basic riding, braking, shifting skills
• A bike in good condition
• Interest in learning about group riding the “NYCC way”
• Classification ride (min average pace 10mph, max 15.5mph)
• Attend orientation
• 8 weekly rides (max 2 absences)

WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM US

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• Learn to ride safely and comfortably in a group
• Become a more confident and capable rider
• Gain strength, endurance, and new friends
• Learn about bike gear and maintenance
• Enjoy great cycling routes and destinations

C-SIG Details

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• Registration required
• 4 groups, ~13 riders per group + leaders
• Sat 3/7 - Classification Ride, Prospect Park (rain date Sunday)
• 8 progressive weekly rides, Saturdays 3/21 – 5/9 (rain dates Sundays)
• In person orientation session before ride #1
• Graduation ride to Nyack – 55-65 miles

C-SIG SUMMARY

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• Welcome to NYCC Cycling College
• Ride safer, stronger, and more confidently
• Learn cycling A (ascending) to Z (no zigzagging!)
• Make new friends and find riding partners
• Read the FAQs on the C-SIG page at nycc.org
• Contact us at csig@nycc.org

FAQs

D-SIG

Brian Sullivan, Sharon Shachar, &

Yuji Horimoto

March 14 – May 16

The D SIG

Yes, it’s rideable

D is for Dirt

• We will be riding mixed terrains routes.
• Meaning - a mix of dirt roads, paved roads, multi-use trails, jeep tracks, single tracks or railroad tracks (well not railroad tracks).
• Memorable features like magical views, soul-crushing climbs, and adrenaline-inducing descents, poor traction, bumpy surfaces, and pinch-flat-causing rocks that can put skilled riders to the test.

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It’s an adventure SIG

Who is a D-Siggie?

• Someone who is curious about dirt, loves dirt, or even hates it but wants to come around
• Someone who wants to spend time on their bike deep in nature, away from cars
• Someone looking for a new set of challenges to undertake
• Someone looking for an entry point to serious adventure: via events, bike-packing trips, or something you dream up yourself
• Someone that is open minded, adventures, looking for new skills, new routes.

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In short, it can be anyone who is willing to try.

D SIG Program

• Progressive series of 10 rides, structured similar to the A SIG
• Strong focus on translating safe group riding skills on pavement to gravel and trail situations
• Individual technical skills for gravel and trails layered on top
• Rider safety is our core value
• D-SIG leaders also want the rides to be fun. We’ll stop for a photo-op or a quick side-hike to a waterfall
• The spirit of a shared adventure flows throughout the program

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Rider Prerequisites

• Successful D-SIG candidates are willing to incorporate A-SIG style paceline on pavement for safety reasons. This includes many B riders who learned and practiced the skills consistently
• Commitment to mid-week training for road skills and fitness - very important
• Open to coaching and group-first attitude
• everyone needs to start with some miles in their legs

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Gear

• Cyclocross / gravel / adventure bike preferred
• Road bike with at least 32c tires is a doable but not recommended.
• Drop bars mandatory!!
• Mountain bike or gravel - style pedals & shoes for walking.

Time Commitment

• All-day rides on Saturdays; will push to Sunday if weather dictates
• Mid-week training especially laps / River Rd very important
• Participants are expected to make all 10 rides. We usually allow 2 planned absences - but additional work may be required to catch up
• After the SIG, we ask all grads to lead 2 NYCC gravel rides

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Looking for Post D SIG Dirt?

• Coming up this March: the Dirt STS!

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BREAKOUTS FOR Q&A

SIG Registration Opens TOMORROW

Wednesday February 11 2026