Biking Basics

How long it will take: 30 Minutes to 1 Hour Depending on Experience of Camper

What the goal is: Campers will walk away with the fundamental skills of biking.

What the objectives are: Meet each camper at their level! Some campers may already know the basics, but always take the time to do a fundamental skills check and review the biking basics. Be sure to draw the information out of the camper as much as possible.

What you'll need: Bikes & helmets for campers and staff, bike repair kit

What you'll do: This lesson is broken into 4 sections.

1. ABCDE's Of Biking & Fitting Equipment

2. LNT & Trail Etiquette

3. Proper Braking

4. Shifting Gears

Section 1: ABCDE's of Biking & Fitting Equipment (10 Minutes)

In this lesson, campers will learn how to properly fit their helmet & bike, and learn the ABCDE's of a bike check.

Fitting a Helmet: Camper's will have their own helmets, but it's still important to understand how to properly fit a helmet and make adjustments to their current helmet if possible. Every camper helmet will be different (some will be adjustable and some won't).

• Helmet care when not being worn: Happy Turtle!

• Helmet fit: should stay on the head with a light shake without the strap

• Strap: Should be comfortable, but not able to come over the chin. "V" of strap should connect just below the ear.

Fitting a Bike: We want to fit the camper's bike to them and their riding ability as much as possible. Be aware to not be overly critical with their personal gear.

• Camper should stand by their bike and adjust the seat so it aligns with their hip and they can put the pads of their feet down wile standing over the seat.

• For newer riders, it's okay to keep the seat a little lower so can lay their feet flat on the ground for comfort.

ABCDE Bike Check: Bike checks should be done before every ride. Have the camper guess what each letter stands for the "ABCDE" acronym and follow along to check their bikes.

• AIR! Check that tires are properly inflated

• BRAKES! Check that the brakes are in good working order (check front & back independently)

• CHAIN! Check that the chain is on and moving smoothly.

• DERAILLEUR/DANGLERS! Yup- this one has two! Check that the derailleur is present and no visible deformities. Also check that there are no danglers from the rider that could get caught in the wheels (e.g., long backpack straps).

• EVERYTHING ELSE! Give the bike a good shake, make sure the seat and wheels are on firmly. Listen for any unexpected noises or if anything appears loose.

Optional ABCDE Bike Check Activity: After the group has gone through the ABCDE check together, in order to test their knowledge, the instructor can "mess up" their bike (loosen seat, loosen tires, take chain off, take air out of the tire, etc.) without the campers looking, and then have the campers go through the ABC's on the instructor's bike and see if they can catch all the things that were screwed up! See if they can remember the ABCDE's and how to check them all on their own! Only provide hints if necessary.

Section 2: LNT & Trail Etiquette (5 Minutes)

This is a good place to do an environmental briefing. What are some important things we need to discuss before hitting the trails? Remember to draw the information out of the camper and be sure to touch on:

• Spacing and communication (stinky elephant and passing down the line)

• Where should we ride our bikes? (Durable Surface)

• What should we do if we come across other people? (Pull off to the side of the trail, smile and say "Hello")

• What should we do if we get to a trail junction or we can't find the group? (Stop at all trail junctions and if you don't know where the group is STOP and wait for the group to come to you).

Section 3: Proper Braking (20 Minutes)

Ask the campers why braking is important? What kind of brakes do they have (hand brakes or peddle brakes)? Make sure that campers with hand brakes understand the difference between their right brake (rear) and their left brake (front). What would happen if you just used your right brake (skid)? What about your left (over the bar club)? It's important to use both simultaneously! Have them role their bike forward while walking and try each brake to feel how the bike reacts differently.

Braking Activity: This activity can be used to practice coming to a rolling stop without skidding or losing the back tire.

• • Place backpacks/water bottles or other objects on side of the trail out of the way. Objects will be the “stopping line”. Demonstrate to campers how to perform a rolling stop by riding on the trail toward the “stopping line” and braking without skidding next to the object. Campers can line up and call them down one at a time to have them try to brake at the line. Provide feedback and multiple practice attempts.

    1. • Practice feathering the brakes (applying and releasing light pressure to prevent skidding) Demonstrate to campers and have them practice feathering the brakes.

       • Adjusting body position: If campers have the ability to coast standing with level pedals have them slightly shift weight toward the rear tire. This will help keep the bike from skidding.

  • To increase difficulty, do this on a slight downhill or shorten the stopping/braking area.

  • Campers should demonstrate a confident ability to stop before attempting any steep downhills.

Section 4: Shifting Gears (20 Minutes)

Some campers bikes may not have gears. If they do, you should make sure they understand their purpose and how to use them. Ask the campers what gears are for? When do we shift gears (changing terrain)? Ask them how to shift the gears on their bikes (shifters may be different on campers bikes)?

• When should we shift gears (while peddling)? Why?

• Have the camper ride a section of trail in too high of a gear. How does that feel? When would you want to be in that gear?

• Have the camper ride a section of trail in too low of a gear. How does that feel? When would you want to be in that gear?

• Have the camper choose a gear appropriate for the terrain ahead.