britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride Summer 2015
GO-RIDE MAGAZINE
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CYCLISTS
GO-RIDE RACING FOR GIRLS To support our #WeRide Strategy and promote women’s cycling, we are encouraging clubs to hold girls-only races as part of their series. Hosting a Go-Ride Racing event is really easy; all you need is a Level 2 coach and some enthusiastic volunteers. We can support you by supplying resources, equipment and prizes - and promoting all of the events on the British Cycling Events calendar. Clubs committing to a race series can get these extra resources, but including a girls-only race in your series qualifies you for even more! See the bolt-ons in blue on the table below. If you are a Go-Ride Club and would like to host your own events, get in touch with the team at go-ride@britishcycling.org.uk or call 0161 274 2070
GO-RIDE RACING RESOURCES (GIRLS-ONLY EVENT EXTRAS IN BLUE) 2 RACE SERIES
4 RACE SERIES
6 RACE SERIES
50x certificates
100x certificates
100x certificates
2x pairs of cycling gloves
4x pairs of cycling gloves
12x pairs of cycling gloves
6x gold, silver and bronze medals
12x gold, silver and bronze medals
18x gold, silver and bronze medals
Extra 20x certificates Extra set of medals Extra 20x wristbands
50x red wristbands
50x red wristbands
Extra 20x certificates Extra set of medals Extra 20x wristbands
50x white wristbands 3x gold, silver and bronze trophies Extra 20x certificates Extra set of medals Extra 20x wristbands Extra set of trophies
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EDITORIAL
“THE GO-RIDE PROGRAMME IS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS A WAY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET INTO THE SPORT ...” Our Go-Ride Conferences earlier this year focused on going back to basics; concentrating on getting the simple things right and building really sturdy foundations from which we can deliver to the growing number of adults and young people wanting to get involved in cycling. With over 300 clubs across the country - and one in every county in England - the Go-Ride programme is firmly established as a way for young people to get into the sport and we know that a huge amount of great work is being done at this local level. In this edition of the magazine we’re highlighting the growth in women’s participation in cycling and British Cycling’s #WeRide Strategy, which aims to get one million more women and girls on bikes by 2020.
Learn more about the important role Go-Ride has to play and how the programme will be getting involved with some big, national events taking place in June. In amongst the regular features, you’ll find real examples of how to promote club development through funding, recruiting volunteers and starting a coaching journey in cycling. And by accessing all of the support available, you can guarantee that your club will be able to build on its foundations during what is sure to be a fantastic summer of cycling ahead. We’re looking forward to hearing about all of your events and activities over the next few months, so do make sure you share news and images with the team. Our thanks go to everyone involved in keeping the network of Go-Ride Clubs and Racing events running - every single week. John Mills Coaching, Education and Development Director British Cycling
If you have any views, comments or ideas for content for the Go-Ride magazine, we want to hear from you! Send your ideas to: go-ride@britishcycling.org.uk and you might see them in a future issue.
GO-RIDE MAGAZINE / 3
REGULAR
GO-RIDE
NEWS A Go-Ride Club in every county Climb on Bikes Cycling Club has become the first ever Go-Ride Club in Herefordshire, meaning there are now over 300 clubs registered on the Go-Ride programme - including at least one club in every county in England. Nick Yarworth, Regional Development Manager for the West Midlands, said: “It’s great to complete the national picture and we look forward to developing a strong relationship with Climb on Bikes.”
Go-Ride Volunteer awarded Torch Trophy Trust Award In the Spring issue, we congratulated Mandy Parker of East Bradford Cycling Club who had been awarded a Torch Trophy Trust Award for her outstanding contribution to grassroots sport in her local community. Here she is accepting the award from HRH The Countess of Wessex.
World Cycling Centre team who, after hearing about the Go-Ride Young Volunteers programme, asked whether a keen coach would be interested in spending the weekend supporting the team through their activities. Andrew Pink stepped up to take on the role of team support and his commitment was evident from the start, travelling over 220 miles to take part. Over the weekend Andrew played a lead role, focusing on video analysis of riders and formulating feedback to help the riders progress, which helped to develop his knowledge of coaching at a top level. Andrew said: “The weekend was awesome, it was great to find out more about a different discipline and get involved with a top level coach and athletes” We are continuing to work with the UCI to provide similar opportunities of this kind, so watch this space!
