Training Programs :: Learn to Ride Cycling Clinics
2012 Details Coming Soon!
To see the information from last year's program/class, please browse through the info on this page.
Learn to Ride Cycling Clinics 2011
A series of two Sunday morning clinics designed with the beginning cyclist in mind
New to group road cycling? Maybe you've always wanted to ride more, but haven't known how to start and how to progress. This series of clinics is ideal for recreational riders who want to gain the skills, fitness and confidence you need to ride in a group! We'll cover all aspects of bike fit, basic maintenance and how to fix a flat tire, group riding strategies, technique and more.
Have fun, meet great people, learn new skills and get in shape in a non-intimidating way! You'll also discover new riding routes in Chicago and surrounding areas. The program is geared (sorry for the pun!) towards preparing you to join the CES Century Cycling training program, but is also a great learning series on its own!! As an Official Training Partner of the CowaLUNGa Bike Tour, this is a great way to make sure you have the basics down so you can make the most of your experience at this year's tour!
Details
Where?
All clinic sessions meet at the Amundsen High School (5110 N. Damen Avenue — see map). FREE parking, restrooms & water are available at all of the clinic sessions!
When?
Sunday mornings 8:00am–10:00am
Clinic #1 - Sunday, June 5
Clinic #2 - Sunday, June 12
What?
Each clinic will start with instruction in specific skills and information, then we'll finish each clinic with a coached group ride to practice your newly acquired skills!
What do I need to bring?
The first one better be pretty obvious — a bike! It can be a road bike, hybrid, mountain bike — it doesn't really matter, as long as it's safe and has gears, brakes and wheels. We also require that you wear a helmet for the group ride section — save your skull! Other helpful items include: water bottle, comfortable clothes (try to avoid loose fitting pants that might catch in your chain), and an open mind!
Clinic #1 - Getting Started: Safety, Rules of the Road, Basic Maintenance & How to deal with a Flat Tire
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Before you even hop on your bike, you need to make sure your bike is safe and ready to go. Learn about what to check before each ride. We'll discuss basic city riding and rules of the road. We'll also go over Group Riding skills and etiquette, because it's always more fun to ride with other people! If you've never had a flat tire on your bike, you've had some really good karma so far, but it's only a matter of time! Changing a flat tire isn't that difficult, but it definitely requires practice, patience and the right tools. Come prepared to get your hands dirty! We'll finish the clinic with a group ride to practice the skills we learned!
Clinic #2 - Riding Skills and Bike Handling, Keeping your Bike Rolling Smoothly
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Learn valuable skills such as how to take a corner safely and smoothly. We'll also show you how to use your gears effectively, so you'll have more energy, be able to ride longer and not be afraid of hills anymore! We'll also discuss basic ongoing maintenance that will improve your riding experience as well as extend the life of your equipment and review previous topics as necessary. We'll finish this last clinic with a group ride to impress the coaches with the skills you've learned!
Experienced Coaches:
Our head cycling coach, Jordan Grauer, has been an avid cyclist for almost 30 years, and was co-owner and operator of Higher Gear bicycles for 13 years (1993-2005). He's been a competitive cyclist since college, and in 1995, qualified for and successfully completed the 1,200 kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris ultramarathon cycling race. He has also led bicycle tours through Canada, France, Scotland, England, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Fees
Yes, you can register for a single clinic on its own. However, we recommend attending both clinics, as each skill tends to build upon others that were covered in previous or succeeding clinics. You'll also receive a discount if you register for both clinics!
| Full Series (includes both clinics) | $50 |
| Individual Clinic | $29 |
Registration is non-transferable and non-refundable. No refunds will be provided in full or in part for any reason, including injury, after a program begins. No prorated fees are provided for late enrollments. You must be at least 18 years of age.
Charity Partners
Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, CowaLUNGa Bike Tour
Contact: Niki Bartosiak NBartosiak@lungchicago.org
www.cowalunga.org
Questions?
Please contact us at info@ChicagoEnduranceSports.com or call 866-237-7861 for more information.