Why I Ride - John Fielding (Club Secretary)

I came to road cycling without much experience and, if I’m honest, that was exactly why I joined the club. Before that, most of my riding had been on mountain bikes with friends. We loved it, but as we got older we also realised we were injuring ourselves a bit too often, so road riding began to feel like the safer option.

I bought a cheap road bike in a sale and started looking around, not really knowing what I was doing. Someone mentioned there were a couple of cycling clubs in Lincoln, and that felt like the right next step. I wanted to be part of something and learn from people who knew more than I did.

I still remember my first ride. I turned up not really knowing anyone, with no experience of group riding at all. It could easily have been intimidating, but it wasn’t. Barry Wilson was one of the first people I met, and he immediately took me under his wing. People explained things, looked out for me, and made me feel welcome. That first experience mattered. You quickly realise you don’t have to know everything before you arrive.

That’s probably the biggest thing the club has given me: confidence, but also connection. At first, I joined because I lacked experience. What kept me coming back was the social side. Riding with other people makes the miles pass differently. There’s always conversation, encouragement, shared knowledge, and the simple pleasure of being out with like-minded people. You pick up little bits of wisdom all the time, whether it’s group riding etiquette, bike maintenance, or just stories from other riders’ lives.

I enjoy the variety too. I like rides that take us somewhere different, and I like the sense that cycling opens things up. Through the club I’ve done rides and trips I’d never have done on my own, including trips abroad. That was a real surprise to me. I thought joining a club would just mean local rides, but it’s been much more than that.

What also stands out is the sense of community. This is not just a group of people riding bikes; it’s a club with history, character and real warmth. There’s something special about being part of something that has lasted so long, and in a small way helping to keep it going.

If I was speaking to a new rider who felt uncertain about coming along, I’d say this: don’t worry. It’s natural to feel hesitant when you try something new, but you will be looked after. People want you to enjoy it. That’s the point of it all.