I learned how to ride a bike when I was six. I can still pedal, balance, and stop. Why should I take this class?
Pedaling, balancing and stopping are basic skills and are probably all you need to know if you just ride your bike in your driveway. However, if you want to ride safely and effectively on streets, you need to learn the rules of the road and practice them. Unfortunately, most people do not learn how to ride a bike properly on roadways shared with motor vehicles. Street Cycling 101 and 201 will give you the knowledge and skills to share the roads with all road users.
I'm a very experienced fitness cyclist, triathlete, road racer, and mountain bike racer. Why should I take this class?
There is a good chance that experienced cyclists already have many of the bike handling skills that will be taught during the classes. However, there is also a good chance that you will learn a lot about emergency maneuvers and about proper handling of your bike in urban traffic. Riding in traffic safely is a lot different than riding with 20 companions on lightly traveled roads on the week-end. If you want to be more competent and safer on the road, this class can help. Also, when you learn the rules of the road and practice them, others will start to follow your example. It will rub off on your riding companions and they will become safer riders, too.
Will you teach my child to ride a bike?
No, but we will teach you how to teach your child to ride. Arrange to take our class for parents.
I haven't exercised in years and I am overweight. Am I too out of shape to take the class?
If you have concerns about your fitness, see your MD to get medically cleared for light exercise. If you can ride around the block a few times, you are fit enough to take the classes. While we spend a lot of time outdoors practicing riding techniques on our bikes, it doesn't rate as vigorous exercise.
I have a bike but it doesn't work well and I think it is the wrong size-- can I take your Street Cycling Practice class?
Sorry-- we aren't bike shop mechanics. If you don't personally have the skills to check out your bike and fix it, take it to your local bike shop and get an estimate for repairs. Tell them you are going to take this class and you need your bike to be dependable. If you show up to the class with a bike that doesn't work properly and can't be adjusted properly to fit you, you will be turned away. Your bike must fit and work for you to attend the class.
My bike is old, cheap, and not too fancy. Is it ok for me to use for this class?
If the bike fits you and is mechanically sound, it is good enough to use to take the class. People show up on old cheap bikes and expensive hi-tech new bikes. Again-- as long as it fits you and everything works well, it is a fine bike for the class.
There's no law that says adult cyclists have to wear a helmet in Tennessee. Why do I have to wear a helmet for your class?
There's no law that says you have to have a bike, either. Helmets are required, period. There is no debating this. The classes are covered by liability insurance that requires all participants to wear helmets. Thus, you must wear a CPSC, Snell, or ANSI approved helmet or you will not be allowed to take any part of the class that is on the bike.
Do I have to wear spandex pants and sit on one of those hard skinny saddles?
We have no dress code, as long as you're wearing enough clothing to be legal. Your bike's saddle should be one that is comfortable for you personally.
I want to get certified as an instructor by the League of American Bicyclists and completing this class is a prerequisite. I have been biking for years and I know all of the material in the course, probably better than you do. I don't want to waste my time in the class. If I write you a check for the fee will you certify me?
Nope- no way, forget about it. Even if we know you and know that you really are an expert, you have to take the class at least one time. It would be a disservice to you and to any of your future students to cut corners in your certification process. You need to experience being a student and, there is a probability that you don't actually know absolutely everything yet.