Back to The SIG & STS Home

Need help with registration? Instructions are here.

Learn your strengths.
 

The goal of the A-SIG Classic is similar to that of the A-SIG: to produce true “great wheels,” who can handle themselves safely and smoothly in a rotating paceline. However, what the A-SIG covers in twelve weeks, we cover in in the first eight, with the remaining four weeks spent focusing on leveraging the strengths of all riders—big or small, tall or short, bulky or lean—for the betterment of the group.. The result is a paceline that, yes, moves quickly—but not through raw force or brute strength: but by riding intelligently and of one mindset, using the strengths of everyone in the group to their maximum benefit, and letting riders lean into the group at the times when they aren’t the strongest or alternatively, letting those who feel particularly strong that day go the extra pedal stroke for the group.   Our goal is for everyone to have contributed in a way that makes the most sense for the best ride, ultimately collapsing into an exhausted heap at the end of a long, spirited ride and think “That was amazing!”

By gradually introducing new skills, and more complex rides, A-SIG Classic participants build the fitness and skills to go further and go faster as a cohesive group. Post-SIG, participants have leveraged these skills in all kinds of riding: from road racing, to cyclocross, randonneuring, and, yes, some amazing weekend club rides!

The A-SIG Classic program requires a serious time and effort commitment from all its participants. In addition to the weekend rides, mid-week training is a critical additional component of the Classic, both for building fitness and practicing new skills—while not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged, and few participants succeed in the Classic without one or two group training rides.

This is a 12-week program, during which you will learn skills such as

• Fundamental group riding skills
• Smooth pace lining
• Gravel / dirt handling
• Race aptitude
• Technical skills refinement (such as cornering, climbing and descending)
• How to leverage your strengths to keep the group moving, and how to lean into the group when 

The A-SIG Classic is not an easy program, but the payoff is worth it: you will rise-up to challenges in a way you’ve never done before, you will meet people that will become lifelong friends, and have the honor of completing what has been described by graduates as “the most enriching athletic experience of their lives.”

What You Need To Know

Gear

• We STRONGLY recommend a pre-season bike fit and tune-up/overhaul.
• Helmets are mandatory.
• Noaerobars under any circumstances.
• Road bikes with clipless pedals only.
• New tires are strongly recommended.

Dates

• The A-SIG Classic takes place every Saturday from Mar 2, 2019 through May 18, 2019.
• Orientation will take place on Sat, Mar 2–immediately followed by our first SIG ride (additional details to follow for registered participants).
• If the weather appears to be uncooperative, we will re-schedule rides to Sunday. Be sure to check the standard A-SIG Classic communication channels.

Time Commitment

• Be prepared to make a significant time commitment—we ride every weekend for three months, with rain dates on Sundays, and expect participants to do 1-2 mid-week training rides to build fitness and refine their skills.
• Expect to be “out” the entire day: unforeseeable circumstances, pit stops, and longer rides, can all make for a full day on the road.
• Early on, rides will start at 9 am. As the weather warms-up and rides get longer, we will start earlier.
• Participants are expected to attend all 12-weekend rides.
• Any participant with more than 2 absences, or any two consecutive absences, will be asked to leave the program, with an open invitation to join us again the following year.

Program Structure

Rides will gradually increase in distance, elevation gain and speed. Each ride has a lunch stop (a great chance to be friendly and to talk shop). We will also have refuel/ pit stops during longer rides.

The core of the program is coaching. Participants will receive pointers and individual attention from leaders both on and off the bike, and will also benefit from being paired with a mentor leader. Speed and endurance will follow as you train and master smooth group riding skills.

Mid-week training is essential for building the fitness necessary to succeed in the A-SIG Classic. Mid-week training rides will be listed on the NYCC website and generally take place in the early morning hours in Prospect Park, Central Park and River Road. While training is not mandatory (we’re not taking attendance…), few participants succeed without doing some kind of group training at least once, ideally twice, each week. This provides a chance for additional training, coaching, and is critical for building the fitness necessary to do the next ride.

Upon graduation, you are expected to take an active part in the NYCC community; To list and lead club rides.

NYCC Membership

All participants must be members of the New York Cycle Club. In addition, each participant must lead at least one NYCC ride in 2019 upon graduation.

The A-SIG Classic will allow for new participants in the first three weeks. For further details, contact the A-SIG Classic Captains at aclassic@nycc.org.

Signups closed for this Event