Kids’ clinic boosts Club and confidence

WITH two sessions remaining, Sebastopol Cycling Club’s free junior cycling clinics have been skilling-up riders and improving their comfort on two wheels.

Accredited BSCC coaches including Chris Liston and Damien Keirl have educated children between the ages of three and 14 about basic bike skills and cycling road safety on closed Victoria Park roads.

They will deliver a session tonight, Wednesday, 9 December, and the last session next Wednesday, 16 December before relaunching the program in 2021.

BSCC president Tim Canny said the series has been popular with 30 to 40 children each Wednesday evening and had attracted new families to the sport.

“Parents are wanting to get kids out, active and doing stuff. Because there’s not much organised sport at the moment, more people are eager to get involved with programs like this,” he said.

“It’s brought 10 or 15 new families to the Club that I hadn’t seen before, so it’s an incredible response. The Club will benefit long-term from new bike riders and members.

“But the number one thing we’re really excited about, and most importantly, kids on bikes in the community will be more skilled and educated.”

The clinic includes skills drills, which have been advancing slightly each week, and the very popular “hot laps.”

“For the last 15 minutes the kids ride laps around our Vic Park criterium course, and our coaches record their times so it’s all about beating your personal best,” Mr Canny said. “The kids try and race against the clock, which is exciting for them.”

Meet at Poplar Avenue to attend on Wednesday evening. Registration is at 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start.

For more information, or to express interest call Mr Canny on 0409 111 091.