Novice program 2010

Remaining places for Novice Program

Mon - 5
Wed - 10
Thu - 7

Novice program structure

The program will run for seven weeks. The head coach of the program is John Armstrong, an AIS coach and one of the most experienced and respected coaches in Australia, who is ideally suited to take on this sort of program. John has coached the previous four Novice Programs and has experience with cyclists of all level: from beginners to elite. John will take the groups through aspects of cycling like bunch riding, bike control, cornering, race tactics and sprinting.

Your group will have a maximum of 15 people. Mike Christopherson will be the program coordinator for this season and will offer guidance, advice and motivation for all participants. Mike successfully coordinated last years Novice program and is a qualified cycling instructor, V-mobile squad member and competitive cyclists himself. Each group will also have one or two friendly V-mobile mentors who have previously participated in the Novice Program for support and guidance. We’ve also organised a three hour Saturday bike maintenance workshop with technical whiz, coach and cycling author, Michael Hanslip. The date for this workshop is yet to be confirmed.

In the last weeks of the program the Summer Criterium Season will start up on Wednesday evenings, so you’ll have a chance to go in a couple races and then ask any questions at the remaining coached sessions.

What you need

A road bike with standard drop bars, a helmet, and decent lights (as it will still be dark for some of the morning sessions). Wear warm exercise clothing as the mornings will still be cold for the first few sessions. Warm clothes should include full length leggings, full length sleeved top, gloves, warm socks and ear warmers.

Costs

The cost of the program will be $255. This includes:

all coaching (7 sessions, one per week for 7 weeks)
the bike maintenance workshop
handouts on cycling techniques and tactics
full Cycling Australia license for 2010-2011 (the regular price for a full license for a new member is $270!)
membership of the Vikings Cycling Club for 2010-2011
a snazzy Vikings drink bottle
mentored Novice bunch rides on Friday mornings, departing from the ANU gym carpark at 6 am.

If you’re already a member of a cycling club with a CA license the cost will be $130.

If you do not have a CA licence and have no intention of racing you will need to have Skills Cycle Course Cover so the cost will be $200.

This course does not cover the cost of the Summer Criterium Races – these are $5 each and you pay on the night when you enter.

Coached sessions

Participants have a choice of Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursday mornings for coached sessions. Wednesday sessions are designed for women only. Women can also choose either Monday or Thursday sessions if they wish. We’ll try and make the groups fairly even in abilities but the more confident riders should go for the Monday sessions. Please nominate your day on the registration form.

Start dates are:

Monday group - 13 September
Wednesday group - 15 Wednesday
Thursday group - 16 September.

Time - 6am until approv7.15am.

For Week 1, all groups meet at Civic Pool carpark. The location will change week to week between Civic Pool carpark, Stromlo Forest Park and the AIS swimming pool carpark. We’ll let you know the location each week. Also please note that coaching sessions may be re-arranged if we get bad weather. This will be communicated via text message either the evening before or by 5:30am on the morning of the session.

How to reserve your place

Fill in the two forms:

Novice Program Registration Form
Cycling Australia Membership Form (people who are already members of a cycling club don’t need to fill this one out)

Preference for payment is by direct deposit to BSB: 805 022 ACC: 03414175.

Alternatively you can pay by cheque or cash at the information evening held at Debacle in Braddon on 8 September or on the first morning of your course. If you’re paying cash on the first morning please bring exact money and come early so the course can get started on time at 6am. Receipts can also be picked up on the first morning if needed. Cheques must be made out to: Vikings Cycling Club ACT

We are expecting huge demand for the program so your place is not reserved until we’ve received your registration forms!