Young Coach supports World Cycling Team at the BMX National Series The two-day event featured 940 entries from across Europe, including the UCI
Go-Ride goes international In partnership with British Cycling, UK Sport’s IDEALS project offers a unique opportunity for sports development
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professionals to take part in an exchange of ideas, culture and learning, based in Namibia or Mozambique. As part of their Sport Development and Sport Coaching Programme, Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU) will be sending seven students over to Namibia in June. These students have already completed their Level 1 Award in Coaching Cycling under the guidance of Go-Ride Coach, Joe Malik, who will also be accompanying the students to Namibia to help develop the cycling programmes in Africa. Young Volunteer wins Great British Make Off with glove design Neve, a Young Volunteer from North Devon Wheelers, was one of the winners of the Great British Make Off 2014. The competition challenged students aged 11-14 from across the UK to create design concepts with the potential to transform cycling. Neve won the award with her glove design, featuring an LED Velcro strip which allows cyclists to be seen and indicate clearly in the dark.
Thank you to this year’s National Youth Representatives We recently completed the recruitment process for the third National Youth Forum, but would like to say a big thank you to our 2014-15 cohort. The group met five times over the last year, culminating at the annual Go-Ride Conferences where they played a key role in the delivery of each local event. In addition to their leading roles at these conferences, the group were at The Cycle Show to support our Membership team and raise awareness of volunteering. Away from events, they have contributed to the development of youth racing and implemented what they have learned from training sessions on public speaking, promotion of anti-doping and self-management. For more about the National Youth Forum, visit: britishcycling.org.uk/NYF Young Volunteers take the lead on fundraiser for inspirational coach Five young people, who attended Hillingdon Slipstreamers as both riders and young volunteers, have formed a team to ride a 24 hour mountain bike Enduro in Plymouth on 25 and 26 July. They are riding in honour of Brian Wright, a former coach at the club who sadly passed away after suffering a heart attack. Brian, as well as being a cycling coach, was also their mentor and inspiration to take the first steps onto the Young Volunteer pathway.
It is fantastic to hear that this group of young people are riding in memory of their first coach, while raising money for The British Heart Foundation. The GoRide team would like to wish them the best of luck when taking on this cycling challenge. To donate, visit: justgiving.com/hsscoaches-bhf Go-Ride at Sky Ride 2015 Sky Ride Big Bike events have returned to towns and cities across the country, providing a great day out for the whole family and a chance to ride on traffic-free streets. This year there is going to be a real festival atmosphere, with even more to do both on and off the bike. Central to the action, the Go-Ride team will have their usual spot in the Tricks & Tunes area where young riders can test their skills on our challenging circuits, including the popular ramps and track section. There will also be some fantastic prizes on offer, with all riders being entered into the draw. For more information see goskyride.com We look forwarding to seeing you there!
Members mean prizes Clubs who attended our Go-Ride Conferences had the chance to win prizes to help develop their Go-Ride sessions, by promoting the benefits of British Cycling membership and seeing which could gain the most new registrations. Prizes on offer included mountain bikes, helmets, coaching equipment, a coaching bursary and a signed Great Britain Cycling Team jersey. Congratulations to the winning clubs; Tiverton BMX, Skipton CC, Holmfirth CC, Welland Valley, Preston Park Youth CC and North Cotswold CC. Don’t forget that club members are eligible for their first year’s British Cycling membership free. Visit britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride for further information.
Get in touch if you have any news you’d like to share with us: go-ride@britishcycling.org.uk
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FEATURE
INVESTING IN CLUBS
M
any Go-Ride Clubs have already been successful in securing extra funding to support their club activities, with nearly £300,000 being awarded over the last 12 months. Gaining funding doesn’t have to be over-complicated or too time-consuming and your dedicated Regional Development Manager can assist in identifying options and completing the application. Use this handy guide to help your funding application stand out and gain the best possible chance of being successful.
WHY NOT APPLY FOR CLUB FUNDING TODAY?
Contact
your Regional Development Manager or British Cycling HQ for help. They have a good knowledge about local funding pots available and experience of what makes a good funding bid.
Be specific
about what it is you want funding for and think about how the funding will improve your club. You also need to consider how your project or activities will contribute to the aims of the funding provider.
Tell a story:
Include an anecdote about how your project aims to really help people.
Organise
your club’s paperwork. Most funders require your club to have a bank account, child protection policy and an open and non-discriminatory club constitution.
Coordinate
your funding bid and make sure you have the support of the key volunteers involved in your club, particularly if you are including their contact details on the application form.
