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2020 A-SIG Schedule
 
Orientation/Ride 1: Saturday, February 29, 2020
Graduation/Ride 12: Saturday, May 16, 2020
 
2020 A-SIG Leaders
 
Ahmet Yetis
Alan West
Alana Graber
Cathy Ji
Bob Ross
Carly Smith
Chris Mellevold
Christine Gouwens
Genevieve Holland
Jeff Levine
Kearney Posner
Laura Kent
Matthew Fasman
Michael Gately
Michelle Savacool
Phil Lee
Stefanie Sulzer
Terry Hildebrandt
Wincheng Lee
 

 

Spring Training: The 2020 A-SIG

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  • Spring Training: The 2020 A-SIG
Date: 
Saturday, February 29, 2020 - 8:30am
Spots: 
40

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Sorry but we've reached our rider limit for the 2020 A-SIG and registration is now closed.

The A-SIG Approach

The A-SIG is a 12-week training series that teaches group cycling skills for those interested in being A-level riders. Our goal is to produce Great Wheels, cyclists with whom everyone enjoys riding because their presence in a paceline enhances safety, smoothness, predictability and fun, making it a better ride for the group.

Participants will spend twelve weeks learning to ride confidently and at speed in close proximity to others in a disciplined, rotating paceline. The 2020 A-SIG will progress gradually, from a 45-mile local spin in late February to a 100-mile century ride in mid-May. We’ll climb challenging hills in Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, New Jersey and Connecticut and cruise winding roads in tight, cooperative pacelines. You’ll learn skills for bike handling, techniques for climbing and descending, and tips for nutrition, all while getting into great shape.

One recent A-SIG graduate called it “bootcamp on a bike” and we don’t disagree. But you will also have fun, riding with many different cyclists and meeting new friends in the NYCC.

 

Here’s what other recent graduates say:

“The program was challenging, the leaders were very dedicated and supportive. Everything was highly organized and I learned a great deal.”

“I was looking for people to ride with but didn’t expect such a vigorous and well-organized 12 week program. I learned so much about becoming a steady and safe wheel and love riding in a paceline now whereas before I found it the most stressful thing ever.”

“I am a better rider as a result of the program. I thought I was pretty experienced and didn’t need that much. It was eye-opening. It was a pleasure to ride with so many good riders. I learned a lot just by watching them and that was further enhanced by the coaching.”

“I’ve always been intimidated by other cyclists. The group was welcoming even though I came to the first ride lacking in any real skills. I then learned how to improve these skills to become more comfortable – and now I feel like I belong among other cyclists.”

Time Commitment 

One of the goals of the A-SIG is to teach a specific style of cooperative group cycling in a fast, rotating paceline that emphasizes smoothness and safety, focusing on consistent effort rather than speed. The A-SIG requires a significant time commitment for twelve weekends from late February until the graduation ride in mid-May. In March, we may get home in the early afternoon on Saturday (our rain-dates are Sunday), but as rides get longer we may not return until the early evening. During the week, most participants will join A-SIG morning training laps in Central Park or Prospect Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and everyone is expected to give back to the NYCC by leading at least one club ride after graduation.

The A-SIG is a progressive series, and since each week builds on the preceding week, participants are expected to attend all twelve rides. Those who miss two consecutive rides, those who miss more than two non-consecutive rides, and those whose fitness or group cycling skills are not progressing sufficiently to meet program goals will be dismissed from the A-SIG (but are welcome to register again next year).

Leaders

Most A-SIG leaders are themselves graduates of the A-SIG, and many are also graduates or past leaders of the A-Classic SIG. They have a wealth of cycling experience and knowledge that they are eager to share, and throughout the program they will volunteer coaching and give instruction on bike handling and training techniques for cooperative group riding. Participants will get to ride with different leaders and participants each week as well as be assigned a mentor to convey feedback to help get the most out of the A-SIG program. Not everyone who signs up for the A-SIG will graduate, but we will give you the tools to succeed in learning how to ride safely and smoothly in a fast, rotating paceline.

For most participants, the A-SIG is challenging but enormously rewarding, and well worth the effort. Many graduates go on to the A-Classic SIG, which offers a similar curriculum and coaching, refining group cycling skills but pushing you harder and faster than in the A-SIG. Please read the FAQ at the top of this page for most Frequently Asked Questions, or contact this year’s A-SIG captains, Jeff Levine and Michael Gately, at asig@nycc.org.

Signups closed for this Event

Spring Training: The 2020 A-SIG
02.29.2020
8:30am
cycling trips