Go Ride 13th May & Youth Ride

Today was the first of a couple of Go Ride sessions focusing on Group Riding skills.  But first of all while everyone was arriving we set up the limbo, just to limber up before the session.

Francesca can definitely ride one handed!

Moving on, we split into two groups, Damian took the older riders and I headed onto the infant playground with some of the younger ones.  First off we practised riding close next to one other rider, when this was going well we added in another pair, so four riders set off together with the aim of keeping level with each other inside the channel.  Not an easy thing to do and one that requires good communication as well as bike riding skill.

First attempt at riding level with Lucy, some more work needed here........

Ready to try again.  They were awesome I just didn't get a photo :-(

Jago, Oliver, Rosemary, Eloise and Zara, looking good and in control

Double the number of riders this, just one 'hole'

Once my riders were confident with that we introduced a contact element; one rider placed their hand on the other rider's arm while riding along.  A couple of riders were confident enough to link hands whilst going along.  We needed a break after so much concentration so we headed over to the field to see what the others were up to.  They were riding in threes, one behind the other, and switching riders to share the work.  We decided to come up with our own version, taking it in turns to lead another couple of riders between the goal posts.

Damian's group seemed to have beaten us to the biscuit break, treats brought in by Ivo this week who had recently celebrated his 8th birthday.  After that it was back to work with Thread The Needle.  This is a standard race training drill, designed to give riders practise and confidence at moving through a group of riders.  With Andrew's help we got the riders organised and riding smoothly, before long they were moving from the front to the back with no problems at all, quite amazing when you consider our youngest riders are six years old.
Once we'd packed up and sorted ourselves out we headed out for Youth Ride with Luke, Nico, Eloise and Hope.  I think we had more adults than kids again, just shows you how much fun it is!  This week our route was called Down to Seal (19 miles), unsurprisingly it took us down hill to Seal, and inevitably back up hill again, Christophe shot this footage of us on our to the top.  With Damian and Luke setting a steady pace at the front it was a good workout for the younger riders, especially as we didn't stop for our customary fuel break.  Nice work everyone.

Looking pleased after a very nice ride.

Next Week Saturday 21st May: Racing at Bedgebury.