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Plan:
Think carefully about the timescales involved in your bid, especially if your project involves time-limited aspects such as volunteers accessing training. Make sure you plan this into the timescales of your project.
Check:
Make sure your spelling, grammar and calculations are consistent throughout the funding bid. When referring to the funding provider, be careful to use their correct and full name throughout your bid.
Keep copies
of your funding bid once it has been submitted, especially if it is an online application. This will allow you to refer back to it if you are contacted by the funding provider for additional information. We are in the process of developing a series of funding workshops for GoRide Volunteers, which we are hoping to roll out later this year. Keep an eye on the British Cycling website for further details: britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride
REGULAR
MANY HANDS ...
PLATINUM BLOG
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ritish Cycling’s Young Leaders programme helps existing Gold Volunteers to further their skills and take their volunteering to the next level by leading on activities, to achieve their Platinum Award. In this edition, we hear from Young Leader, Simon, about his experiences getting involved with Ride London 2014 as a marshal, due to volunteering at his local club, Twickenham CC.
To continue our support of the thousands of volunteers involved in Go-Ride Clubs, we have launched new volunteer pages on the British Cycling website.
Ride London 2014 marshal by Simon Edgington
With specific content for Go-Ride Club contacts, volunteer coaches, club welfare officers and volunteer coordinators, the pages provide insight into which training each role requires, the additional support available for these roles and other useful resources. There is also help for anyone new to volunteering who wants to take the first step on the volunteer pathway. Visit: britishcycling.org.uk/go-ridevolunteer
If your Go-Ride Club is one of the 70% of sports clubs in the UK who say they need additional helpers (according to research by Join In), here are our five top tips to assist you in recruiting more volunteers: You only have one chance to make a good first impression: Prioritise the role of the volunteer coordinator and make sure a potential volunteer’s initial contact with the club is positive. If you don’t ask, the answer is already no: Be direct in your approach and ask parents and relatives of young riders if they have any particular skills and could volunteer. Always say yes to offers of help: If someone offers to volunteer and you say no, they may never offer again. Find them something to do even if it’s only a small contribution.
Make it easy for people to volunteer: Is it clear what your club needs help with? Do people know who to speak to if they want to volunteer? Does your club’s website have a dedicated volunteering section? Make your volunteers feel welcome: Has your new volunteer been introduced to the other people involved in running your club? Your club may have a rider’s welcome pack, but do you have a volunteer welcome pack too? Could you host an introduction evening aimed at recruiting and inducting new volunteers?
O
n 10 August 2014 I attended a once in a lifetime opportunity to stand in the middle of a speeding peloton of professional riders as a yellow flag marshal. Waving my yellow triangle as the riders zoomed past was truly amazing. As the group came closer and closer the officials told me their distance to the lead car. The roar of the helicopter was so loud it made it difficult to hear what was going on around me, then I was on autopilot as, using my training, I started to warn the lead vehicles of the obstacle ahead, followed by the riders and then their team cars, and then it was finished. My ten seconds of fame, preventing a crash. I saw all of the biggest cycling teams, both national and international, including Team Sky’s Ian Stannard and Sir Bradley Wiggins. What a day!
To view all the latest blog posts from Young Leaders, please visit bcyoungvolunteers.wordpress.com
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FEATURE
A FODEN FAMILY AFFAIR
Over the years, there are a number of family names that have been really prominent in cycling. Whether these are different generations of riders or enthusiasts heavily involved in the running of the sport; it could be said that cycling is in their DNA.
Pictured at top is Aimee Foden in her National Youth Forum t-shirt, with brother, Alex, below, accepting an award from Tre Whyte, who rides BMX for the Great Britain Cycling Team. To right is Richard and Aimee delivering a Go-Ride session in Chester.
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A
s part of the Go-Ride programme, we work hard to develop opportunities allowing even more people to get involved with cycling, whether that’s riding or volunteering. Many Go-Ride Clubs are made up of several members of the same family, with mums and dads volunteering as coaches, welfare officers, club contacts and volunteer coordinators while their children enjoy coaching and racing. We spoke to the Foden family, who are all members of Chester Go-Ride Cycling Club, about their journey.
