Ride Out and Go-ride Saturday 16th February

Having spent all last weekend on a course it was a real treat to get out on a ride with the KVK this morning.  Five riders and a couple of parents joined me on the now legendary Col de Coldharbour, still very muddy in places but at least there was no snow.  We added a couple of bits, including a section of bridlepath across the Shipbourne Road, this made our total ride 7.4 miles and a riding time of 57 minutes. 

Stopping for a biscuit or two.



Warm enough to show off our club shirts

After lunch thirteen riders met up at Stocks Green for a coached session.  Our goal for the afternoon was to get everyone riding confidently next to other riders and making physical contact without falling off. Not everyone believed this was possible but everyone had been successful by the end of the afternoon.  We finished off with a game of Jail Break, all I can say is there were alot of escaped prisoners. 

Some of the children were able to try out our two new club road bikes.  They all seemed pleased with the speed and handling of these handsome additions to the fleet.  Unfortunately I forgot to take any photos.

Next week's sessions: Go-ride at Stocks Green 1.45pm sign on
Youth Ride - 9.30am contact me

Go-ride at Stocks Green 2nd February 2013

A good turnout for our coached session on handling skills today.  Before the session riders had a chance to try balancing on a partner and discovered it is not as easy as it sounds.  After a warm up of chase the snake we split into small groups and worked on riding in a straight line and avoiding obstacles.  Our older riders got to try some of the session none handed.  Well done to Victoria who managed to ride with her hands on her helmet.  We finished off with sumo games and saw some great riding from everyone.

Ellen and Hope were the only riders who managed to ride-stop-lean, Polly and Toni finally managed a "lean" at the end of the session

No sessions next weekend.
Next sessions: Saturday 16th February
Ride-out: meet Westwood 9.30am
Go-ride: Stocks Green 1.45pm - 3pm

Youth Ride InThe Sunshine

Six enthusiastic young riders tackled our regular 9.5 mile route from Hildenborough to Riverhead and back again.  Averaging 11.7mph there was no chance of getting chilly!  The ride is going to get gradually longer and more undulating to help riders prepare for the Kent Velo Girls Sportive in April.
Details here: http://www.kentvelogirls.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=15

Well done to everyone for a great ride and to Marc, Tom and Jack who joined us for the first time. Tom is sporting one of the new KVK jerseys and Jack is pleased with his new road bike.

Mud and Sludge on Saturday's ride out

A few new faces joined us for our ride out on Saturday, taking the total number of riders to 18. The Col de Coldharbour is definitely getting more manageable for all our riders which must mean we are getting fitter!

The muddy section at the top of the lane proved quite a challenge but we didn't lose any shoes so all those games of sardines are obviously paying off.  The sheep field was impassable so we practised hill climbing from the gate back  up the steep track before retracing our route to Westwood.  Great riding from everyone, Hope and Ashley did particularly well. Lots of smiles on a fabulous sunny morning, hope you have already cleaned your bikes ready for next week.

Next week Saturday 2nd February:

Go-ride at Stocks Green - sign on 1.45pm, finish 3pm
Youth ride - 9.30am - road bikes only  - contact me for details.

Signed Shirt Arrives for KVK

Although the warm and sunny days of August are long forgotten now, I got a reminder of our great summer one day last week when I was at Cyclopark.  The shirt signed by members of the Paralympic Cycling team that we won for our Go-ride Games event had arrived!

Signed by Shaun McKeown, Neil Fachie, Helen Scott, Mark Colbourne, Jody Cundy, Crystal Lane, Jon Butterworth, Rachel Morris & Anthony Kappes
The framed shirt is going to be mounted in the cafe at Cyclopark until our clubhouse is built!!

Saturday 12th January - Back on the saddle

Thirteen hardy riders braved the icy temperatures for our first coached session of the year. The session focussed on stopping and pace, riders had plenty of opportunities to practise stopping and starting without putting their feet down.  We also practised continuous riding on a figure of eight circuit where the objective was to negotiate other riders without stopping,just adjusting speed.  This was a challenging activity requiring both skill and bravery but the KVK made it look simple.  Great riding from everybody in particular Sam and Max who worked hard to improve their skills.  We finished off with some sumo games before rushing off to warm up.

We have two young volunteers this term, Jacob, who has recently completed a course with British Cycling and Victoria who is helping out as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award, it is great to have them on board, I'm sure they will enjoy working with us.

Next coached session: Saturday 19th January 1.45pm
Youth ride - 9.30am contact me

Happy New Year Kent Velo Kids

Only two days to go until we start KVK 2013.  I am still working on the grand plan of dates but here's a flavour of what's in store:


Go-ride coaching sessions at Stocks Green
The bread and butter of the club, this is where our young riders learn new skills and practise existing ones to make them top class bike handlers.  Skills and games with an element of competition.

Go ride racing sessions at Stocks Green
This year we will be running regular sessions focussed on racing and competition, some of these will be open to riders from outside the club.  No special equipment is required to take part. Adult helpers always welcome.

Ride-outs
These are off site rides which are suitable for riders who are developing fitness and have good skills.  They range from 5 - 10 miles and may include some riding on quiet roads.  Adult riders are always welcome.

Youth rides
These are off site rides suitable for road bikes only.  They range from 10 - 20 miles and involve riding on a variety of roads. Adult riders are always welcome.

Events at Cyclopark
John Leitch continues his Power Pack coaching at Cyclopark in 2013.  Our coaches regularly help out and I will keep you informed of sessions and races coming up there.

DATES FOR JANUARY

Saturday 12th January

Go-ride at Stocks Green. 1.45pm sign on, ends 3pm

 

Saturday 19th January

Youth ride - meet 9.30am at Stocks Green

Go-ride at Stocks Green. 1.45pm sign on, ends 3pm

 

Saturday 26th January

Ride out - Ride out - meet 9.30am Westwood

John Leitch's Power Pack at Cyclopark 1- 3pm