Weekend of 22nd /23rd September

Go Ride at Stocks Green

It felt a bit like turning the clock back this morning, as we had just sixteen riders to work with; what a treat.  Smaller numbers mean we can get stuck into some really good quality

Getting set up for a big endurance block

coaching.  Our initial focus was pedalling, the aim being to banish the pedal-pedal-freewheel approach from all our riders. Lovely smooth pedalling makes riding in a group so much more enjoyable.  To challenge the smooth pedalling, we practised Thread The Needle and Chaingang before moving onto some classic Post Office Queues but in pairs and groups.  All the coaches agreed that the riders' excellent focus during the session resulted in noticeably smoother riding by the end of the skills block.

To finish off we set up a fast and furious endurance block with lots of twists and turns.  Despite a few inevitable unscheduled dismounts everyone finished the session smiling and puffed out.

Great riding today from everyone today at Go Ride and then later at ...................

Herne Hill Velodrome
This was our second session this year at Herne Hill, sadly the weather was not exactly on our side.  Everyone put on a brave face though and got stuck in.  Those rides who'd been before and were confident got started with Pairs on the Blue, whilst coaches Tony and Joseph briefed the other riders.  Once they'd got the basics of starting and stopping on the fence, it was straight onto riding the Five Lines of HH; black, red, blue, ghost and fence.  No one wavered, and before long everyone had made it up to the fence, even our youngest rider Isaac.  Our Go Ride coaching came in useful as everyone quickly picked up Half Lap Changes, which led smoothly onto a block of Trains and Stations; four riders ride off the front of the bunch and work together to rejoin the back of the bunch.  The finale of the session was an Australian Pursuit, Ivo just pipped Christophe to the line!  Well done to everyone who took part, don't forget to check out their website if you fancy trying some more sessions there: https://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/

London League Cyclocross at Leeds Castle
The crazy gang that turned up to race in very challenging conditions were: Betsy, Albert, Ivo, Oliver.  Lucy made her first appearance on the team and Hope raced later (although it was difficult to believe when I saw how clean her bike and shoes were at 5pm).

Unfortunately I wasn't able to be there :-(, If I had been I would have been cheering VERY VERY loudly for these gritty bike riders, who showed true KVK spirit, even managing the odd smile.  I believe Johnny (Lucy's Dad) raced too...........Great Work Everyone!

Lee Valley Olympic Velodrome

Finally, I was up early to join Harry at Club Cluster Track session at Lee Valley Velodrome.  I didn't take any pictures, which means he'll have to go again, but I'm guessing that won't be a problem ;-)

Please talk to me to find out about riding track, as members of Kent Velo Kids you can access the Club Cluster sessions.