CYCLING SKILLS CLINIC OUTLINE
Notes
These are _slow_ rides, no hammering please
Let the instructors know if you need to leave
Please stay to the right, share the road
Helmets recommended
MTBs not recommended
Aero bars not recommended
Food recommended, did everyone eat breakfast?
No flat tires :-) (bring spares)
1) PACE LINE SKILLS (open road, groups of 8 to 12):
* double pace line (3 laps)
* single pace line (2 laps), rotating(1 lap)
* looking back (1 lap)
Common mistakes:
inconsistent pace (not the same as inconsistent effort)
think/count cadence
close gaps gradually
maintain gap ahead, 1.5 - 3 ft
maintain gap beside, .5 - 1.5 ft
avoid braking too hard (including stops)
avoid sudden movements
Pulling off:
move over gradually
reduce pace only after fully 'pulled off'
reduce pace only enough to drift slowly to the back
stay on next wheel in a rotating paceline
stay close to the riders next to you, keep the group parallel and tight
don't pull off too far, leave just enough room to clear handlebars
be aware of changes with cross-winds
always pull off into the wind
in heavy traffic pulling off leftwards, into the traffic (look first)
Misc:
keep looking up the road, even from the back of the group
point out unusual obstacles (depending on group)
don't allow wheels to 'overlap'
pull duration depends on group size & fatigue
bumping
shoulders is ok, bumping handlebars is not (generally)
use your elbow if necessary
downhill requires additional effort from front rider(s)
(never coast at the front but especially not on descents)
Practice looking back (very important)
and listening (especially when pulling off into traffic)
goal is to keep straight line while looking aside and behind:
* while riding single file
* in a double pace line (put hand on neighbor's shoulder)
2) MANEUVERING SKILLS (parking lot):
* hard braking
in a straight line
using front (& rear) brake
rear wheel lift (listen for scuffing/skidding)
* hopping
both wheels equally
sideways hops (advanced skill)
railroad tracks (very advanced)
(demo) curbs, one wheel at a time
* cornering
lean: inside knee out, bike leaned in
to pedal through lean bike out
see descending article in rec.bicycles FAQ
straighten line before poor traction sections
transitions, apexing and optimal lines (advanced)
adjust for visibility, equipment, weather, ...
know your margin of error
* (demo) track stands
Equipment
tires / tread / inflation
rims
brake adjustment
frame angles, rigidity
headset
3) DESCENDING SKILLS (winding descent):
* (demo) lean, transition, line/apexing, center line
visibility, margin of error
relaxation
cornering vs. breaking
passing other riders
concentrate up the road
hopping, gravel, cars
wet weather
Roger Marquis (www.roble.net/marquis)