Chester Go-Ride Cycling Club is Clubmark accredited and has a healthy membership of over 60 junior riders, hosting weekly Go-Ride Coaching sessions as well as regular Go-Ride Racing events. In addition to helping out at the club’s regular sessions and race days, the Foden family volunteers at local events to promote the development of cycling in and around Chester. We want to say a big thank you to the Fodens for the time they have put into the Go-Ride programme – and all of our volunteers who give up their evenings and weekends to give young people the best possible start in cycling.
PROFILE
REPRESENTING THE VIEWS OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Wishing to develop themselves further, the family attended their local Go-Ride Conference for some hints, tips and guidance in order to help shape Chester Go-Ride Club.
In 2013, Aimee was one of only 12 volunteers in England selected to be part of the inaugural National Youth Forum – a team of young volunteers who come together to represent the views of young people and develop volunteering at British Cycling.
GO-RIDE CLUB
The Go-Ride Conferences take place across the country in February and March, providing British Cycling members with access to focused workshops delivered by the Go-Ride team and networking opportunities. Workshops are available for coaches, club volunteers, welfare officers and current and young volunteers.
The National Youth Forum provides committed young volunteers with additional training, which they can take back and embed in both their own and local clubs. Recruitment opens every March for the next cohort of National Youth Forum representatives, who will come together with British Cycling to shape the future of the sport.
VOLUNTEER PATHWAY
EXPANDING SKILLS AND CLUB MANAGEMENT
SUPPORTING FURTHER ROLES IN CYCLING
The CMT is a set of online tools to help clubs manage their day-to-day communications, membership and activities. Accessed through your British Cycling dashboard, the tool is packed with helpful features and is free of charge for affiliated clubs. For further information, visit britishcycling.org.uk/clubs
British Cycling membership is a cost-effective way to gain appropriate insurance cover for qualified Ride Leaders. Membership also provides access to excellent tips and advice to support development along the pathway. Members of Go-Ride Clubs get free or discounted British Cycling membership in their first year. Visit britishcycling.org.uk/ membership for more information.
TRAINING AND CLUB SUPPORT
In 2010, the Foden family took their first steps into cycling by joining Chester Go-Ride Cycling Club. With dad, Richard’s, previous interest in cycling, he saw this as a good opportunity to get the whole family involved with a young person-focused club.
With a keen interest in supporting activities within the club, Aimee was the first to get involved with the Cycling Award for Young Volunteers (CAYV) pathway in 2010, followed by younger brother Alex and sister Isobel in 2012. The CAYV is British Cycling’s young volunteer programme, set up to support clubs to recruit, retain and recognise young people in cycling. With a pathway of opportunities across coaching, officiating and club management, young people can get involved in all aspects of club delivery.
After becoming interested in the running of a club and having a keen interest in IT, Alex started to look into how Chester Go-Ride could use the Club Management Tool (CMT) and was soon using elements of the CMT on the club’s behalf.
When Richard completed his Ride Leader qualification, he renewed his Silver British Cycling membership which provides the professional indemnity insurance required to become a fully qualified Assistant Ride Leader.
For any information relating to volunteering at a Go-Ride Club, please visit britishcycling.org.uk/go-ridevolunteer
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FEATURE
In March 2013, British Cycling launched an ambition to get one million more women and girls on bikes by 2020. Two years on, we have some great news about our #WeRide strategy. British Cycling’s aims for 2015 include:
In the past two years British Cycling has directly influenced over
254,000
more women to cycle
one 185,000 in four Now, only
Since March 2014
more women have started cycling regularly
women stop cycling
British Cycling has seen a
In 2013, 12% of trained commissiares were female – this has
22%
increase in female coaches trained since March 2014
25%
of Level 1 and Level 2 Coaches
currently being trained by British Cycling are female Ride membership accounts for
51% of current female members
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Over
4,000
women hold a British Cycling race licence
regularly once they have started, compared to one in three in 2013
increased to 15% to date
In the past two years British Cycling’s female membership has increased
from 9,500 to 16,000
Female members make up
British Cycling’s 16% ofoverall membership
The number of female race licence holders has risen by
53%
over the last two years
Continue to expand our national presence, through partnerships with organisations, sponsors and partners. Raise the profile of women’s cycling, highlighting opportunities for women to get involved in all aspects of our sport. Leverage Sport England’s national women’s participation campaign, This Girl Can, and work with Women in Sport to gain insight into cycling habits and perceptions of British Cycling membership.
