The first of Spalding Cycling Club’s “Go Ride” sessions attracted 12 participants of all ages and abilities to the Castle Sports Complex on Saturday.
“Go Ride” is British Cycling’s programme designed to help get young people aged 5-16 cycling confidently and safely – and Spalding were pleased to see a positive turnout.
Coaches Stewart Elderkin and Shane Norton provided the youngsters with a number of group and individual tests designed to improve personal confidence and basic bike handling skills, while off the bike activities included walk rounds to demonstrate the layouts of the courses.
One-to-one help was also available for the less confident in the group.
Having completed the lessons, each participant then put what they had learned to the test in a short time.
The aim of this race against the clock is to measure each rider’s progress throughout the season.
Assisting the Spalding coaches were club members Megan Kendall and, making a welcome return to club activities after illness, Ben Norton. Both are highly experienced and capable “Go Riders” and are keen to pass on their knowledge and advice.
Kendall is currently working through the British Cycling Young Achievers programme, which involves helping with coaching and organising events in the region – including a Tour de France themed “Go Ride” event last summer.
Ben Norton has progressed through “Go Ride” to racing and has become very successful.
Constant encouragement from the parents and the other club staff, as well as reasonable weather, enabled all to enjoy and get something out of the session.
The next session will be at 10am on Saturday, April 23. Spalding are looking forward to welcoming more people to “Go Ride” and the sport of cycling in 2016.
Visit spaldingcc.org.uk or call Stewart on 07831 737715 for more information.
