This is the continuation of our hints and tips that will help keep your “January newbies” in the saddle for the months and years to come. In part 1 of this series, we gave you tips on attending to the small details that will make a big difference before they even turn a pedal. These will calm new riders’ fears and make them more attentive to your coaching.
In this section, we cover introduction to bike operation and safety, and how to address riding technique. We also give you inspiration to use with your new riders, and finish with a few additional tips to make sure they not only will be happy with their first-time experience with you but will be much more likely to come back. Not only that—riders like these who start off on the right foot from the very beginning are the kind to tell their friends; friends who might have had the very same fears they did and who are waiting to hear how it went.
Nothing like continually growing your class!
[/show_if]
I always preface my classes hard efforts with the phrase “Go as hard as you want, or as light as you need. Whatever you do, don’t overdo it!”.
I also mention a few times that “Everything is optional, except clothing. If it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it!”
“Everything is optional except clothing”! LOVE IT!
If you can say it with humor, you might add, “and that means clothing you wash after every single class!” 😉
If you and your class have a reputation for being a “power” class, it is good to remind the new rider that this hour is her/his. Remind them “to stay within themselves, that they might not want to stand every time we do, nor may they want to go as heavy a tension.” Tell them that this is quite okay, that their objective today is to enjoy themseleves and to complete the class.
One tip that I use at the start of the class goes something like this: “We will be traveling on flat roads, on inclines, and on hills. At all times, that flat road, that incline, that hill, it’s your flat road, your incline, your hill. It’s not mine, and its certainly not your neighbor’s.”
Homer, I love your cue! It’s perfectly worded to explain they should feel completely comfortable to create their own road, without worrying about trying to compete with others in the class.