Brampton Cycling Club members without experience riding in an organized pack are encouraged to attend a group riding clinic before participating in club rides. The clinics, held on occasional Sunday mornings throughout the season, are led by experienced instructors who teach group riding techniques that help build confidence in riding with a group and in traffic.
What happens at a group riding clinic?
Participants and instructors meet on a Sunday morning, usually in the Meadowvale GO Station parking lot. Each session lasts about 2 hours and generally unfolds as follows:
- “Ground school”: Learn and discuss the basics of pack riding, including terminology, group manoeuvres, safety, hand and voice signals, rotations, group dynamics, bicycle care and maintenance, etc.
- Off-bike simulation: Rehearse pack riding techniques on foot.
- On-road practice: Saddle up and apply your new group riding skills on quiet roads.Optional tour: Take a 20-km group ride on quiet roads under the guidance of the instructors.
- Optional tour: Take a 20-km group ride on quiet roads under the guidance of the instructors.
How do I prepare for a clinic?
- Start by reading the Documentation
- Be a Brampton Cycling Club (BCC) member. If you are not a member join here. For insurance reasons, non-members cannot take part in a BCC group riding clinic.
- Bring your bicycle and make sure it is in good shape – brakes and shifters working, tires inflated, spare tube or patch kit available, water bottle topped up, kickstand removed.
- Dress for the season. The clinic takes place entirely outdoors, and it can be chilly in the early season, so be sure to dress appropriately.
Is there more information?
For specific clinic dates, times and locations, please check the BCC Events Calendar.