guides
cyclopsbiker
Posts: 516
...no, not girl guides!! cycling guides.
Does anyone else think there's a need for cycling guides...someone to show newbies routes/things to watch out for etc? I know there's bike training out there, but do many people use those services? Its not something that I would do myself.
I'm just thinking cos I offered to show CW round the hills of Greenwich and we I know it was appreciated (well the beer afterwards was!); and a neighbour new to cycling really wanted to commute on his bike was gently persuaded to get on with it after we offered to show him the way to work. he's now commuting daily and loves it.
anyone got any thoughts?
Does anyone else think there's a need for cycling guides...someone to show newbies routes/things to watch out for etc? I know there's bike training out there, but do many people use those services? Its not something that I would do myself.
I'm just thinking cos I offered to show CW round the hills of Greenwich and we I know it was appreciated (well the beer afterwards was!); and a neighbour new to cycling really wanted to commute on his bike was gently persuaded to get on with it after we offered to show him the way to work. he's now commuting daily and loves it.
anyone got any thoughts?
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I think it's a good idea, I offered yesterday to ride in with Hatbeard who is about to begin commuting.
You'd need to work out a roster of who rides in from where at what times and is willing to make themselves available to get people started.
I'd be happy to do that occasionally for a day or two , or at least until they get faster than me anyway!0 -
well, if anyone wants some company anywhere along this route, I'm more than happy to hook up. I leave at about 7:20 each morning to get to Bank at about 8:10 ish
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=37548360 -
nice to see others have a community spirit. it was Hatbeard's post that prompted me to post this. I'm happy to have company from Deptford Bridge to Holborn, usually leave 7.30am-ish and take about 30 mins. perhaps anyone wanting a guide could post their start/finish points and anyone willing to join them can respond?0
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I'm always happy to help and encourage new or returning riders but I'm not an instructor so there's a limit to what I could do on the teaching front. Many local councils provide free instruction, though, and the LCC groups do some very cheap instruction (e.g. http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/ind ... 5&blogid=1 ) so that part is often catered for anyway.
I'd certainly be happy to act as a cycling buddy though - and I know all the local roads. I'd certainly be up for supporting a network of buddies. Hell, I'd even get up early and accompany new commuters up to town. The challenges for such a network would probably be making itself known and keeping the lists and contacts up to date.0 -
deptfordmarmoset wrote:I'm always happy to help and encourage new or returning riders but I'm not an instructor so there's a limit to what I could do on the teaching front. Many local councils provide free instruction, though, and the LCC groups do some very cheap instruction (e.g. http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/ind ... 5&blogid=1 ) so that part is often catered for anyway.
I'd certainly be happy to act as a cycling buddy though - and I know all the local roads. I'd certainly be up for supporting a network of buddies. Hell, I'd even get up early and accompany new commuters up to town. The challenges for such a network would probably be making itself known and keeping the lists and contacts up to date.
Agree all of the above, would have to be clear that you are there in a capacity as a Buddy not Trainer/Instructor.0 -
Just noticed how all the "community spirited" riders come in from SE London, always knew it was the best side with the nicest people.......0
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the SE rocks!!!
yep, we'd be Buddy's. agree administering a list might prove difficult, which is why I thought a forum thread might work. those wanting help could post and anyone available and willing to help out can reply. What do you think?0 -
I'd definitely be up for this in the next couple of weeks.Hat + Beard0
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@Hatbeard....PM me when you want a buddy. my work hours are flexible and I pretty much cycle past your work area so am happy to take a detour to ensure you get all the way in.0
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cyclopsbiker wrote:the SE rocks!!!
yep, we'd be Buddy's. agree administering a list might prove difficult, which is why I thought a forum thread might work. those wanting help could post and anyone available and willing to help out can reply. What do you think?
I'd have thought a sticky thread, with an explanation of what its all about and then anyone willing to be a buddy could post there, ideally with times and a "Mapmyride" type link and then ask anyone wanting a buddy to PM them if they want to hook up? (saves the buddies having to check back all the time to see if anyone is interested).
Alternatively if no one comes forwards we could just use it to arrange a bit of SCR down Jamaica Rd every now and again
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sounds like a good plan Butterd2. who's responsible for posting a sticky?0
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Would a public (sort of self-administered) google docs spreadsheet help?
Listing Name+screen name, routes + link to online map-my-ride style maps, approximate journey times, contact details (either direct contacts or a link back to a BR buddy thread/PMs). Because people's commitments and jobs change, it might be worthwhile figuring out a way of keeping the list up to date. So a 'last updated' column with some kind of periodic ''if this info still correct? message.
(SE Londoners - yes, I'm sure there's more of us about on the forum than there used to be. There's certainly more on the roads...)0 -
that sounds good deptfordmarmoset....afraid I don't know how to set up such a document though!!!0
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I'll try and set up a draft one and post a link back here for suggestions and modifications.0
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:P 0 -
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Just building up a thirst in readiness 0
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cyclopsbiker wrote:@Hatbeard....PM me when you want a buddy. my work hours are flexible and I pretty much cycle past your work area so am happy to take a detour to ensure you get all the way in.
very kind of you fella. I have been walking from bank/cannon street to work so I know that little section of roads quite well it's the south side of the river i'm not too savvy with so if you had to split once we're over the thames it wouldn't be an issue for me anyways.Hat + Beard0 -
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thanks deptfordmarmoset
I have entered my details...tho have to add route later0 -
me? I was copy/pasting it!!! how'd you know?0
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I had the doc open and saw you entering details - well, ''you'' showed as ''Anonymous 60'' (It's strange to see docs getting amended virtually in real time)
EDIT: at least I know the document is working. I can add columns if you think there's something missing.0 -
sounds like a plan. jamaica road is my favorite bit of my journey 0
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Wow, that's excellent! Details added thanks DM0
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Alphabet wrote:sounds like a plan. jamaica road is my favorite bit of my journey
Sweet, and if you are riding fixed too we can have a straight race with no handicap adjustments!0 -
Pleasure, Butterd2! Now, what do we do next? Explore stickiness? Open it up to LFGSS?0
