Keep Moving Lazy Bones

Course outline: Bike Maintenance Basics Outline The course is limited to 2 hours and will be mostly talk and demonstration. We will look at different bikes and different setups allowing you to better understand bike components and the care they need.  Tubeless tyres, suspension systems, hydraulic brakes and electronic shifters are not covered.  The core programme Bike check and safety — 20 minutes Drivetrain and chain care — 25 minutes Tyres and tyre pressure — 15 minutes Brakes, brake blocks and cables — 25 minutes Gears and basic adjustment — 20 minutes Tools and questions — 15 minutes Total: 2 hours. 1. Introduction and bike check 15 minutes Get to know the main parts of a bike. Pre-ride check, including tyres, wheels, brakes, chain and quick-release or thru-axle security. Check for loose parts, damage and anything that looks or sounds unusual including the 'drop' check Understand why a regular check helps prevent problems. 2. Drivetrain and chain care 20 minutes Id...

Your Coaching Journey. The Introduction to Coaching course focuses on coaching skills giving you the Activity Coach. - Introduction to Coaching Course -  Coaching Guidelines - Resources for coaches

Route planning and navigation  These are some really good skills to learn even if you mostly participate in group rides. 1. Who is the audience? A good first step is understanding who will come on your ride. Have they just learnt to ride? Are they nervous about traffic? Do they prefer open countryside? Do they love hill climbs? If you don't know the individuals then decide for yourself what riders you are planning a route for.  2. The coffee stop Part of a ride is the all essential coffee stop so make it a good one. The destination is often a good place to start the planning process. Can they cater for your group size? Is there enough seating inside on a cold day? Enough seating outdoors on a hot day? Cycle cafés are a sure win. Is there a point of interest such as volunteer run charity café or National Trust? The coffee stop can be picnic benches if there are loos nearby.  3. The start point  This is actually a good place to start your route planning. Yo...

Rider Awareness Group riding is great fun, though you need to maintain awareness for the safety of yourself and your fellow riders. 1. Listen to the briefing Depending on the route, group size and number of ride leaders, briefings will vary. They are there to help keep everyone safe, so listen carefully. 2. Follow instructions Sounds obvious, I know! If any instructions are unclear, ask for clarification. Your fellow riders may have the same question. 3. Stay alert Be aware of your surroundings, fellow riders, traffic and pedestrians. Any of these can present a hazard, sometimes with little warning. 4. Take care when stopping Extra care is needed when a group slows down or stops. Help pass on calls from the ride leader, such as “Slowing” and “Stopping”, so riders further back have time to react. 5. Choose where to stop With enough notice, you can choose a sensible place to stop rather than simply stopping behind the rider in front. Leave enough space for others a...

This is my understanding though please refer to British Cycling's document Guidelines for Leading Rides. The following graphic is an extract summarising risk management and including the pre-ride route requirement. In response to a query British Cycling gave the following response.  " A Ride Leader - Level 1 needs to pre-ride/recce the route prior to leading a ride. This does not need to be within 7 days of the ride. However, the leader would be expected to consider any factors that may have changed since their last pre-ride, such as roadworks, diversions, or the impact of recent weather on the route, and take these into account before the planned ride. You're also correct for the Ride Leader - Level 2 course. As this incorporates more navigational challenge and risk management scenarios, leaders are able to ride on routes that have not been pre-ridden. However, it is always recommended to ride the route where possible and to consider those factors that may hav...

Your Cycling Journey in Harrow Whether you are learning to ride for the first time or looking to build up to longer rides, Harrow Cycle Hub (HCH) offers activities and support to help you develop your cycling. This pathway suggests seven stages, from learning to ride through to completing a 20-mile ride. Each stage describes what you might aim to achieve and the activities that can help you get there. You don't have to follow the stages rigidly. If you can already ride, simply start at the stage that suits you. You can also return to earlier stages whenever you need extra support.  If you are following British Cycling's Sofa to Saddle programme, you can use HCH activities alongside it to practise your skills and gain experience riding with others. HCH led rides and links to information will supplement the Sofa to Saddle programme.  Don't forget to subscribe to the Harrow Cycle Hub newsletter to be kept informed of future courses, rides and other activities. You can find a...