Learn road riding skills
Bunch riding can be a daunting prospect. Learn techniques and gain experience with these road riding skills groups.
New South Wales
Sydney
Clarence Street Cyclery runs a general introduction to road riding class for proficient riders who would like to learn and practise more about bunch riding (road bike required). The class is currently for men and women, but women-specific classes are in the pipeline. See website for more information.
Queensland
Brisbane
MB coaching runs skills courses three times a year and offers a personalised coaching service. To find out more, phone (07) 3371 0300, or visit the website.
Victoria
Melbourne
PinkInc Ladies Cycling Group runs a weekly ride to teach newcomers bunch etiquette in a friendly and supportive environment. The 45km+ ride departs every Saturday at 7.30am from Kennedy Cyclefit in Black Rock, where riders return for coffee and a chat afterwards. For more information call Brigid on 03 9589 3399.
Bayside triathlon club runs a novice ride from the clock tower in Black Rock on the first Sunday of every month at 8am. The ride includes an introduction to road cycling, involving a slow ride of approximately 1½ hrs to enable those new to the sport to get used to group riding and get a few pointers from more experienced riders.
Cogsgirls is a weekly ride/skills building session, led by coach Warren from BikeNOW. The group meets in Hampton on Saturday mornings at 9.30am. The sessions include coaching on safety and safe conduct in bunches, climbing, smooth riding technique, cornering - all the building blocks and secrets to success will be covered until you're ready for bigger and better things. After the return to the start, riders often stay on for coffee at a local cafe. For more, visit BikeNOW.
Melbourne Adventure offers skills-building sessions on Saturday mornings at Kew Boulevard. The sessions focus on the basic skills and safety that riders need to ride in a bunch. All abilities are catered for. Training starts weekly at 7.30am at the entrance to Kew Boulevard (turn left off Studley Park Road) and returns to the same place. Call Vigor Health and Fitness on (03) 9415 1412 for more details.
Western Australia
Perth
Chain Reaction Training (CRT) run specific women's training every Wednesday & Saturday morning at King's Park. Lindsay Davies-Moore has been running these training sessions now for four years.
Start Time: 6am (Wed) & 9.00am (Sat)
Start Location: Saw Ave, Kings Park
Cost: $5.00 per session
Requirements: Racing bike (must be well maintained), cycling shoes/clip less pedals & an Australian Standard helmet
Type of Training: Skills based + interval training eg hill repeats, sprints, cadence/spinning, time trial races etc
Contact: Ms Lindsay Davies-Moore (mob) 0407 929 652 (email) l.davies_moore@ecu.edu.au
Tell us what we've missed
If you know of any road riding groups or courses for women, please let us know.