"Better Biking" course scheduled, May 1-29, 2008

In cooperation with the Community College System of NH (formerly NHCTC-Manchester), BWA-NH is pleased to offer a five-evening, 15-hour bicycling course at their Manchester campus. The program is based on the League of American Bicyclists' "Road I" course and will cover many topics geared to make cycling easier, safer, and more enjoyable. About half the course time (after the first session) will be spent on bikes to practice what is discussed in the classroom.

In addition to cycling techniques, group riding skills, routine bicycle maintenance, and road-side repairs will be covered. Successful completion of the road and multiple-choice exams on day five will provide the participant with a nationally-recognized LAB Bike-Ed Road-I certificate. (This really carries a lot more significance than just a piece of paper!) The classes will be held on Thursday evenings, 6-9 pm, May 1-29. To register call: 603.668.6706 ext. 369. Reference course NCSI-216, CRN-23373. The all-inclusive price is $75.00 payable to CCSNH or pay via credit card. A brief course outline follows. See page 4 of the CCSNH on-line reference: http://manchester.nhctc.edu/pdf/spring_08_nc_schedule.pdf

Session One, May 1:

" Orientation and review of course goals
" Bicycle selection including style and size
" Bicycle quality based on components and price
" Basic mechanical checks before riding
" Cyclist preparations including safety gear, food, and water
" Lights and reflectors for night riding

Session Two, May 8:

" Parking lot maneuvers
" Easier cycling by shifting properly
" Traffic rules for cyclists
" Lane positioning
" Group cycling techniques

Session Three, May 15:

" Parking lot maneuvers and short ride
" Emergency handling techniques
" Basic road-side maintenance
" Trip planning
" Coping with dogs

Session Four, May 22:

" Short ride with training stops
" Flat tire repair including tube patching
" Brake and derailleur adjustments
" Preventative maintenance and lubrication
" Transportation of bicycles

Session Four, May 29:

" Final review of course
" On-bike road test
" Multiple-choice quiz
" Award of course completion certificate

For more information about the course content, please contact Dave Topham at 603.898.9926 or dave@bwanh.org. Class size is limited to 20 participants, so if you are interested please sign up early!