Rider Development Coaching (Number One of Series of Six)

Whether you're new to cycling or an experienced rider, this is a fantastic opportunity to come and experience cycle coaching for FREE. The session is open to all women regardless of ability and type of bike. Why not come along and give it a try. This series of coaching sessions will build your skills and confidence on your bike, as well as improving your ability to ride with other riders.

The female Breeze Champion and qualified Coach Alison will be there to give you useful tips and advice. The coaching sessions are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

The session time is 10:00 to 11:00. Redlands Leisure & Community Park has plenty of car parking, is next to a cycle lane (on the Dorchester Road) and is a short bike ride from Upwey train station. As well as free car parking, there are toilets and a café inside the building.

The coaching will take place on the new traffic free, shared use path at Redlands. It's level tarmac, wide enough for riding two abreast, with a few corners but no hills. A fabulous new facility which opened in November 2025!

Please wear suitable clothing for the weather, and especially make sure your fingers and toes are warm (they get chilled when cycling). Alison made a short video to show some easy solutions here: https://youtu.be/M3f-ezhFw7o

Book and attend all six sessions in the series to ensure you progress!
(Note - you can book and attend individual sessions, but the coaching is progressive so your riding will benefit more from coming on all four sessions - plus it will make sure there is a space for you.)

The focus of the coaching will depend partly on the skill level of the group, but is likely to include (over the whole series of six sessions):

- Starting (pedal ready) and stopping safely
- Using both brakes effectively
- Controlling your bike
- Looking behind whilst riding
- Using gears to manage your energy on a ride
- Riding one-handed so that you can signal and drink whilst riding
- Cornering
- Climbing hills
- Descending hills
- Group riding

The coaching session will be led by Alison - fully qualified and insured British Cycling Coach and Ride Leader. If you want to discuss the series or have a question before booking a place, you can contact Alison privately on 07967 094967 or [email protected]. Otherwise, post your question in the conversation area of the session on the Let's Ride website.

PLEASE NOTE: you need to book on each of the six sessions separately to attend the whole series. Booking on just one will NOT automatically book you on all six!

We will be riding at the traffic free cycle track in Preston Park.

If you want a cuppa and socially distanced chat after the coaching session, there are two cafes in Preston Park.

You will need a helmet as well as working bicycle for this session. Please also bring appropriate clothing for the weather - note that fingers and toes can get particularly cold when cycling, so full fingered gloves and warm socks are recommended.

First-timers welcome!