Wanted…you and your bike……please come to our sessions
 
 
What is this?
A cycling club for juniors that was formed three years ago

 
When does it meet up?
Fortnightly
 
Venue
Furzefield Primary School which is in Merstham.... for younger riders.... post code RH1 3PA
 
 
Plus 'outside' venues for rides for older riders (aged 12 - 16)
 
 
What ages are catered for at Furzefield School?             
 

• 5 - 12 years                   12noon to 1pm
•  

What do you offer for older riders with a road bike?



At the start of autumn 2010 we introduced the idea of road rides which see us gathering at Woodhatch (1 mile south of Reigate centre) at 9am on Saturday mornings (later in winter months).
 
We then set off at the same time as all the other groups of adult riders from Redhill Cycling Club..... only they hive off and do their own thing... while we do ours.
 
Our group takes a slower pace, with stops if necessary.



Parents who are fit enough to keep up with their offspring are welcome.... most turn up, in fact... we're only just dipping our toe in the water on the question of unaccompanied riders (you'd need to phone John Leitch beforehand to see if this is an option).

 
The leader, Adrian Webb is one of our four coaches.
 
These rides were put on hold during the 2011 summer... but Adrian's new dates run through to the end of February 2012.
 
Tim Sales has agreed to do similar rides. Tim is also a coach but he says other duties might take priority at the last minute, so best to check the night before or on the day itself. 
 
In addition to this, we have training rides on small loops on quite public roads during half-term and term-end holidays. Riders do repeat laps, with rests where necessary. Riders divide into ability groups and ride at a suitable pace. John has organised these and there will be more..... they are regular and on-going.


What do you offer for older riders with a mountainbike?



Again, we started the winter of 2010/2011 with a fresh idea.
 
We hoped to have Keith Reed, our MTB coach, back with us for this but it turned out that he was tied up elsewhere... so this represents an unsatisfied need.... fancy becoming a coach anyone?

 
In the meantime, older riders with an MTB were encouraged to join the Group Family Outings that Adrian Webb was leading.



By definition, parents are needed, to accompany their child and take responsibility for any friend that comes along with their own son/daughter (phone Adrian for details).
 
These rides evaporated at the start of the 2011 summer... but both Adrian and Tim have felt that they need to add some MTB activities to our calendar... contact them direct for an update.
 
What do we need for all our sessions?   
 

• a bike –any bike – but in working order
• a helmet
• clothing with no flappy parts on the lower leg that can get snagged by the chain/pedals
  
• mitts (preferably) to protect your hands
• a parental consent form (available on the day)

                                            
Will there be a proper coach at Furzefield?     
Yes.

 
What qualifications do the Raiders' coaches have? 
John is a British Cycling Level 3 Coach and has been coaching for 10 years ago. He also runs coaching sessions for groups of adults.

 
Tim, Keith and Adrian recently qualified as British Cycling Level 2 coaches.
 
Both Tim and Keith have done so well in this field that they are both now employed full-time during the working week by British Cycling as Go-Ride coaches.... which gives them a surplus of commitments on a weekend.... hence we see less of them.

 
In addition, two new adults have stepped forward and are already halfway through their formal coaching training: Mari Balbi and David Burnham.
 
Stephen Golliker is lined up to start on a coaching course in February 2012.
 
Why did you form this junior cycle squad?
Because there are lots of youngsters in the schools in this area who want to improve their skills on a bike.
 
By meeting and riding in a space that is free from traffic, we offer them the chance to work on bike handling skills such as:
 

• weaving through cones
• riding with one hand
• picking up a drink bottle
• riding close together in groups

... and experience from other similar clubs tells us that riders usually want to end the sessions with a race, in one shape or form.
 
Do you have links to any other cycling organisation?
Yes - to Redhill CC
 
British Cycling, the national umbrella body for cycling in the UK, announced back in August 2009 that it had awarded Redhill CC what is known as Go-Ride status.
 
That's because the club has a proper junior section - that's us, Redhill Raiders....
 
....and it confirms that Redhill Raiders meets with all Go Ride's formal requirements for such things as child supervision, the provision of a nominated child welfare officer and issues like that.
 
There is already considerable overlap in that several of our active riders are the children of  Redhill CC adults.... which means we have whole families riding bikes!!

 
Do you have a child welfare officer?
 Yes

 
What are your CWO's contact details?
 
Kate Sharples        07845 54 68 85        email:  katesharples@gmail.com 
 
Teresa Roux           01737 244353          email: teresaroux@bdifferent.co.uk
 
 
What do I need to know about parental consent?
If you are a parent bringing your youngster, you can sign a parental consent form on the day.
 
If you are bringing a group, perhaps your own child and several pals/mates, you might like to get one filled in beforehand (they can be downloaded from the British Cycling website....go to
 
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/Parental_Consent_3.pdf
 
…... but if that’s not possible don’t worry as you can sign for all the individuals on the day provided you will be there throughout the session.
 
If I just turn up how will I find you?
 
If you are arriving by car and you are in the High Street in the centre of Merstham...then you want to be facing south.
Drive south on High Street until left turn into School Hill...which drops underneath the railway.
Then 100m beyond the railway tunnel go left into Brook Road.
Follow this for 400m and curve round to the right.
You will notice that the name has changed to Malstone Avenue.

Go left into Radstock Way, 100m after the bend.

The main entrance to Furzefield Primary School is on the right after 400m...by turning into Delabole Road.

However the school's second entrance - and the one we will be using - is 200m before you reach Delabole Road....so when you reach Laxton Gardens (a road on the left) and you should find yourself looking to turn right..... into a short road with no name that runs for just 200m before ending at some gates...these lead into the school parking area that we have been asked to use.

The cycling area is here, also
 
Do you have any dates?
See the Calendar section of the website for more details.
There will be a series of Redhill Raiders sessions through the spring and summer months so make a date now:
 
At Furzefield the next dates are

2012
 
8 Jan
22 Jan
 
5 Feb
19 Feb
 

• .....  you can find extra details on all these by clicking on our "Calendar" page

 
What is the normal price:

• £2 for ages 5-12 years at Furzefield.... if you come by cycle
  
• £3 for ages 5-12 years at Furszefield..... if you come by car
• 
  

 
I see new members have to be able to ride a bike, does it matter if they wobble?
No, we'll help them smooth that out and develop their skills and confidence.
 
But what if my child can't yet ride a bike, do you know anyone who can help?
Yes.
We don't have the coaching capacity at Redhill Raiders to offer one-to-one teaching.... but one of our parents will provide this service privately.
 
His contact details:
Jonathan Spearman-Oxx    01737 21 61 34   www.cycleskillstraining.co.uk

 
 
How can I get more information on Redhill Raiders?                 
John Leitch           01737 84 36 01          johnleitch65@gmail.com
David Burnham     01737 76 87 05         djburnham@gmail.com
Maria Balbi            07916 027 253          mcbalbi79@yahoo.co.uk
 

Adrian Webb       01737 212 936             adewebb@gmail.com
 

Tim Sales           01737 24 28 16               tim.sales@ntlworld.com
Keith Reed         01306 71 23 63               kesi@ukonline.co.uk