Introduction

This course develops cyclists' touring skills in classroom and on-bike environments. The course is designed to meet the needs of the serious bicycle tourist. The casual cyclist will benefit from the material by understanding the larger context of multi-day, self-contained bicycle tours.

Course Aims:

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

1. plan and conduct a multi-day, self-contained tour for themselves and a group of friends;
2. develop confidence in their mechanical skills and self-sufficiency;
3. understand and practice the basics of safe traffic cycling practices;
4. understand and practice the basics of group riding;
5. pack and ride a loaded touring bicycle.

Course Scope:

The course encompasses classroom and on-bike learning. Classroom components focus on organizational elements of preparing for a biycle tour, understanding and selecting a touring bicycle, adjusting and maintaining the bicycle, basic roadside repairs, transporting a bicycle, selecting clothing for bicycle touring, choosing touring accessories, packing the bike for touring, nutrition and menu planning, and finding and using resourses to assist with planning. On-road components include basic traffic skills, hazard awareness, techniques for riding comfortably for long periods, group riding, and practicing classroom lessons.

The course may be conducted in conjunction with a short overnight tour, providing cyclists with additional practice in applying concepts discussed in the classroom.

The course content is designed for cyclists new to bicycle touring. Participants should be reasonably fit and be regular cyclists. If an overnight tour is involved, participants should be prepared for overnight camping.

The general course outline is presented below. Time allotments and emphasis will vary from course to course depending on the leader and the participants. 20 hours instruction (including 5 hour day tour), plus optional overnight camping tour.

Course outline:

Class 1 - The Touring Bicycle

• Introduction
• Essentials
• the touring bicycle
• sizing the bicycle to the rider
• the quick bike check
• routine maintenance
• travelling with a bicycle

Class 2 - Riding Technique

• Riding technique
• traffic technique
• group riding skills
• hazard awareness
• Clothing for touring
• First aid

Workshop 1 - Day Tour

• Individual bike set up
• Quick bike check
• Riding techniques
• Group riding

Class 3 - Touring Equipment and Camping

• Choosing touring accessories
• Packing
  • what to bring
  • the art of packing
• Camping
  • skills
  • equipment
• Nutrition
• Security

Class 4 - Tour Planning

• Planning
  • resources
  • process
  • exercise
  • menues
• Map reading
• Preparing for overnight trip
  • form tent/food groups

Workshop 2 - Camping Tour

• Overnight tour

Kids CAN-BIKE Course