A coach, in the widest sense, can be defined as anyone who gives you advice on how to improve your cycling. