BikeRight

[Rosalind]

Hi everyone

Well I have already introduced myseld in the welcome forum, but I thought I would expand a little bit here.

Well I am 48 years old now and I haven't ridden a bike in over 35 years.

I had been thinking of getting a bike for about a year as the gym was getting more and more boring and I wanted to do something that I could enjoy which included fitness at my own level.

Anyway, the BikeRight people came to work in October and I asked what they would recommend to somebody who hadn't ridden a bike in a very long time and they suggested that I sign up for a beginners learn to ride course at BikeRight on Ashton Old Road in Manchester.

I went on the two hour course on 17 November, where me and two others at the same level were taken to Openshaw Park. They lent us a bike and a helmet. My bike was a Bronx step thrugh bike.

At first I was wobbling all over the place and was thinking to myself what on earth have I put myself in for! But eventually I soon got the hand of it and it was as if those 35 years of not riding a bike were nothing. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't brilliant, but at least I didn't fall off the bike!

All I can say is, if you want to get back into riding but are not sure of yourself, then go on the BikeRight course. I can't recommend it enough.

I got 2 hours tuition in a very small grouped class. The loan of a bike and helmet and is was conpletely FREE! Normally these sessions are £30 but they have a few free sessions. Apparantly I am entitled to another two lessons free as well.

Has anybody else been on a course at BikeRight?

I will definately take up the offer of the other free sessions.

 

[Klaus]

Hi Rosalind,

I also started riding again after about 30 years, this spring .... it seems you never really forget how to ride a bike.
Once you are comfortable with the basics you'll want to get out riding as much as possible. Must admit I sometimes get into a mood if I can't get out. So every weekend I try and ride at least 10 miles each day, plus I have a folding bike at work and go out for lunchtime rides every other day, about 5 miles.
The miles soon accumulate, the fitness level improves slowly, these days I fiund that long gentle ascents are no longer a problem and soon I'll tackle the more serious hills. I like the challenge!

Enjoy!

 

[wobbler]

Hello Rosalind,
I'm glad you posted this, I too am fresh back into the saddle and as you can guess from my user name I have to do some work on my cycling technique.
I was going on CTC training course in January, but if BikrRight have a course sooner I'll go for it.
Rich

 

[daddyshambles]

hi rosalind, same situation here well done and good luck. i just completed my first 100 miles in a week and i just started back again in june. keep at it and keep the faith

 

[carpiste]

If we can get more info on bikeright this would seem to be a good candidate for a sticky.

 

[Hilldodger]

If we can get more info on bikeright this would seem to be a good candidate for a sticky.

Not really fair as there are plenty of other not-for-profit organisations delivering the same courses.

 

[trio25]

Bikeright at the moment have free cycle training for adults who live or work in Manchester funded by the city council. Worth a look if you do. All levels catered for.

http://www.bikeright.co.uk/services2/cycle_training/adult_cycle_training/freewheeling/

I have to admit that I have an interest having worked for the company over the summer. As mentioned above plenty of other companies offer the same courses.

 

[Rosalind]

Thanks Trio25 for posting the BikeRight link.

I didn't know other companies did bike training courses. I will have to look them up.

 

[Lilylass]

Glad to know there's others out there who've been bitten by the bug after many, many years of not cycling!

The course sounds excellent, unfortunately there's nothing like that around here ... wish there was as def a bit wobbly and a long way from being confident yet!

 

[Arch]

Not really fair as there are plenty of other not-for-profit organisations delivering the same courses.

Well, how about a sticky listing them? Perhaps with any remarks from people with an interest, or clients?

 

[Rosalind]

What's a sticky???

 

[wobbler]

It means this thread could be permanently stuck to the top of the page

Example first line of page

 

[wobbler]

How are you doing with the cycling?
I had a letter today from CTC their course is January 8TH, so I will stay on the side roads for a little longer. I hope some training organisations see your post and put their names in.

 

[Rosalind]

I haven't done any cycling since the BikeRight course on 17 November as I haven't got a bike of my own yet. I am thinking of taking advantage of the other two free courses that I am entitled to.

Funilly enough there was a post on the works Intranet informing staff that BikeRight are coming to work on 30 November and we could sign up to go on a basic road cycling course on the quiet road round work.

I don't feel confident about going on the road yet egen though they are quiet, so i will give that one a miss, but I will be going down to the car park to get some more advice from them.

 

[wobbler]

Oh I see, I bought my bike a few weeks a go, I'm lucky really I only have to cross two main roads and I can get on a canal towpath and an old railway line.
I re-read my letter, it is a maintenance course on the 8th, the riding course is the 19th. It seems a long way off. That is why I've been looking for somewhere I could sign up sooner.