So where does the Go-Ride programme fit in? The Go-Ride programme will continue to provide opportunities for women and girls to get involved in the sport by: Supporting schools and Go-Ride Clubs across the country to increase the number of young people that get involved in cycling. Providing ongoing rider development sessions for women and girls. Shining a spotlight on racing for girls by encouraging Go-Ride Clubs to deliver girls-only racing at their club. Promoting opportunities during #WeRide week. Having a visible presence at the 2015 Aviva Women’s Tour.
Aviva Women’s Tour For the second year, Britain’s only international level stage race for women returns and will take place over five days from 17 - 21 June. Once again, the Go-Ride Team will be supporting the women’s tour with some exciting club and school racing events.
#WeRide Week: 22 - 29 June Adding to the buzz around women’s cycling during the women’s tour, British Cycling are spending the following week celebrating and promoting all of the opportunities on offer to women and girls to get involved in our great sport.
The Go-Ride action kicks off on Friday 19 June with girls from Prince William High School taking part in a Go-Ride event, just ahead of the stage start in Oundle. It’s a busy day for the Go-Ride team, as there will also be school competition on the finish line in Kettering later in the day.
The #WeRide week will feature promotion of rider development sessions, girlsonly Go-Ride Racing events and involvement with the young volunteer programme. This is the perfect time to support #WeRide, so if you are planning any women’s tour-themed or girls-only events during the summer we would love to hear about them.
The weekend stages see Go-Ride Clubs from the Eastern and Central region coming together to compete on the finish straights at Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead, with commentary by the Tour’s very own Joe Fisher, which will only add to the excitement. To finish the day, the winning teams will be presented with their medals on the main podium.
For more information and to tell us what’s happening at your club so we can help to promote events, please contact Jenny Nicholson on 0161 274 2019 or jennynicholson@britishcycling.org.uk
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FEATURE
THAT’S A WRAP! Thanks to everyone who attended the 2015 Go-Ride Conferences: we hope you enjoyed them as much as we did! These events are a great opportunity for us to directly support all of our Go-Ride Volunteers and bring everyone together to celebrate the difference you are making to our sport.
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS DISCUSSED OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT
“A GREAT EVENT TO MEET OTHER VOLUNTEERS, LEARN FROM THEM AND TAKE AWAY LOTS OF IDEAS!”
“THE WORKSHOPS WERE GREAT, VERY INFORMATIVE AND ALLOWED US TO SHARE AND DISCUSS OUR OPINIONS ON VARIOUS COACHING IDEAS.”
“REALLY ENJOYABLE DAY! I LEARNED A LOT FROM THE PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS AND FEEL INSPIRED TO GO BACK AND PUT IT IN TO PRACTICE.”
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COACHING
LEVEL ONE: FIRST STEPS The foundation coach award is the starting point for your coaching journey in cycling. If you are new to coaching cycling, have limited coaching knowledge or want to get more involved in your club, then this is the course for you.
“Since the course I have been coaching regularly at my club. I have found it really interesting to see coaching from another side – having been on the receiving end for many years.” Sophie, Young Volunteer Gosforth RC
T
he certificate enables coaches to independently prepare for, deliver and review pre-prepared coaching sessions to groups of adults or children in a variety of environments, including playing fields, tennis courts and car parks. The re-designed Level 1 Award is the first of a new style of delivery being implemented by British Cycling, called ‘blended learning’ – a combination of online learning and traditional face-toface delivery methods. The online component is delivered through British Cycling’s virtual learning environment, British Cycling Learning, and covers everything from coaching and reflection, to equipment and safe practice. Each module contains interactive and animated content, including videos and questions to engage learners. Being online, learners can progress through the course at their own pace and fit learning in around other commitments, whilst also allowing them to revisit any information that they may be unsure about. The online learning is followed by two tutor-led, face-to-face development and assessment days, which provide
learners with the opportunity to put the knowledge they have developed into practice, discuss with their peers and get feedback on their coaching in an informal and supportive environment. Neil Brimer, a Coach at Caterrick Garrison Go-Ride Club, who recently received a bursary from the Go-Ride team to attend the new Level 1 course said: “Being new to coaching cycling, the Level 1 course materials and online learning were great in preparing me for the practical session. Whilst on the day the group and tutor support was excellent, working with other coaches really broadened my understanding of how other clubs implement good practice and gave me lots of ideas to take away.” If you are interested in attending a Level 1 course, you can find dates and availability on the coaching page of the British Cycling website: britishcycling.org.uk/coaching From this page, you can also find details of the bursaries available on the ‘Funding’ tab.
