When Push Comes to Shove

Almost 2 dozen Blue Sky Velo members showed up at the Bike Handling Skills clinic last Saturday at Roosevelt Park in Longmont.

Hosted by Blue Sky Velo, and conducted by expert coaches from JDS Coaching of Denver, this clinic was designed by JDS to give both racers and recreational riders the opportunity to gain or brush-up on valuable bike handling skills. “While these skills are "basic" they are ones that most cyclists have never practiced nor have had professional instruction: riding straight lines, riding in close proximity, braking, cornering and cornering at speed and proper body position”.*

All of our sub-focus groups were represented, and I think everyone in attendance will tell you that they got what they expected….and then some! They honed their cornering skills, tested out the most effective braking skills, and they practiced balance while riding verrry slooowllly, weaving in and out of cones and reaching down to touch or pick up those cones!

Many of those in attendance got more than they bargained for when they were asked to bump tires with a partner, rub wheels with the rider in front of them, ride while holding on to the rider next to them, and ultimately PUSHING that rider (really!)! One anonymous BSVer said “When I heard that I thought , I’m leaving right now! “…. But didn't! These particular drills were meant to reinforce balance on the bike, give experience riding in close proximity to others and holding their line when bumped by another rider (which enabled them to keep riding and not fall over! – an important skill to have!)

All in all it was a great clinic on a beautiful day! And now those who came to the skills clinic can honestly say that when push comes to shove, they can really hold their line!
-------------------------------------------
*quoted from the JDScoaching website