Rider Education

Introduction to Road Riding Adult Classes

The San Antonio Wheelmen Rider Education Series (RES) program started in 2006. The adult introduction course, which was originally called the Beginning Rider course, was changed to the Introduction to Road Riding courses in late 2009. Introduction to Road Riding is divided into two courses (Road Riding 101 and 201) with a two-week break between. Road Riding 101 prepares students to do the shorter routes at the weekly Wheelmen rides. Road Riding 201 prepares students for the longer routes at Wheelmen rides and for riding events such as the Tour de Cure and MS150. The new Intermediate Riding 301 course focuses on inproving bike riding skills and developing techniques to improve riding strength. The following is a summary of the courses. SEE THE 2013 SCHEDULE BELOW!

Road Riding 101

Prerequisites:  None, new rider or returning rider.

Week 1

Instruction on safety and communications, how to ride legally, helmet fit and bike fit

Short bike skills ride

Week 2

Student fix a flat drill, and instruction on nutrition/hydration plus bicycle clothing and equipment

12-15 mile ride at moderate pace

Week 3

Instruction on map reading, riding hills and shifting

20-25 mile ride at moderate pace with some hills

Week 4

Instruction on chain cleaning

25-30 mile ride at moderate pace with some hills

Road Riding 201

Prerequisite: Graduate of the 6-week RES class or Road Riding 101, or one year riding experience

Duration: 4 weeks, scheduled to begin two weeks after Road Riding 101

Week 1

Instruction on proper bike fit or another appropriate subject

30-35 mile ride

Week 2

Instruction on cornering and climbing hills

35-40 mile ride

Week 3

Practice Pace Line on a 40-50 mile ride

Week 4

50 mile ride

Intermediate Riding 301

Qualifications: Current Wheelmen members with two or more years riding experience or graduates of the Road Riding 201 class who are very strong riders

Duration: 3 weeks

Week 1

Introduction to safe maneuvering skills

Introduction to pace lines

Group Ride with pace lines

Week 2

Practice safe maneuvering skills

Introduction to stamina improvement method

Group ride with pace lines and stamina drills

Week 3

Practice safe maneuvering skills

Group ride with pace lines, stamina drills and hill intervals

Schedule for 2013 Classes

Three Introduction to Road Riding 101/201 series have been scheduled for 2013. One Intermediate Riding 301 class has been scheduled with the possibility of another class later in the year.  Each class will be limited to 20 students.

Road Riding 101/201 Series #1

Road Riding 101

 February 23 and March 2, 9, 16

Road Riding 201

 April 6, 13, 20, 27

Road Riding 101/201 Series #2

Road Riding 101

May 4, 11, 18, and June 1

Road Riding 201

June 22, 29, and July 13,20

Road Riding 101/201 Series #3

Road Riding 101

September 7, 14, 21, 28

Road Riding 201

October 19, 26  and November 2, 9

Road Riding 301 Series #1

Intermediate Riding 301

 NOT SCHEDULED YET

Another Road Riding 301 might be added if there is sufficient interest.

Class Fees

Road Riding 101

$15

Road Riding 101/201 sequence

$20

Road Riding 201

$10

Intermediate Riding 301

$10

How to Sign Up:

Riders interested in the  classes should contact info@sawheelmen.com to get on the waiting list. Those on the waiting list get first opportunity to sign up for the classes. Classes are limited to 20 students, so sign up early. Include a telephone number in the email.

Instructors Needed:

We are seeking an experienced  riders to help with the RES classes as Training Ride Leaders. Volunteer to help new club members learn to ride safely and to enjoy our sport or to help intermediate riders increase their skills. Working the Rider Education Series classes is fun and a very rewarding experience.

Anyone interested should contact Bob Marroquin or Lynn Blanco at info@sawheelmen.com.