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)