Marianne Pughe, already a qualified triathlon coach at level 1, is currently undertaking cycling-specific coach education at level 2 with British Cycling (see Coaching page). Marianne has space for more volunteers to attend a series of 4 linked sessions she is running during November and early December. The schedule is as follows:

Monday evenings from 7.15 until 8.15 pm

Nov 10, Nov 17, Nov 24, Dec 1

Aldi Car park Hexham - a safe traffic-free environment

Marianne explains what it’s all about:

“There will be four linked sessions with the aim to teach the basic and intermediate cycling skills for group riding. They will be aimed at (but not exclusively to) women cyclists of all abilities (and I am hoping for a good range), with a long term aim of setting up some group runs as part of Tyne Valley Cycling Club. These sessions would be aimed at cyclists who are competent riders who might wish to brush-up their handling skills, who are interested in group riding with similar paced riders. They would also be suitable for novice riders who would like to gain the skills to ride confidently within a group. The basic requirement is to have a road, mountain or hybrid bike, in good working order, a helmet and warm, suitable clothing. The venue is off road and well-lit so lights are not essential.

I am looking for a group of 10 (15 max).

Although it is not essential to attend all four sessions it would be preferable. If the weather is really bad then sessions will be re-scheduled.”

If you’re interested or know anyone who might be then please contact Marianne at  saundersandpughe@btconnect.com or ring 01434 689700 / 01434 633302

Well the first of our free coaching sessions was held on Saturday and, despite the atrocious weather conditions, 4 hardy souls and the coach turned out for what was a very wet experience. Several people tried to get there but were foiled by impassible roads, some got there and got very wet, the sensible ones stayed at home.

We didn’t get any shots of the reservoir but here’s one of the ford over the Guessburn at Stocksfield.

Due to the exceptional circumstances we’ll start again from the beginning next Saturday and give those who couldn’t make it a chance to catch up. Then we’ll add another session on the end of the 3 already planned. Hence the provisional revised schedule will be:

Session 1 Saturday Sep 13

Session 2 Saturday Sep 20

Session 3 Saturday Sep 27

It’s provisional as we need permission from Northumbrian Water for the additional session, which they have yet to confirm. It’s unlikely to be a problem but watch this space…….

The following article will soon be appearing in the local press:

Free Coaching with Tyne Valley Cycling Club!

As part of its development drive the dynamic Tyne Valley Cycling Club is offering a series of six one hour coaching sessions, free to non-members and members alike. The sessions are aimed at existing riders of basic or intermediate ability who want to improve their skills in road riding and feature the topics of bike setup, pedalling technique, braking, cornering, climbing, descending and group riding.

Conducting the sessions will be club secretary Peter Scott, already qualified as a level 2 British Cycling coach and currently enhancing his skills in order to achieve level 3 qualification. These sessions form part of Peter’s development.

Thanks to the welcome support of Northumbrian Water, sponsors of the club’s annual prestigious Tour of the Reservoir Premier Calendar road race around Derwent Reservoir, Peter is able to use the private road across the Derwent dam wall as his traffic-free coaching venue. It’s a beautiful venue with views across the reservoir to the west, the Derwent valley to the east and the fells around Muggeridge to the south.

The six sessions will be spread across 3 Saturdays, 6^th 13^th and 20^th of September, from 9.30 am until 12 each day. The visitor centre and shop will be open for those needing sustenance!

Although the sessions are designed to suit road riding, mountain bikes and hybrids are perfectly suitable as well as road bikes as the techniques to be covered apply equally to most cycling disciplines. Helmets with CE marking are compulsory and clothing should be suitable for cycling and appropriate for the likely weather conditions. It can be windy and cool up there at times.

Men and ladies and youngsters are equally welcome, but under-18s will require parental consent.

Although intended to enhance riders’ skills the sessions will be generally non-competitive, although sometimes a competitive game towards the end of a topic adds to the fun! A high level of fitness is not required.

To take advantage of this offer contact Peter at scott.peter@metronet.co.uk or on 01661 844762 (evenings) or 07887 643515 (days), or apply on-line at www.tynevalleycycling.co.uk

To download a Rider Information / Parental Consent form follow the link: rider-info-and-parental-consent-form-template

Either complete the form electronically and return it as an attachment to scott.peter@metronet.co.uk or mail it to Peter Scott, TVCC, 1 Meadowfield Park South, Stocksfield, NE43 7QA. Alternatively ring Peter at one of the above numbers. First come first served.

Our British Cycling level 2 coach is busy extending his development and needs volunteers to attend a series of 6 coaching sessions, probably during August. By next year he expects to achieve British Cycling level 3, which will enable him to coach individuals to advanced level on the road.

The coaching module focuses on Road and Time Trial at basic to intermediate level and will be held on tarmac but, although it’s intended for roadies, there’s no reason why riders can’t use a mountain bike during sessions.

Each session will last an hour, they’ll probably be held on Saturday mornings, and there are likely to be 2 sessions each Saturday for 3 weeks.

Once the venue is established then articles will appear in the Hexham Courant and other media and, of course, full details will be posted on the website.

If you’re interested in honing your skills in the techniques involved then get in touch via the Contacts page to find out more about it. There’s no charge for the coaching!