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FEATURE
British Cycling is committed to increasing access to cycling for all and the recently launched Disability Cycling Hub in York aims to build on the lasting legacy of last summer’s Tour de France Grand Depart.
Featured and below are images from the para-cycling session at the Disability Cycling Hub in York, with a further image at the bottom from the Tameside Cycle Circuit in Manchester.
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B
ased at the one kilometre closed road circuit at the York Sport Village, British Cycling qualified coaches, in partnership with York Sport and Go-Ride Club Clifton CC, deliver monthly para-cycling sessions. York Sport also deliver regular accessible recreational cycling opportunities on the site for riders and their families. The para-cycling sessions at York Sport Village were launched in April and the first event was a huge success, showcasing how riders can have fun, learn new skills and really push themselves and each other to new levels. The April session saw groups of handcyclists and tandem bike users performing group riding techniques and developing their speed and power through a series of efforts, focusing on accelerating out of corners. The sessions are ideal for new and experienced riders and there is a wealth of equipment on site, including a racing trike, two recumbent bikes, a handcycle and two tandems. It is hoped that having access to such a facility will further reduce barriers to participation
for those riders looking to get involved. Para-cycling in York has a bright future, with dates already confirmed for the remainder of 2015. This adds to the successful Disability Hubs already established in Manchester, Bath and Cyclopark in Kent. Peter Root, Regional Development Manager for Yorkshire commented, “Having a purpose built closed road circuit and velodrome in York is a fantastic legacy from the Tour de France and the launch of this Disability Cycling Hub is a great example of the growing number of opportunities for people with disabilities to develop their skills, fitness and confidence with the support of the Go-Ride programme.”
For further information about the Disability Hubs please visit britishcycling.org.uk/disabilityhubs or contact the Go-Ride team on 0161 274 2070
FEATURE
The Inter Spinal Unit Games is an annual multi-sport event, organised by Wheelpower, to promote an active and healthy lifestyle for people that have experienced a spinal injury. This year the Games were held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury, from 16–19 April.
RACING TO REHABILITATION P
articipants took part in 17 sports from Hand Cycling UK to showcase across four days of coaching and how cycling can be a huge benefit competition, with the Games also for people with spinal injuries. featuring a mix of ‘have-a-go’ sessions, Andrew said “My role at the event allowing participants to experience was to assist the lead coaches and a wide range of sports, including take a lead during different parts of handcycling. The Games also provide the day. I was also responsible for participants with a chance showcasing British Cycling’s to discover new talents; Disability Hub project to “I was able to in 2006, Matt Skelhorn all of the participants so share my passion discovered his talent for they had an awareness for cycling with target shooting before these participants of the opportunities on going on to win Gold at the and coaches ...” offer through the Beijing Paralympic Games. Go-Ride programme. Speaking at last year’s event, “There are four sites around the Wheelpower Sport Development Officer country, each with its own adapted and Event Organiser, Stuart Jeeves, equipment that people can access said “The Inter Spinal Unit Games are a and get dedicated coaching once a great opportunity for people with a spinal month. Hopefully, I was able to share cord injury to try sports. Sport is a key my passion for cycling with these part of rehabilitation; it also gives great participants and coaches will see social interaction and a confidence boost some new riders at their sessions in to people after a spinal cord injury.” Manchester, York, Cyclopark or Bath.” Supporting this year’s event was British Cycling Level 2 Coach and Go-Ride Club volunteer Andrew For more information on the Inter Spinal Pink. Andrew worked alongside Unit Games, visit wheelpower.org.uk other experienced Level 2 coaches
Hand cycling was just one of the sports on offer at the Inter Spinal Unit Games, with coaching and competition available
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INTERVIEW
CLUB WELFARE OFFICER Q&A L
iz Walton is a Club Welfare Officer at her Go-Ride Club in Newcastle. She won the 2015 North East Volunteer of the Year Award at the Go-Ride Conference in Durham and took a few minutes to tell us all about her role.
How did you first get involved in volunteering as a club welfare officer? My husband and I have been involved in cycling in the North East for about 25 years; organising road races and time trials. When a new children’s club called Hetton Hawks was set up nearby, we went along to help out and in 2006 I was asked if I would be the club welfare officer. We then started to help out with Newcastle Phoenix in 2011 and with my previous experience as a welfare officer, was asked to volunteer in this role again. What does your volunteer role entail? While I am not needed throughout the session, I am always there in case anything arises. The children know who I am and I am very approachable. I like to make sure that the children have the correct kit on in winter so am constantly telling them to wear gloves and skin tights. In the summer, I make sure they have a water bottle with them. Welfare is a role that is really important in a children’s club but most of the time you aren’t needed – which means you’re doing a good job.
