The new member clinics are now complete for 2011.  I thought it might be useful to provide a quick summary of what we covered at the outdoor clinics in case you wanted to practice the techniques on the road.

• A great way to warm up and remind yourself to “pedal in the round” is the one legged pedaling exercise.
• Spinning versus pushing a big gear – over a long distance you will be less tired if you can maintain high revolutions per minute (80 and up).  Remember to spin as fast as you can without bouncing off your seat.
• Feather the back brake when you want to slow down – never stop suddenly in a pack.
• Communicate road hazards and if you can’t point them out at least call them out.
• Rotations when single file: the lead rider pulls to the left, towards the traffic side, of the pack.
• Rotations when in a double pace line (we called it the double click): the left side leader picks up the speed a very slight amount so that they can move safely in front of the right side leader without slowing the pack down then the next person in the left line moves up and then to the right to replace the old left side leader who was temporarily leading the right side.  Remember to communicate your desire to rotate.
• Remember to never stop pedaling (if you pedal then coast it will slow down your speed causing the person in the back to have a problem.
• Never overlap wheels
• Regroup after tracks or intersections
• If you find a gap has formed between you and the rider in front – slowly close the gap and bring the riders behind you up the line – don’t sprint to close the gap unless you are last person in the line because if you sprint all you have done is transferred the gap problem to the rider behind you.

I hope you all have a great summer and enjoy the cycling.  Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped give the clinics.