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| Awesome bike riders Betsy, Izzy, Ellen, Cayden, Sophia, Ben, Luke, Nico, Ethan, Albert, Hope, Sammy, Barney, (Zara & Franklin) enjoying our last Go Ride session of the year. We finished with team games, always popular and great to see our riders young and old all riding bikes together - IT'S WHAT WE DO!
Afterwards we headed out on the Youth Ride, Claire and Michele took the shorter route, Damian, Malcolm and I rode the longer route. We all headed out towards Penshurst. Unfortunately some rather deep and badly placed potholes caused Ellen to puncture (front and rear) and left her bruised and battered, which meant we had to launch a rescue for the second week running. Luckily a passing motorist gave Claire and Ellen a lift back to Hildenborough and a local resident offered to take care of the bikes until they could be collected later. Nice to know that when you need a little help people will step forward. We cut the rest of the ride short, it had been a fairly eventful morning!
Next Week (Saturday 19th December) Our Christmas Ride "Pimp my Bike" - meet at Stocks Green School 9.15am for a 9.30am departure. Return for coffee at Cafe 1809 around 11am.
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Monday, 14 December 2015
Saturday 12th December - Go Ride & Youth Ride
Saturday 5th BMX at Cyclopark, Sunday 6th Power Pack with Damian and Bee
Saturday
Toni, Luke, Polly, Katie, Sophia, Izzy, Hope, Calvin, Ben H, Ben B, and Jacob all enjoyed a BMX session with Keith at Cyclopark. Unfortunately the younger riders who were signed up weren't able to ride due to someone called Desmond who had made it very windy.
Keith split the group into first timers and those who'd ridden before, but it wasn't long before everyone was on the track proper and experiencing the thrills (and some spills) of the bumps and berms.
Sunday
The wind hadn't really abated by Sunday morning but in true KVK style our riders were still up for Power Pack. Damian was standing in for John Leach so all in all it was a true KVK takeover.
Next Week: Saturday 12th December Go Ride at Stocks Green 9.15am for 9.30am start.
Youth Ride 11.30am
Toni, Luke, Polly, Katie, Sophia, Izzy, Hope, Calvin, Ben H, Ben B, and Jacob all enjoyed a BMX session with Keith at Cyclopark. Unfortunately the younger riders who were signed up weren't able to ride due to someone called Desmond who had made it very windy.
Keith split the group into first timers and those who'd ridden before, but it wasn't long before everyone was on the track proper and experiencing the thrills (and some spills) of the bumps and berms.
Sunday
The wind hadn't really abated by Sunday morning but in true KVK style our riders were still up for Power Pack. Damian was standing in for John Leach so all in all it was a true KVK takeover.
Next Week: Saturday 12th December Go Ride at Stocks Green 9.15am for 9.30am start.
Youth Ride 11.30am
Saturday 28th November - Go Ride & Youth Ride
A bright but chilly morning greeted me when I opened the front door this morning. Despite low overnight temperatures there was no sign of ice in the lane so looked like we were good to go.
The warm up was organised by our Young Volunteers who used the top half of the site to create a mini circuit including the popular lump and some riding on the now pretty boggy field. Our Go Ride session focussed on group riding skills and build on the techniques we've worked on in previous weeks we split into two groups; Damian took charge of the older riders on the main playground while I had the younger riders on the Infant playground. Our young riders were soon whizzing round in pairs so we moved onto a bigger group of four and then the full 'egg box' six. Once we'd mastered this we started changing off the front with one pair drifting to the side and rejoining at the back. These are challenging maneouvres, requiring the riders to control their pace and position in relation to other riders; what a great job they made of it! We spun our legs out with a quick round of Chase the Snake with Toni, one of our Young Volunteers acting as pacer. After the biscuit break we tried some pairs slalom; once again a skill that requires considerable concentration and judgment. With some help and encouragement from Ash everyone was soon making it through the course as a pair.
Meanwhile our older riders were working with Damian on some similar activities on the main playground; more space to play with means more speed and a few more thrills.
Our Youth Riders headed out after Go Ride on a couple of routes called Easy Peasy and Not So Easy Peasy. Claire and I tackled the shorter route with Hope, Nico and Sophia while Damian, Sarah and Malcolm took on the longer route with Toni, Luke, Ellen Sophia, Polly and Calvin. They didn't get far (Carters Hill I think) before a loud crunching preceded Calvin's rear mech disintegrating. Nothing for it but to wait for a rescue, at least they got some shelter in the pub.