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Last year I helped out with the Sainsbury’s School Games at Manchester Velodrome, and I will be helping out again this year as one of the safeguarding team. What do you particularly enjoy about being a club welfare officer? It’s an important role but not one that needs to be overpowering. I help out on a weekly basis with the club and have a great time: the kids are friendly and I feel as if I am helping in a small way. I organise Christmas activities and help with the club’s annual presentation evening too. What skills do you feel are particularly important in order to be a club welfare officer? I think you need to be friendly, approachable, level headed and confident enough to handle sensitive situations. You should be able to speak out if you are not happy with something, and although knowledge of the sport is an advantage, it’s not essential to the role. What training and support have you had in your role that has been particularly helpful? When I first started, I attended a Sports Coach UK workshop on welfare and read a lot of articles on the NSPCC website. I am fortunate to work with children so I update my safeguarding training every year at work.
“I don’t do what I do for recognition; I do it for the love of the sport ...”
For the last two years I have attended the Go-Ride Conferences, which have a workshop aimed at club welfare officers. These are really interesting and give you the chance to meet other welfare officers in the region and share ideas. Where do you go for support if you have a query? If I ever have a query I contact Simon Thornton who is Compliance Manager at British Cycling. He is never too busy to chat and help with something that I may not have come across before. You recently won the North East region Volunteer of the Year award at the Go-Ride Conference in Durham, how did it feel? I felt very humbled to have been nominated by my club. I don’t do what I do for recognition; I do it for the love of the sport. Cycling is an ideal sport that anyone can do, so to play a part in helping a child enjoy themselves whilst they keep themselves fit and healthy is recognition enough. But I must admit, it is always nice for someone to appreciate you.
Opposite is a pull-out poster you can fill in and display at your club, so everyone knows who to contact if they need someone to talk to.
IS SOMETHING WORRYING YOU? DO YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? SPEAK TO YOUR CLUB WELFARE OFFICER
Name: Tel: Email: Alternatively, you can contact British Cycling on 0161 274 2082 or contact Child Line on 0800 1111 britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride
PHOTO OF CLUB WELFARE OFFICER
REGULAR
TOP TIPS
BALANCE, NERVE AND TACTICS IN BMX
B
MX riders possess outstanding bike control, fast reactions and nerves of steel enabling them to navigate technical courses that test their skills to the limit. Go-Ride Coach, Dylan Clayton, explains his top tips for progressing through this exciting cycling discipline.
Kit list When riding on a BMX track, it is vital to have the correct clothing. A long-sleeved top, long trousers and full fingered gloves are recommended so that riders have no skin exposed. A full face helmet is also needed to protect your face. As riders progress and develop their confidence to try new skills, further protective equipment like elbow and knee pads will be useful. The majority of Go-Ride Clubs have the necessary equipment - including bikes and helmets - but we’d recommend checking with the club before your first session just to make sure.
