About the club

Our history

Established in 1882, Southgate Cycling Club has the distinction of being amongst the very earliest cycling clubs in the world — and we feel very best. Founded in the early days of the bicycle, the club has been bringing riders together around north London for over 140 years.

Nowadays, our mission is to embrace and enhance the popularity of cycling, whilst paying tribute to our illustrious history and traditions. We welcome riders of a wide range of abilities and ages — you just need a working bike.

The club organises and participates in a variety of cycling events in and around London, Hertfordshire, Essex and the surrounding areas, as well as enjoying organised UK and international cycling tours. The mainstay of the club are the Sunday club rides — one at touring pace, the other at training pace — which between them usually attract 30–40 members for a non-competitive spin out on the best cycling roads we can find around our north London base.

Riding in a group

We want all riders to enjoy the fun, motivation, and camaraderie of riding together. Here are some tips for riding safely in a group, and the hand signals to look out for.

Half wheeling

Try to avoid half wheeling — where half of your bike overlaps with half of the bike next to you. If the rider alongside needs to swerve to avoid a hazard, you may not see it in time. Position yourself either directly behind another rider or right alongside them.

Hand signals

Riders at the front will signal what’s coming so those behind can prepare.

Slowing down — Raise your arm to the side and make as if to pat an invisible dog — palm facing down, moving downward.

Hazard in the road — Point at the hazard with your hand. Add a shout if you can — e.g. “hole left” — so riders know which way to move.

Moving out — Gesture with a bent arm behind your back in the direction the group needs to move. Gives ample warning to riders further back.

The classy stuff

Everyone needs to blow their nose, spit out a fly, or take a comfort break on a ride. When on the move, blow your nose or spit away from other riders and be mindful of the wind. If you need the loo, just shout — let the ride leader know and they’ll find a convenient place to pull in.