Sunday 25th September - Power Pack at Cyclopark

Today saw the first of three Power Pack sessions scheduled this side of Christmas.  Maybe I'm feeling over sentimental at the moment (Son No.1 just left home for Uni) or more likely I'm acutely aware of the impact this session had on our riders in the early days but either way, a few hours spent at Cyclopark with John Leitch always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.

The eclectic mix of riders, from the super experienced and successful to total novices turning up for the first time all have one thing in common; they love riding their bikes, and it shows.

Today was great as we had six riders from KVK, three experienced and three totally new.  Toni, Ellen and Hope were representing the old guard, whilst Mathys, Eloise and Joshua were the new kids on the block.  To top a great day off, Christophe sent me these thank you photos for the loan of the club bikes.

Saturday 24th September - Tonbridge to Penshurst Ride Out

Fantastic turnout this morning for our first Ride Out of the new term.  Twenty young riders signed on, with an assortment of parents and volunteers to keep them company.

We split into three groups; Michele took our youngest riders: Franklin, Cayden, Thomas, Dylan, Alex, Leo & Betsy.  The stronger riders went with Calvin: Freja, Dan, Kieran and Joshua.  Everyone else joined me: Oliver, Lucy, Anna, Zara, Rosemary, Caitlin, Eloise, Albert and Fred.

The park was busy with runners when we set off, Calvin left first, followed by Michele, my group left last.  We quickly caught up with Michele as we headed out of the park and into the woods.  The recent good weather means the path is still dry and fast rolling, so before long we had reached Barden Lake.  We formed up to make a large group and were lucky to make it the half a mile along the lane without meeting any traffic.  The next challenge for my group was the steep embankment next to the lake.

 

On top of the world! Great climbing from everyone to make it to the top of Penshurst Hill, Albert seems to be having a nap!

 Everyone got a run up and pedalled hard to make it to the top before whizzing down the other side.  We could see Michele's group behind us now so we pushed on toward Penshurst.  I gave everyone the option of riding to the top of the hill or half way and then set Hannah off first, closely followed by Albert. We met Calvin's group coming back down, and when we reached the halfway point everyone decided to carry on.  Fantastic to see all the riders at the top, relaxing and taking time to refuel.

Back at the park!

Energised by fruit jellies we headed back to Tonbridge Park at top speed and arrived back just within the schedule at 11.25am


Fantastic riding from everyone as usual.  Many thanks to all the parents and volunteers who made it happen.  Next week, we'll be back at Stocks Green, hope to see you then.

Saturday 17th September - Go Ride & Youth Ride

The rain dance worked (just) and we managed a good Go-Ride session in the dry and an off-site assault of Col de Coldharbour by some of our experienced riders.

Go Ride
The focus of our session today was riding one handed (and none handed in some cases) and nailing that essential bike skill of rear observation.  While Damian got his off-site group organised we ran a quick skills check on the field; lots of waving and high fiving followed by a none handed demo from Kieran that saw him ride up and down the field and round the goal posts taking requests for shapes from the crowd.

Then we split into smaller groups to practise.  The younger riders checking behind them to identify coloured cones while older rider checked out the bike Jenga.

off-site riders gathered at the pump track

After a quick break, we ran a ten minute endurance challenge and then there was just time for a quick head to head relay.  As we finished Damian and the others returned from Col de Coldharbour; good riding, no punctures was the order of the day.

Saturday 10th September - Here We Go, Go Ride!

Go Ride

22 Riders signed on for our first session (not all shown!)

There was a good turnout today for our first Go Ride session of the new school year.  It was great to see our regular riders back after the summer and welcome some new members too.  After warming up with some riding on the site, we focussed on slow riding technique; I was pleased to everyone getting the hand of gliding on their level pedals before slowing down and trying out some slow riding techniques.  Once everyone had mastered the basics we split into smaller groups and run a couple of slow races, expect to see more of this over the coming weeks.

Sardines

Next we moved onto a sophisticated 'Post Office Queue' set up which challenged riders to make four tight U turns before heading off to spin their legs and return to have another go.  Meanwhile, some of the older riders were practising 'Sumo', so as not to be left out we set up some 'Sardine' stations; A good sardine, needs to be able ride slowly, and anticipate other riders actions, we definitely have some new emerging stars ;-)

Re-fuelled with chocolate biscuits riders split into two groups and practised taking a lap in the popular game 'Chase the Grapes'.  As the session drew to a close, the younger riders played Whistle Stop, with Cayden reigning supreme and even giving Ellen a run for her money.  The older riders had moved onto Marymoor Crawl racing; a good combo of slow and fast racing and we just had time to join them for a few last heats.

The 'Post Office Queue' requires skilful cornering

Excellent bike riding from everyone today and brilliant to see the fundamental skills really developing.  Same again next week, 9.15am sign on at Stocks Green School. See you there!

Youth Ride
Once we are packed up from Go Ride, we head out on a road bike ride with some of our older riders.  The Saturday Youth Ride aims to get our members started on the road and comfortably riding up to 20 miles.  To join these rides you must have been along to Go Ride we can get to know you, your skills and fitness.  This is to help keep all our riders safe.

Post ride, everyone is still smiling :-)

This week we followed once of our popular routes called Old Fave.  It's around 16 miles with just under 1000ft of climbing. We rode it anti-clockwise, which makes the main climb the Col de Wellers Town. I did offer my group a stop at the pub (just to catch their breath, not for beer ;-)) but they declined and made it all the way to top without stopping.  The older riders had headed off with Malcolm and Ruth and despite claiming they were all tired and not feeling very fit they managed 15mph and all looked fresh as daisies when we returned. 

Saturday 23rd July - Go Ride Racing

Thanks to all the riders who made it along to our Go Ride racing event.  Over twenty enthusiastic riders signed up for this event that was run by Young Volunteer Calvin assisted by Ellen.  We focused on track style racing with an individual TT, a Kieran and and Elimination Race, we ended the morning with an Italian Pursuit.  As ever a real treat to see our young riders enjoying their bikes, the sunshine and off course the medals!  Have a great summer, look forward to seeing you all in September.