Cycling clubs in England are all so unique it's hard to say what they've got in common - apart from cycling that is

Some clubs round here are made up of a lot of older riders, in their 50's & 60's who do a lot of touring , while others have few older members and lots of youngsters who are very competetive.

Some clubs are also very sociable - one in our area regularly organise non -cycling events such are picnics, bbq's and things like bowling evenings. Where as others might only meet up once a month and rarely meet outside of racing.

Our club, Brighton Mitre Cyling Club was formed in 1894 and I like to think has a good mix. We're lucky enough to meet at a cycle track and the club house has a bar so it makes for quite a social evening. You can have a quick zip round the track , before having a beer!

We meet every Friday throughout the year, as well as organised club rides on Sunday mornings in the winter. This really helps with the motivation when the weather's cold ,knowing there's a group of people waiting for you helps get you out of bed, as well as get you up those hills when you're struggling!

The best thing about our club is we've made some really good friends and had some excellent weekends away - a camping trip in France for the weekend to watch the Tour last year was such a laugh!

We also have people from such a wide range of backgrounds. We've got members who range from builders, computer programmers, students, a fireman, a lawyer, a guy involved in oil exploration and even a guy who ownes his own steel fabrication factory. It's cool to share a common interst with such a range of people.

I think the best thing is just the friendship and fun. In England cycling is still a minor sport to it's great to just meet up with people who share a common interst with, have a laugh and get fit!

Well, that The Mitre - I'd like to hear about other peoples clubs.

Good luck with the reforming of your club - sounds like a good chance to make it what you'd like it to be.