Addiscombe CC Go-Ride cycling skills sessions

[huw williams]

I've repeated this down here cos not everyone realises there's something new up in the 'announcements' bit

In our quest to take Addiscombe CC to even greater heights, we’re now ready to start running local Go-Ride sessions.

Go Ride is British Cycling’s grass roots development programme for individuals, clubs and schools. On achieving Go Ride status a club is seen as having particular standards of excellence in the key areas of attracting and looking after new members and developing the potential of young, beginner and intermediate riders.

Addiscombe has gone through most of the hoops towards achieving this status and the latest phase is delivering skills sessions in traffic free environments for young riders as well as induction sessions for riders new to the club wanting to take part in the club run but unaware of the demands that riding in a group may place on them. These sesions are important in the service that they offer to local riders and to Addiscombe’s continued attempts to develop into the best club in the country. So please support them, Croydon Council have even entered negotiations about funding for training related equipment (bikes, turbos, HRMs etc) if we can show there’s enough interest in these sessions.

In short we’d like to offer new riders the chance to come and join us for a one-hour session prior to joining the club run proper. We’ll hold these on the last Sunday of every month initially, the idea being that any new riders can come and do an induction session one week, then join the club run the week after on the J4F weekend.

We’ve been aware that many riders have turned up for their first ride with the club and have immediately been expected to ride a 48 mile round trip to Charlwood and back in a group of riders when they may have no experience whatsoever. Ten minutes later they’re having to negotiate the M23 junction whilst wondering what the hell is going on all round them – riders pointing at the floor, using strange language and changing position in the group seemingly at random.

So these sessions are aimed at easing the pressure and inducting new riders into the ways of group riding all in a traffic free environment.

If you’re riding in the slower club run groups and are wondering what this mythical “through and off on the dual carriageway” you’ve heard of is all about, come and learn how to do it without traffic buzzing round your ears. We’ll also show you how to deal with any likely scenarios you’re liable to encounter when riding in a group. Good group etiquette, changing position in the group, dealing with unexpected hazards – balance, co-ordination, communication anything and everything you’re likely to encounter on the club run or riding with any other group of riders. Some of our more experienced members will be on hand to ride with you and show you what it’s all about.

We’re also aware that not all members (especially new ones) are using the forum so please make them aware of these sessions when you see them on the weekend club run.

Also please feel free to refer any new riders you are aware of keen to ride with the club, who are turning up each week. In the long term we want this to be as regular a part of the clubs activities as the club run itself, run every Sunday and offering local riders an introduction to Addiscombe CC, who we are and what we do. Croydon Council and local schools development partnerships are promoting these sessions through various outlets and all ACC members are invited to proffer suggestions as to how we can be publicise them to a wider audience.

What is it?:
A series of coached activities developed to improve a range of cycling skills in a safe environment. They’re a lot of fun and highly educational. New riders learn basic skills, experienced riders improve existing ones.

Where?:
Monks Hill sports centre
http://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/200087/spsc/monkshill
They have kindly provided us with a permanent venue for the sessions so we have a very large area to work in as well as changing rooms and toilet facilities. There is plenty of free parking for those who want to drive up there with bikes.

When?:
The first session will be held on Sunday the 30th November at 11.30 – 12.30am

What does it cost?
Nothing

What should I bring?:
Sufficient cycling kit to stay warm and dry when riding in November. A bike in good working order and a helmet (Helmets are compulsory for insurance purposes on these sessions). The sessions are conducted on hard tarmac but any bike, mountain, road or hybrid is acceptable.

How many riders?:
A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 20 in any one group. If more riders sign up we’ll do more than one session.

How do I sign up?
PM me so that I can keep a register of who’s coming. DO NOT turn up on the day unannounced – Again for insurance purposes these numbers have to be strictly adhered to. But as I say, if we have lots of riders we’ll do more sessions. Alternatively PM for a phone number if you want to pass it on to a contact who is not using the forum.

Any age restrictions?
16 years and above please – there will be separate sessions for Addiscombe members’ children aged 7-10 and 10 – 16 years old. So if you’re aged between 16 and 100, these are for you. I hate to be ageist but if your over 100 this might not be the best way to spend a Sunday morning!

Can non-members come?
Yes, the idea is that non-members come too, see what we’re all about and will want to join Addiscombe. So invite as many non-members, even riders from other clubs, as you can to get in touch.

Any questions?
Please post here and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Huw