Short Journey Workshop – Getting Back Home

Outcomes

• Basic repair knowledge for a bike while on a short journey to just get home.

• Understanding of what is needed for an essential toolkit.

• Build confidence to reduce barriers to short rides.

Information

Organise an hour long workshop to cover the basic repairs below. A bike mechanic can deliver the sessions or you can approach some of your volunteers that have the appropriate skills and experience. Consider the venue and the set of tools you have when deciding the number of participants and encourage them to bring their own tools. You can suggest they watch the relevant video beforehand, follow the link in the Helpful Links section. Recommend them to download the ‘Bike Maintenance Guides’ on their mobile phone.

Cycling UK – simple bike maintenance guides

Introduction

Welcome & introductions with participants

• An introduction of why you are there and who is going to be leading the activities.

• A bit of feedback from participants on what they are expecting.

• Familiarisation with the facilities – toilets, refreshments, health and safety etc.

Suggested agenda:

1. Introduce the repair and the tools that will be used.

2. When on the road, demonstrate how to carry out the repair.

3. Help participants as they work on their bikes at their own pace.

4. At the end share their experiences.

Session 1:

Bike maintenance on the road – basic toolkit/ Repair a puncture.

Session 2:

Bike maintenance on the road – brake adjustment.

Session 3:

Bike maintenance on the road – gear adjustment repairs.

Session 4:

Bike maintenance on the road – broken chain repairs.

If there is sufficient time to do so, consider going on a short ride to identify an appropriate and safe place to practice roadside repairs.

Top tips – things to consider

• Before carrying out any repair, find a safe spot to examine and repair your bike.

• Carry a cloth or something similar to lay your tools and any small parts on. This can save the potential frustration of looking for an important tool or part at the roadside.

• Weather can be a factor in roadside repairs, particularly windchill or rain. Look for a sheltered spot.

• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone. If all else fails you can call someone for help.

• Remember the repair should only be sufficient to get yourself home. More substantial repairs can be made at home. Cable ties and duct tape are your friend :)

A selection of videos showing basic on the road repairs including: M check, Essential tools, Repairing a puncture, Adjusting your gears and brakes, repairing a broken chain. Cycling UK – roadside repairs

• Simple bike maintenance guides designed to be downloaded on the mobile phone and used for reference when travelling.

Materials

• Instructor: Bike tools, spare inner tube, bike.

• Participants: Essential tools for each participant.

• Bike pump, spare inner tube, tyre levers, multi-tool (including Phillips & flathead screwdriver 3,4,5,6,8, hex wrenches), adjustable spanner, chain tool for removing chain links, self-adhesive patches, small vice grips, disposable gloves, cable ties, duct tape.

45–60 mins Indoors/outdoors Dependant on session leader and materials available

Helpful links

Cycling UK – roadside repairs