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.