K20 and Sofa to Saddle
Bike riding is fun – we can help you get out there
K20 Cycling Club has collaborated with ‘Sofa to Saddle’ in order to share our common aim - to see more people take up cycling.
We want to make deciding to cycle as easy as possible for anyone who is new to cycling or just plain nervous about taking a bike on the roads.
This introductory course is run from Marden, home of our Club, and includes gentle rides in a group of similar ability along carefully selected routes, led by our experienced Ride Leaders. It’s a fun, social opportunity, open to anyone who wants to go further or build their confidence on a bike.
After three consecutive Saturday morning sessions lasting 3 to 4 hours, we expect you will be a more knowledgeable, prepared and competent cyclist, ready to take to the roads with confidence. We also hope you will have begun a journey that sees you cycling more, along with your friends and family, and perhaps even with a desire to join a cycling club. Our own Club welcomes newcomers and has a range of ability group rides.
Aims and Objectives
Aims
To provide new or nervous adult cyclists, with the knowledge and skills necessary to ride safely on the road, either on their own, or in a group of cyclists.
Objectives
At the end of the course you will be able to;
1. Give your bike a pre-ride inspection to ensure it is safe to ride on the road.
2. State what spares, tools and equipment are appropriate to carry with you when cycling.
3. Replace a punctured bike inner tube on your bike wheel.
4. State the benefits of carrying “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) details when cycling.
5. State the appropriate apparel to be worn when road cycling.
6. Demonstrate the correct technique when pulling away on a bike.
7. Demonstrate the correct technique when stopping on a bike.
8. Demonstrate the correct hand signals to other road users when changing direction, stopping etc.
9. Demonstrate the correct hand signals to communicate road hazards, features and directions to other riders in a group.
10. Demonstrate the correct “verbal calls” to communicate road hazards, features and directions to other riders in a group.
11. Demonstrate safe riding technique when riding in a group.
12. Cycle safely on 3 rides, minimum 30-60 minutes, on the roads around Marden, in a group of other cyclists. (May be longer/further, dependent on the ability, progress and wishes of the attendees.)
13. Identify a suitable cycling route commensurate with your ability.
Course FAQs
When is the next course?
11th, 18th and 25th March 2023. 0900 start on each Saturday and lasting about 3 hours, maybe more, but the course leaders will be guided by the ability, progress and wishes of the attendees.
Who can take the course?
Anyone who can ride a bike, although you must be 18 or older.
How much does it cost?
Its free!
Is it risky?
The course is led by experienced cyclists and the activities and routes have been chosen carefully to ensure, as far as possible, a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
We have conducted a thorough risk assessment of all our activities on the course and following that have taken steps to minimise risk.
Do I need my own bike?
Yes. We do not provide or hire bikes.
Will my bike be suitable?
Almost certainly! If your bike is safe to ride and can get you around town then it will be good for our course.
So pretty much any bike will be suitable, although we don’t recommend full suspension mountain bikes or knobbly tyres – these are harder to ride on the roads.
As part of our first session all bikes will be checked and you will be given advice about whether your bike will do very well or perhaps needs some repairs.
Who else will be on the course?
There will be two or three experienced Club members leading the course.
Also, your fellow cyclists. Up to nine others who, like you, want to cycle more and like you are either just beginning or looking for more confidence out on the road.
Will I be able to keep up?
Definitely!
You will be with cyclists like you. The idea is to have fun and enjoy cycling. The routes taken will be suitable for all in the group and no one will be left behind.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes
If you have any questions or wish to know when the next course is, please email us sofatosaddle@k20cyclingclub.org
