The bikes themselves have become pretty covetable, too, thanks to a range of companies like Quirk Cycles bringing an updated ethos to the sport. Founded by Robert Quirk in 2015 as a one-man London design studio, the company recently saw the backing of ex-Rapha CEO Simon Mottram.
Quirk started out making bespoke frames before branching out into off-the-peg bicycles. For Quirk, the focus is less on cycle clubs, but on bikes themselves as coveted objects of desire. “What we see is that, over time, some riders develop a deeper interest in the objects themselves,” he says. “That’s where Quirk sits. We build high-performance bicycles with a strong focus on how they are made, with that process being as important as how they ride.” The collection is limited to three core designs, one for racing, one for gravel, one for road riding, plus the limited edition ML2, made in collaboration with Mottram and featuring a titanium framekit and Tailfin bags. It goes without saying that you’ll want one of each on your Christmas list.
Quirk acknowledges that ‘cool’ can be hard to define, with newcomers mostly looking for physical, tangible objects removed from screens. “Cycling offers that in a very direct way,” he says. “What’s interesting is that once people come into it, they often go deeper quite quickly. It stops being just about fitness and becomes something tied to identity, how you spend your time, and the objects you choose to use. That’s where design and aesthetics start to matter more.”
What can I expect from my first cycling club session?
Your first session will vary from club to club, but it’ll likely involve an ‘intro ride’, essentially a ride-along on the club’s regular Sunday jaunt to get you to grips with the members, routes, and overall vibe. Ride captains or club leaders will keep an eye on you, offering pointers, while the obligatory post-ride coffee and cake will help keep you up to pace. And while you might have your eyes on an expensive set-up, it isn’t essential. “Like any hobby, people can get super nerdy about the specs and kit, but you can still get out and enjoy cycling without having to remortgage your home,” says Girling. “The only thing that’s really going to make you faster are your legs.”
Which clubs should I check out?
There are a plethora of cycling clubs across the UK and Northern Ireland; here’s a couple to get you on your way.
Dulwich Paragon CC
Formed in 1935, Dulwich Paragon CC was ahead of the Covid curve by some 85 years. “We have groups going out for different distances and paces on Saturdays and Sundays all year around, usually between 50 and 120km,” says head Joe Booth. There are also midweek evening rides, regular off-road trails sessions, and sessions at Herne HIll Velodrome.
Forge London CC
The main focus is on the Sunday long ride in the country with the club split into five different speed groups ranging from 21kph to 33kph+. There’s also an increasingly active Saturday crew who tend to opt for flatter routes. “We also do no-stop Thursday evening rides on the roads towards Windsor in the summer, and in Richmond Park in the winter, which are an opportunity to hone group riding skills on a faster-paced ride,” says Girling.
London Dynamo
“Our core offering is the Saturday Park Ride,” says Kituno. That’s four laps around Richmond Park in groups of up to eight, with all members are welcome to join. “Aside from that, we run weekly rides out to Windsor, across the Thames Valley, Surrey Hills, Kent and even further afield.” The club has also introduced ‘LD Goes’, a series of one-way rides throughout the year that aim to get people out somewhere they maybe haven’t been before.
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