What is the Group Riding Skill Development Program?

The Group Riding Program, or “GRP”, is intended for any adult bike rider looking to improve their group-riding skills, from folks newer to cycling to experienced riders interested in improving their racing.  This course offers on-bike instruction in riding etiquette, bicycle handling techniques, group riding techniques, and racing tactics. Sessions will emphasize skills rather than high intensity training. Participants will gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary to ride competently and safely. These same skills can be leveraged as you participate in many of the informal group training rides sponsored by clubs throughout the metro area.

This course is for anyone who can ride a bike and wants to improve their skills.

Cycling and our team community is vital to our lives, and we want to help others experience the joy of this sport. We will group students by skill and comfort level on the bike, so you will get the most out of the course. You will be asked to assess your skill level on the registration form, to help us place you in the group where you will be able to see improvement over the five classes. No one will be dropped on any of the rides.

Who Will Be Riding with You?

The program will be led by licensed, experienced USA Cycling coach and former professional international racer Corey Coogan Cisek. Experienced instructors will lead each group.  Sometimes the whole group will learn together, and other times split into smaller groups. The instructors are knowledgeable volunteers, keen to see the sport they love grow by bringing in new people.

How Do You Get Started?

Register for the GRP

There are two options to register for the Group Riding Program

  • Class: $100 for five GRP sessions

  • Class + SPBRC Membership:  $140 also gets you a St. Paul Bicycle Racing Club (SPBRC) membership. With membership you get access to team discounts at Grand Performance bike shop, the chance to purchase team branded clothing and access to the SPBRC chat channel for ride information.

Class Dates and Times

Program Dates: Sessions are held on 5 consecutive Mondays, beginning May 6th.
Time: Each class session lasts approximately 2 hours. Sessions meet at 5:45pm and roll out at 6pm. In case of inclement weather, a makeup class will be scheduled on June 10.

Meeting Site

Sessions will meet at or near Historic Fort Snelling. Exact location to be determined.

What to Bring

  • Bike with "drop" handlebars – Compulsory.

  • CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Council) approved biking helmet – Compulsory.

  • Medical information and ID.

  • Cycling shoes or wear closed-toe shoes

  • Rain jacket (optional).

  • Water, snacks (optional)

  • Spare tube, tire levers, and pump (if you have them)

Training Schedule

  • Session 1: Bike handling skills, group riding etiquette, intro to drafting, and easy contact drills..

  • Session 2: More bike handling skills, more contact drills, pacelines.

  • Session 3: Pacelines, cornering, braking, more contact drills.

  • Session 4: Pacelines, echelons, climbing and descending.

  • Session 5: Pacelines, group sprints, practice racing.

Safety

  • You must wear an CPSC approved helmet whenever you're on your bike (even if it isn't moving).

  • Follow your instructor's directions.

  • Your bicycle must be in good working order. If you have any doubts at all, have a bike shop check it out.

  • The roads you will be riding on are open to traffic, although traffic will usually be light.

  • Inform your instructor if you stop to rest, leave early, etc.

  • The coaches have the right to exclude any student from any activity if they feel the student cannot perform that activity safely.

Refund Policy

If we cannot match you with a group, you will receive a refund. Refunds up to first day of class.

Cancellations

Cancellations are rare. If a cancellation occurs, it will be communicated via email on the session day and we will use the rain date of June 10th for the final class.

Missing Class

Each session builds on and refines skills learned in the previous lesson. Naturally, you’re encouraged to attend all the sessions. Please contact st.paul.bicycle.racing.club@gmail.com or your assigned lead coach if you are unable to attend a session.

More Information

Still have questions? Do you simply want to talk to a real person before you commit? If so, contact our team via email: st.paul.bicycle.racing.club@gmail.com.