Can we ride in the rain?

Absolutely. The more mud the better! And we're not made of sugar so we shouldn't dissolve! Just make sure you wear a rain coat and warm clothing (we could always find an extra hill to ride up to keep you warm).
See you tonight!

Mountainbiking - our final session

This Thursday evening is our final mountainbiking session before the 5km blast event on Sunday the 26th of October. Chris Mildon will give you more details about this event soon.

This week we will again start from Branford Park at 6.30pm, however, we will venture further afield so if you are running late head towards the Brook Valley on your bike as we plan to use the trails there to learn the skill of downhill mountainbiking. We will also cover some of the course for the 5km blast.

We had planned to spend time learning how to change a tube (for those dreaded punctures), but will see how the evening progresses, as if it is anything like the previous couple of weeks it might be a bit too cold. Carl has suggested holding a further evening instore at BikeHQ for those that want to learn and we might have to take him up on his offer ..... so watch this space.

Pics from the most recent mountain bike session

Everyone looks like they are working very hard, congrats to you all, you look amazing!

Thanks each week go to Sandy Vincent from Tineli, Britta Martin, Brenda Clapp, Jane Rose, Dave from Biking Nelson and Carl and Andy from BikeHQ.

Participants are working towards a 5km Blast event up the Brook Valley (Old Codgers Trail) on the 26th of November organised by the Nelson Mountainbike Club.

To the left you see everyone lined up to do the 'slow race' where the idea is to learn how to balance on a bike and go as slowly as possible. Everyone gets on their pedals and stands and races along very slowly!

The river crossing is another great challenge, kudos to each team and participant for make it through this lesson.

Swimming Training Programs

Chris Vincent from Tasman Gold Masters Swimming has kindly written up four swim programs that you can follow when you head to the pool. If you would like a copy of these then please leave your name in the comment section below and I will email them to you. Thanks for these Chris! Don't forget if you want some company - then head out to their swim session on a Sunday morning (and from December you can join in with their Thursday night session, since we start back on Tuesday evenings in January).

Upcycle!

Another NCC and TDC initiative, Upcycle! takes cycling 2 the next level.
They meet for weekly social rides in the Nelson and Richmond area, with all rides led and facilitated by experienced cyclists. If you are interested in joining in or finding out more information phone Anne on (03) 5390527 or text 021 112 3890 or email bnbnelson@gmail.com

Mountainbiking Queens!

Well done on getting on the bike again! I hope it was a gentle introduction back on the bike and you're not too sore! Next week I will ask you to put yourself into groups based on your confidence levels, and we will take to the trails to learn the technique of trail riding - ie. what parts of the track to ride on, what to avoid ...... Now that you have the correct set up sorted out, we will be able to do more riding, (and keep warm) but still remember to keep the layers on as it does get cold up the valley quickly.

If you are a bit sore between the legs you may want to consider purchasing a pair of proper bike shorts that have chamois - these give a little bit more support for those sensitive areas! Remember though, that if you do wear these shorts you don't wear knickers underneath - as this gives more areas to chafe. Consider as well a more comfy bike seat - one that is wider at the back and has a bit more cushioning - you can also get seats that have holes in the middle to reduce pressure. Pop in and see Carl and the team at Bike HQ - they are more than happy to answer any questions you have, and if you mention you're doing the series they'll probably give you a discount :) Or give Sandy a call about their fabulous ladies range at Tineli (03) 548 37 59

If you didn't come this week because you don't have a bike, then remember BikeHQ bring along a few of their rental bikes (all very snazzy) and Diane and Tamsin have a spare bike they are willing to lend to anyone who wants to borrow them. (Thanks)!

So get out on those trails and I look forward to seeing you all again next week.

Session 5: Mountainbiking

What a gorgeous evening for our first session of mountainbiking. I look forward to seeing you all at Branford Park tonight at 6.30pm. Sandy will introduce the sport to you by going through the general features of a mountainbike, how to correctly set up your bike (ie seat height, handlebar height ...), what clothing is best to wear for maximum comfort and what the gears are for and when to use them. We will then do some 'bike drills' before having the opportunity to tackle one of the base trails around the Maitai Valley.
See you there!