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| Chase the Snake with Toni |
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| My group changing off the front |
The warm up was organised by our Young Volunteers who used the top half of the site to create a mini circuit including the popular lump and some riding on the now pretty boggy field. Our Go Ride session focussed on group riding skills and build on the techniques we've worked on in previous weeks we split into two groups; Damian took charge of the older riders on the main playground while I had the younger riders on the Infant playground. Our young riders were soon whizzing round in pairs so we moved onto a bigger group of four and then the full 'egg box' six. Once we'd mastered this we started changing off the front with one pair drifting to the side and rejoining at the back. These are challenging maneouvres, requiring the riders to control their pace and position in relation to other riders; what a great job they made of it! We spun our legs out with a quick round of Chase the Snake with Toni, one of our Young Volunteers acting as pacer. After the biscuit break we tried some pairs slalom; once again a skill that requires considerable concentration and judgment. With some help and encouragement from Ash everyone was soon making it through the course as a pair.
Meanwhile our older riders were working with Damian on some similar activities on the main playground; more space to play with means more speed and a few more thrills.
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| Damian explaining the session |
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| Nico, Hope and Sophia on the Youth Ride |
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| Toni, Luke, Sophia, Ellen and Polly, Calvin had to abandon with a broken rear mech :-( |
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Saturday, 21 November 2015
Saturday 21st November - ALL SESSIONS CANCELLED
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| Three Degrees, way to cold for anyone's knees ;-) |
But very pleased to see Ellen & Hope cracking on with some indoor training..........
Saturday, 14 November 2015
Go Ride Racing 14th November - Record Number of Riders!!
Well done to everyone that rode this morning, we just about dodged the rain. Full results available later today.
We split the riders into groups; Mini, Small, Medium & Senior. We started with a one lap TT and moved onto mass start races for each category. Each group then played Sardines and this provided the skills challenge element of our scoring for medals.
A short break for drinks and biscuits, then we moved onto a limbo elimination contest. We just managed to get the prize giving ceremony in before the rain really started to hammer down.
Great work from all the riders, our Young Volunteers and our slightly older volunteers :-)
A short break for drinks and biscuits, then we moved onto a limbo elimination contest. We just managed to get the prize giving ceremony in before the rain really started to hammer down.
Great work from all the riders, our Young Volunteers and our slightly older volunteers :-)
Friday, 13 November 2015
Go Ride, Youth Ride and Power Pack 7th & 8th November
Go Ride
This morning was felt much more wintery, leaves blowing and the threat of heavy rain showers; so it was good to see the usual bunch of keen riders arriving at Stocks Green.
Twenty two riders got stuck into our warm up activity of Pairs Limbo. We split the group into two; one group heading off site to tackle Col de Coldharbour and one group staying on site to continue working on some group riding skills and generally having fun, riding bikes and eating biscuits. The hard work on site was interrupted by an almighty rain storm that sent us running for cover and feeling glad we weren't on the ride out. We resorted to Bike I Spy while the shower passed over. The others returned just as we were signing out, they too had found some shelter but still looked rather soggy.
Next Week Saturday 14th November: Go Ride Racing - normal sign on and finish time.
Youth Ride
Seven riders signed on for Youth Ride today; we split into two groups but followed the same route, a new one called Nice & Simple, just under 20 miles and around 1000 ft of climbing. A steady climb from Hildenborough to the top of River Hill via Plaxtol made for a good workout but we were rewarded with a very long downhill stretch towards home (see Calvin it was all down hill home for a change). Great group riding from my group (Luke, Sophia, Ellen & Catriona), and a good show of bravery on the windy bridge down to Weald.
PowerPack at Cyclopark November 8th
KVK were out in force as usual at Power Pack; Ellen, Hope, Albert, Sophia, Izzy, Catriona, Nico, Hannah, Polly, Calvin & Ben. Damian even made it up on his bike to offer the riders moral support. Windy conditions made for some challenging riding on circuit F, but in true KVK style everyone seemed tired but happy by the end. We finished off the morning with jam doughnuts :-) Well done to everyone and congratulations to Ben, Nico & Albert for completing your first Power Pack session.
Next Power Pack Sunday December 6th - talk to me if you'd like to try it.
