Youth
We believe in the next generation of cyclists, and we want to help them reach their true potential.
Following on from our Summer of Cycling program in association with British Cycling, we are now launching our youth coaching program.
We will be holding 90 minute training sessions every Saturday at 9am at Steeple Claydon Recreational Ground. These sessions will include learning to slalom cycle, hill climb, limbo and other techniques used in Cyclocross, XC and Mountain biking.
This is a term-time program. Riders must be between 6 - 17 on the first day of the season. Attendees must be able to cycle already. Whilst it is not a requirement, parents and guardians are encouraged to stay and watch from the pavilion. Cycling and good coffee and hydration goes hand in hand, therefore hot drinks and water are available for spectators and riders.
We've been busy over the summer holidays. We've been building wave ramps, seesaws and jump fences. And we've got more to come too. We are working towards having a fully portable pump track with all the challenges that an off-road rider can experience on the trails or on the track.
A season with us is £85. We can accept riders throughout the year, and the price is reduced per term to reflect that. Don't pay now though. Come and try us out and see if you like it. The money goes towards the rental of the grounds and the equipment we buy and build.
We also take part in competition cycling, so when competitions are held on a Saturday, we'll be at those events. If competitions are on Sundays then we hold pre-race training on the Saturday.
Term dates (2023-2024)
| Term | Dates | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 9th September - 21st October | Cyclo-cross |
| Term 2 | 4th November - 16th December | Cyclo-cross |
| Term 3 | 6th January - 10th February | Cross-Country Mountain Bike |
| Term 4 | 24th February - 23rd March | Cross-Country Mountain Bike |
| Term 5 | 20th April - 25th May | Pump track / Skills |
| Term 6 | 8th June - 13th July | Pump track / Skills |
Disciplines
Cyclo-cross
Cyclo-cross (CX) is an undulating terrain of wet and dry, mud and sand. Usually ridden on bicycles that look like road bicycles, with drop bars, the riders are challenging their skills of speed and balance. As the season progresses you can expect to see riders tackle tougher conditions, with rain and wind being embraced by all.
Cross country mountain biking
Cross country mountain biking (XC MTB) is similar to CX with off-road terrain. What we like the most about XC MTB is that the cycles used are similar to the ones that most adults and young riders own.
Pump track
After all the mud, and when the ground dries up, we love to do Pump track riding. The skills involved help to improve riding for the previous two styles of riding. Pump track riding involves a lot of equipment, and we are always adding to our range. This includes rollers, seesaws, ramps and bridges. And then there's the limbo, our most popular piece of equipment. Our young riders love playing limbo to see how low they can be riding through.
How do we get started?
If you would like to take part, want more information or have questions you would like to ask, please feel free to message us on Facebook, Instagram or email us.
Parental consent forms are required to attend. Click the join now button at the top of the page to access this form. Please read the terms & conditions for taking part in this course.
Being a member of British Cycling gives you public liability insurance, a race licence for entering events and membership discounts from major retailers.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ride in all weathers?
Yes we do. Unless it's a biblical downpour, the weather is below 3 celcius or above 30 celcius, we ride. We would recommend bringing some dry clothing to change into afterwards.
Why do you provide free tea & coffee?
As cyclists, we love tea and coffee. Whilst it's too early for cake, we like to encourage parents and guardians to stay and watch, and so we are happy to share the love for some freshly brewed goodness.
Why do you race?
Just like every other sport, practicing is fun, but we need something to practice for. Competition is super fun and the sportsmanship and experience is amazing, with adults standing on the sidelines clanging their cowbells and applauding every rider.
