Saturday 25th February - Ride Out - Col de Coldharbour

Michele, Calvin and Claire took charge today as Damian and I were at Newport Velodrome with Toni and Polly.  They went for a tried and tested formula; meet at the park, go for bike ride, come back to play at the pump track.  No need to re-invent the wheel ;-)

Words by Claire, pictures from Michele:

In the end we had three good groups made from 15 young riders and lots of adult helpers. The weather was overcast and a little chilly but everyone was enthusiastic about getting out. The fast group raced off first and had already completed their first loop by the time the middlies made it to sweety time at the top of the hill. They dashed off for another loop as well as going up and down the hill before making their way back to the pump track. Meanwhile, the middle group were relishing the off road riding. The young riders sought out all the muddiest patches of the path and the field although not all the adults followed their example. We finished the loop more quickly than expected so also had time for the path up and back before returning. The youngest group had a difficult start with a mechanical problem for Dylan but they were able to salvage it so that he could continue with the ride. They made good progress and were the first to arrive back to play on the pump track

Saturday 18th February - Puncture Repair

As usual the day we have an indoor venue the outside weather is very clement!  We were low on numbers for the session; quite a few of our members seem to still be on holiday but this meant more one to one tuition on removing wheels and tyres and replacing tubes.  

Hope gives Dan a hand with a tricky tyre

Added to this a few challenges including the "quick tube change" and memory game made for a very relaxed morning and a good chance to catch up and sample the delightful baking brought along by the riders.

Jez also had a go at riding the rollers, we look forward to hearing about your progress Jez.

Fining holes in inner tubes needs good hearing!

Saturday 11th February & Sunday 12th February

Saturday - Winter mornings are hard work, so in an attempt to get ahead I diligently packed the van on Friday evening, including some planks and see saws which are always popular.

It was dry when I woke up but a quick check on the outside thermometer comfirmed it was 1 degree, and with a chilly wind, feeling glacial.  With a heavy heart I cancelled our Go Ride session, sometimes it is just too cold for even the hardiest of riders. All I had to do then was unload the van!  That serves me right for being organised.

Sunday - Club Cluster at Lee Valley Velopark

Polly, Toni and Calvin made it up early on Sunday for the Club Cluster session at Lee Valley, once again I seem to be low on photo evidence.  Working from memory, Calvin gave us all a slight fright by not quite slipping down the banking on his first lap round the track.  To be fair he hasn't ridden the track for a while, but as the King of slow riding he held it together well and we all breathed a huge sigh of relief. The session focussed on omnium events and included riding behind a human derney and a individual TT.

It doesn't seem to matter how early you have to get up or how many times you've been here before the velodrome is still a magical place, must be a little bit of all those Olympians spirits in the air.

To take part in on of these session you need to 12 years old and belong to a Go Ride club e.g KVK.  Sessions get booked up very quickly so you need to book on as soon as they become available.

Details of upcoming dates to follow.

Ellen, Polly, Toni and Hannah all gained track skills and experience at Go Ride Cluster sessions, they are all now racing regularly at Lee Valley

Saturday 4th February - Go Ride Cluster at Cyclopark

Claire headed over to Cyclopark to meet our riders who were taking part in the Go Ride Cluster led by BC Jimmy.  I have definitely seen some photos of small KVKers riding in the Cyclopark mist but I can't for the life of my find them.  Hey Ho, they were definitely there and they definitely had fun!

Saturday 28th January - Ride Out - Col de Coldharbour

And they're off, riding down the lane

While I was on my way to Spain for a week (bike riding of course), the KVK were meeting up at Westwood to tackle the Col de Coldharbour.  As well as taking charge on the day, Michele sent me these great photos.

Franklin, Caspar and Michele, first to the top?

The usual suspects in the barn!

The 'A' Team, after the bumpy field

Snack time after the bumpy field

Homeward bound 1

Homeward bound 2

Back at the park