This morning was felt much more wintery, leaves blowing and the threat of heavy rain showers; so it was good to see the usual bunch of keen riders arriving at Stocks Green.
Twenty two riders got stuck into our warm up activity of Pairs Limbo. We split the group into two; one group heading off site to tackle Col de Coldharbour and one group staying on site to continue working on some group riding skills and generally having fun, riding bikes and eating biscuits. The hard work on site was interrupted by an almighty rain storm that sent us running for cover and feeling glad we weren't on the ride out. We resorted to Bike I Spy while the shower passed over. The others returned just as we were signing out, they too had found some shelter but still looked rather soggy.
Next Week Saturday 14th November: Go Ride Racing - normal sign on and finish time.
Youth Ride
Seven riders signed on for Youth Ride today; we split into two groups but followed the same route, a new one called Nice & Simple, just under 20 miles and around 1000 ft of climbing. A steady climb from Hildenborough to the top of River Hill via Plaxtol made for a good workout but we were rewarded with a very long downhill stretch towards home (see Calvin it was all down hill home for a change). Great group riding from my group (Luke, Sophia, Ellen & Catriona), and a good show of bravery on the windy bridge down to Weald.
PowerPack at Cyclopark November 8th
KVK were out in force as usual at Power Pack; Ellen, Hope, Albert, Sophia, Izzy, Catriona, Nico, Hannah, Polly, Calvin & Ben. Damian even made it up on his bike to offer the riders moral support. Windy conditions made for some challenging riding on circuit F, but in true KVK style everyone seemed tired but happy by the end. We finished off the morning with jam doughnuts :-) Well done to everyone and congratulations to Ben, Nico & Albert for completing your first Power Pack session.
Next Power Pack Sunday December 6th - talk to me if you'd like to try it.
Sunday 25th October - Club Cluster Lee Valley Velodrome
An early start for our older riders this morning as we headed for the Olympic Velodrome for our 8am session (yes 8 am). Helped slightly by the clock's changing, we all made it in good time and really appreciated the light traffic on the way into London.
Damian was coaching the intermediate group today, together with our riders there was definitely a feeling of KVK takeover. I know I am slightly biased but our riders are so impressive; they ride well, are impeccable ambassadors for the club and look amazing :-)
The great thing about the early start was we were home in time for an early afternoon nap or to cook the roast.
Next Week: Saturday 7th November Go Ride at Stocks Green.
Damian was coaching the intermediate group today, together with our riders there was definitely a feeling of KVK takeover. I know I am slightly biased but our riders are so impressive; they ride well, are impeccable ambassadors for the club and look amazing :-)
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| Calvin, Toni, Ellen & Polly practising held start for Team Pursuit |
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| Catriona (rider 2) conquering her dislike of held starts, ably assisted by Terry. |
The great thing about the early start was we were home in time for an early afternoon nap or to cook the roast.
Next Week: Saturday 7th November Go Ride at Stocks Green.
Saturday 24th October Bedgbury Forest Single Track & Family Trail
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| Fourteen youngsters and assorted adults get ready to ride. |
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| Bumped into this lot between sections |
Michele was determined to try her new hybrid on the single track, so I led out the family trailers, some time since I've ridden this route and it brought back many happy memories of days spent here with Jacob & Polly (wonder if I still have that photo of Polly riding in her pyjama top and school shoes?).
We met up with the hard core at Louisa Lake for a quick break and a biscuit. Fortunately neither Betsy, Cayden or Thomas slipped under the sign so before long we were back on our way and heading for the playground.
What a great morning of riding; Well done to Ben, Joel and Lucy who all tackled the single track for the first time, but especially Michele who did it on her hybrid. Cayden, Serena, Thomas and Betsy, thanks for giving me the chance to climb the butterfly climbing wall. Polly, Ellen, Toni, Luke, Calvin, Albert & Catriona excellent riding as usual. Looking forward to next time already.
Next Week: No sessions 31st October, see you again at Stocks Green on the 7th November.
Saturday 17th October Go Ride & Youth Ride
Go Ride
Today we started work on our group riding skills, lots of riding close and contact and only a few crashes! We finished off with a game of jail break, no photos but I did get to practise my bandaging :-)
Youth Ride
Lower numbers than normal today, Calvin and Toni were at the Lee Valley doing their Young Volunteers course and Hannah was at RSR. We managed 19.5 miles at a good pace, taking in our old favourite Col de Porc.