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Getting to grips Go-Ride sessions are perfect for developing skills under the guidance of expert coaches. Dylan tells us that the first thing he coaches in his sessions is getting riders standing up out of the saddle and balancing on their pedals, making sure their arms are strong and facing forward to develop balance on the bike. The biggest difference between riding a BMX to other types of bike is the jumps on a BMX track. Dylan highlights the importance of having level pedals when going over a jump for safety reasons, and an early emphasis on developing balance ensures that riders have the correct technique for riding on a BMX track. Even if you have never tried BMX before, there is nothing stopping you from giving it a go. Skills already developed in other cycling disciplines can be transferred and will benefit riders in getting to grips with a new challenge. For example, techniques described in our previous feature on mountain biking are all executed on a BMX track as well. Being
able to balance and do a track stand will come in handy on the start ramp, then bunny hops and manuals will also be important when jumping and riding rhythm sections of a BMX track. Exploring all of these different manoeuvres will lead to fun and interesting sessions that will help riders become skilful. Dylan’s top tips Have fun - Enjoy yourself and remember that nothing happens straight away, keep practising and your skills will develop. Keep it flat – There’s a common misconception in cycling that young riders need to be clipped in as early as possible when riding. Whilst being clipped in will help when you are racing, when it comes to practicing skills and techniques, riders will benefit from being on flat pedals. To find your nearest BMX Go-Ride Club, use our Club Finder tool from britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride
ROLL OF HONOUR March - May 2015 New Go-Ride Registered Clubs GMOL- Greater Manchester Outdoor Learning London Dynamo Sparks Hammersmith BMX Club Kendal Triathlon Club Runcorn Cycle Club Cambridge Junior Cycling Club Doncaster BMX Racing New Go-Ride Clubmark Clubs Tamworth BMX Club NEL Lindsey Go-Ride WyndyMilla Gosforth RC Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club VC Lincoln Renewed Go-Ride Clubmark Clubs Hayes Hawks BMX Club Bolsover & District Cycling Club Horspath CSC VC Jubilee Cycle Sport Pendle Cycling Award for Young Volunteers Bronze Matt Radford Joel McGuihan Christopher Waern Shea Kerry Joe Fox Harry Hunt Louis Cook Aaron Young Paige Milward Cameron Biddle
Wolverhampton Wheelers CC Bolsover and District CC Bolsover and District CC Holme Valley Wheelers Taunton Bike Club Ilkley CC Holmfirth CC Bolsover and District CC Lyme RC Halesowen CC
Silver Joe Geehan Redditch Road and Path CC Jennifer McAndrew Witham Wheelers CC Lucy Evans Kingston Junior CC Luke Hind Bolsover and District CC Logan de Monchaux-Irons Cycling Club Hackney Dylan Thomas Mid Devon CC Megan Griffiths Thanet RC Dylan Thomas Palmer Park CC Bradley Hill Lyme RC Sallie Birchall Lyme RC Alasdair Lloyd Catterick Garrison Go-Ride Club Marie Lynn Hetton Hawks CC Gold Harry Birchall Pilgrim Flyers Sam Marriot Bolsover and District CC Ivor Patteron VC Londres Elspeth Grace Welwyn Wheelers CC Robert Mills Bigfoot Go-Ride James Harradine Bigfoot Go-Ride Martha Gill Bolton Hot Wheels James Spencer Harradine Bigfoot Go-Ride Robert Mills Bigfoot Go-Ride Katy Ross Hetton Hawks CC Elsie Barker Cyclewise Academy Anna-Marie Hughes Hillingdon Slipstreamers George Fox East Bradford CC Ruhi Walsh Kingston Juniors CC Sarah Gregson Sport City Velo Platinum Samuel Leggett Charlie Leggett Ceri Jones Alex Reed Josh Parker Feargus Scherczer Ceri Jones
Tiverton BMX Tiverton BMX Port Talbot Wheelers Salt Ayre Cog set Gosforth RC Derwentside CC Port Talbot Wheelers
GO-RIDE CONTACTS John Mills
Coaching, Education and Development Director
Melanie Knowles
PA to Coaching, Education and Development Director melanieknowles@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2072
Colin Humphreys
National Development Manager colinhumphreys@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2077
Rob Mace
Stephanie Allmark
Jenny Nicholson
Kelly Burdett
Daniel Bacon
Rowan Ardill
Development Manager: Coaching and Competition robmace@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2078
Development Officer: Coaching and Competition jennynicholson@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2019
Development Officer: Coaching and Competition danielbacon@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2071
Development Manager: Clubs and Volunteers stephanieallmark@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2069
Development Officer: Clubs and Volunteers kellyburdett@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2126
Julia Klinger-Moore
Senior Development Administrator juliaklinger-moore@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2070
Sarah Lewis
Senior Marketing & Communications Officer sarahlewis@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2013
Development Officer: Clubs and Volunteers rowanardill@britishcycling.org.uk 0161 274 2069
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The amazing performances of the Great Britain Cycling Team rely on the support of British Cycling members. If your club members wish to join British Cycling, membership for their first year is free or discounted, so there is no excuse for missing out on joining the team.
facebook.com/goride go-ride@britishcycling.org.uk britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride
Under 16s receive a bonus joining pack, which includes some awesome surprises featuring some of the biggest cycling stars from the worlds of track, MTB, BMX and road in action! In addition, membership includes a race licence (if requested) and all the benefits enjoyed by adults such as insurance, discounts and top tips from the experts at British Cycling.
So whether you race, ride or just want to become a part of the team that supports Great Britain’s line-up of elite stars, join British Cycling and get closer to the action!