So You Want to Saddle Up with the Saddle and Cycle Club? A Guide for Aspiring Spandex Superstars (and Regular Folks)
Let's face it, cruising the streets of Chicago on two wheels is pretty darn fantastic. But what if you crave a little more than just dodging potholes and battling rush hour rage? Enter the legendary Saddle and Cycle Club (SCC), a haven for cycling enthusiasts, social butterflies, and anyone who enjoys a good club sandwich (allegedly, their food is amazing). But how, pray tell, do you infiltrate this exclusive group and snag a coveted membership? Fear not, fellow cyclist, for this guide will be your compass on the road to spandex-clad glory!
Step 1: Channel Your Inner Sherlock Holmes (Without the Deerstalker, Preferably)
The SCC is a private club, which means waltzing in and demanding a mimosa isn't exactly the recommended approach. Their membership process is shrouded in a bit of mystery, like a secret society for people who really love Lycra. The good news? You don't need to crack a cryptic code or decipher ancient cycling texts (though knowing your chainring from your cassette wouldn't hurt).
Here's what we do know:
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It's by invitation only. This doesn't mean they're snobs (we hope), but it implies you might need to know someone on the inside. Befriend a member! Strike up a conversation at a local bike shop, a group ride, or maybe while you're both pretending not to notice that rogue squirrel eyeing your protein bar at the park. Networking, my friends, networking!
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The Membership Committee is a discerning bunch. We can't say for sure what they look for, but passion for cycling, a positive attitude, and maybe a killer story about your closest encounter with a rogue pothole are all good bets. Polish your cycling anecdotes and be prepared to enthrall!
Step 2: Patience is a Virtue (Especially When You're Stuck Behind a Tourist on a Divvy Bike)
This isn't a fast-food joint; getting into the SCC takes time. Don't expect an invitation to arrive overnight. Use this waiting period wisely! Brush up on your cycling etiquette, practice those hand signals, and maybe even master the art of the post-ride brunch conversation. They say the SCC has phenomenal pastries – gotta make a good first impression, right?
Bonus points for:
- Volunteering at a cycling charity event. Show them you're not just in it for the fancy clubhouse (although, let's be honest, that is pretty darn tempting).
- Casually mentioning your desire to join the SCC to everyone you meet. Hey, you never know who might have an "in." Just avoid sounding desperate. Nobody likes a desperate cyclist.
Step 3: Victory Lap... Maybe Eventually
If the cycling gods (and the Membership Committee) are smiling upon you, you'll eventually receive that golden ticket – an invitation to join the SCC! Pop open the celebratory Gatorade, dust off your finest cycling gear (or at least some clothes that aren't stained with chain lube), and get ready to mingle with the best of them.
Remember: The SCC is about more than just cycling; it's about camaraderie, community, and maybe even a healthy dose of friendly competition (who can down a post-ride burger the fastest?). So, put the pedal to the metal (metaphorically speaking, of course; traffic laws and all that), and get ready for a fantastic cycling adventure!