Today we started work on our group riding skills, lots of riding close and contact and only a few crashes! We finished off with a game of jail break, no photos but I did get to practise my bandaging :-)
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| Confident controlled riding from these four! |
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| Ellen helping out with some of our younger riders |
Youth Ride
Lower numbers than normal today, Calvin and Toni were at the Lee Valley doing their Young Volunteers course and Hannah was at RSR. We managed 19.5 miles at a good pace, taking in our old favourite Col de Porc.
Next Week: Bedgbury Forest, meet at 10 am in the car park. Option of single track or family trail rides.
Sunday 4th October - Oktoberfest at Cyclopark - 3rd Place in Team Competition
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| Barking and Dagenham, Thanet RC and Kent Velo Kids take team trophies. |
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| Hope just back from U10's Podium! |
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| Albert with the Oktoberfest Trophy that we won at Cyclopark on 4th October. We were third team overall. Hannah, Polly, Toni, Hope, Albert (Calvin and Sophia not in this photo) |
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| Warming up: Sophia, Toni, Polly |
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| U14's Race Start: Polly, Sophia & Toni |
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| U14's podium. Toni, Megan (Woolwich CC), Polly |
Tuesday, 13 October 2015
Saturday 10th October 2015
Go Ride
Another great turnout enjoyed some late Autumn sunshine. After a warm up in small groups led by some of the more experienced riders, and a rider briefing the session was again split into two.
The more experienced riders were with me, continuing with our introduction to some basic mountain biking skills; this week we focussed on "power assisted front wheel lifts" (or as the riders preferred "wheelies") and back wheel lifts. Its fair to say that everyone found the techniques a challenge, but with some expert pointers from Jacob and Gareth (Albert's dad) everyone made progress. The key to all these techniques is practice and after a biscuit break we got the pallets, see-saws, planks and limbo out and built a course for riders to practice their skills and take on new challenges. Even some of the riders who have been coming to Go-Ride for years found a new challenge in track standing on the (balanced) see-saw. There was a clear improvement all round, but remember to keep practising.
The younger riders also joined in at the end of the session and it was exciting to see so many young people riding their bikes and having fun.
Youth Ride
This weekend again saw two groups head out. The riders on the shorter route (Hope, Catriona and Luke) headed out via Leigh to Bore Place and then into Weald village (via the very steep, if short, leg breaker that is the Mur de Weald) before heading back towards Stocks Green whilst the longer route riders (Ellen, Hannah, Calvin, Polly and Toni) took on the additional challenge of Baileys Hill and the ups and downs of St Julians and on to Igtham, before racing down Mote Road and Riding Lane. Despite the ominous clouds the weather held and everyone enjoyed a trouble free and dry ride; how many more we will have we shall see (thoughts inevitably turned to the impending "mudguard season" and overshoes)
Another great turnout enjoyed some late Autumn sunshine. After a warm up in small groups led by some of the more experienced riders, and a rider briefing the session was again split into two.
The more experienced riders were with me, continuing with our introduction to some basic mountain biking skills; this week we focussed on "power assisted front wheel lifts" (or as the riders preferred "wheelies") and back wheel lifts. Its fair to say that everyone found the techniques a challenge, but with some expert pointers from Jacob and Gareth (Albert's dad) everyone made progress. The key to all these techniques is practice and after a biscuit break we got the pallets, see-saws, planks and limbo out and built a course for riders to practice their skills and take on new challenges. Even some of the riders who have been coming to Go-Ride for years found a new challenge in track standing on the (balanced) see-saw. There was a clear improvement all round, but remember to keep practising.
The younger riders also joined in at the end of the session and it was exciting to see so many young people riding their bikes and having fun.
Youth Ride
This weekend again saw two groups head out. The riders on the shorter route (Hope, Catriona and Luke) headed out via Leigh to Bore Place and then into Weald village (via the very steep, if short, leg breaker that is the Mur de Weald) before heading back towards Stocks Green whilst the longer route riders (Ellen, Hannah, Calvin, Polly and Toni) took on the additional challenge of Baileys Hill and the ups and downs of St Julians and on to Igtham, before racing down Mote Road and Riding Lane. Despite the ominous clouds the weather held and everyone enjoyed a trouble free and dry ride; how many more we will have we shall see (thoughts inevitably turned to the impending "mudguard season" and overshoes)
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| Youth Riders |
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| More Youth Riders! |
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