What is the Group Riding Skill Development Program?

The Group Riding Skill Development Program, or “GRSD”, is intended for Road, Gravel, and Mountain bike riders who are looking to improve their performance riding skills, particularly their group-riding skills, and even those who are considering racing. You should be able to ride a pace of 14 miles per hour. Some of the riding will be a little challenging, but all sessions emphasize skills rather than high intensity training. No one will be dropped on any of the rides. If the group splits, instructors will hang back. The course offers on-bike instruction in bicycle handling techniques, group riding techniques, race tactics as well as an opportunity to race. Participants gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary to ride competently. These same skills can be leveraged as you participate in many of the informal group training rides sponsored by clubs throughout the metro area.

Who Will Be Riding with You?

Each group will include at least 2 instructors and up to 12 students. Sometimes the group will ride together, and other times split into smaller groups. The instructors are all experienced road racers and/or coaches. Many of them also have track racing and mountain bike racing experience. The instructors are knowledgeable volunteers, anxious to see the sport they love grow by bringing in new people. We try to group students by ability level. You'll be asked to evaluate yourself on the application form. Be honest! If you end up in the wrong group, we will make every attempt to get you into the right group.

How Do You Get Started?

There are multiples choices for registering for the Group Riding Skill Development Program:

  • Adult Member: $125 is the fee to join SPBRC and enroll in the program. Your membership fee includes one SPBRC team short-sleeved jersey and all other club benefits.

  • Adult Non-Member: $65 is the fee for individuals who do not want to join SPBRC. 

  • Junior: $25 is the fee for Juniors (17 years of age or younger). Your fee includes one SPBRC short-sleeved jersey and club membership after the completion for the GRSD. All Instructors are Safe Sport trained.

Class Dates and Times

Program Dates: Sessions are held on 5 consecutive Mondays, beginning May 8th.
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.

Meeting Site

Sessions will meet at Historic Fort Snelling.

What to Bring

  • Bike with "drop" handlebars or Mountain Bike – Compulsory.

  • ANSI and/or Snell approved biking helmet – Compulsory.

  • Medical information and ID.

  • Cycling shoes (use running or cross training shoes with the stiffest soles possible if you don't have specific cycling shoes).

  • Appropriate bike clothing.

  • Rain jacket.

  • Spare tube, tire levers, and frame pump.

  • Sunscreen/bug spray.

  • Eye protection (sunglasses).

Training Schedule

  • Session 1: Bike handling skills, group riding etiquette, intro to drafting.

  • Session 2: More bike handling skills, easy 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 ANSI or Snell approved helmet whenever you're on your bike (even if it isn't moving).

  • Follow your instructor's directions exactly.

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

  • Reckless, careless, or dangerous riding is forbidden.

  • The roads you will be riding on are open to traffic, although traffic will usually be light. Don't enter the traffic lane or cross an intersection without looking to make sure that it's safe.

  • Inform your instructor if you stop to rest, leave early, etc. (missing students might have been dropped or had an accident).

  • No rider will be pressured to do anything they don't want to do.

  • 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 shall receive a refund. If your class is cancelled by your instructors more than twice, (for example, due to weather), you may be eligible for a partial refund. That refund would amount to 25% for each class cancelled beyond the first two cancellations. No refunds for any other reason. Other options are available.

Cancellations

Cancellations are rare. If a cancellation occurs, it will be communicated via email on the session day and the preference is to postpone to another day. Your instructors will contact you via email.

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 grsdp.spbrc@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 Keith Bianchi via email: grsdp.spbrc@gmail.com.