BTC bike skills clinics are back!   Join Coaches Peter Helling and Roman Fedosiev for Bike Skills 102. 

When:  May 22, 2022, 9 am – 11 am

Where:  Prospect Park Bandshell

Cost:  $45 per clinic

Each clinic is two hours long, with a minimum of four and maximum of 12 athletes.

Bike Skills 102 focuses on group riding technique fundamentals and more advanced bicycle handling skills. Through a set of structured drills and dual-rider exercises, athletes will strengthen the skills they need to be a safe rider and a reliable “wheel” in group riding situations. Drills will be performed on both paved road and grass. Expect to be challenged with a small off-road course that tests each of the skills below. There is no prerequisite to have attended BTC cycle skills 101. However, cyclists should already feel comfortable with gearing, braking, water bottle removal, and clipping in/out.

NOTE:

• This clinic is designed for more experienced riders (beginners should check out the Bike Skills 101 clinics).
• For safety, no TT bikes or carbon wheels are permitted in this clinic.
• This skills clinic will not cover paceline formations or group high speed cornering.

Skills to be covered:

1. Protecting the front wheel – The front wheel is the most vulnerable point on a bike. Whether riding solo or in a group, cyclists need to develop peripheral vision and learn how to establish/assert position among others to ensure that their front wheel is protected. In the park, where should you ride and what should you be thinking about to protect yourself and others? How can you best assert yourself in a safe and predictable manner?
2. Bunny hopping – Getting over potholes, speed bumps, and even curbs (“road furniture”) in emergencies is a critical skill as each of these situations occur in group riding.
3. Advanced balance drills – Cool day that has warmed up and need to remove clothing or reorganize your bottles while part of the group?  Developing better balance means you are a safer rider who can make adjustments when riding with and around others.
4. More slow speed turning – Need to navigate a narrow turn on the GWB,  or slow down in a group to navigate a narrow space?  Develop the skills to balance your bike at low speeds, whether by yourself or near other riders.
5. Riding in proximity to other riders – Want to ride side by side without taking up too much space? Want to feel comfortable with a partner rider next to you? What should you be aware of when riding in groups?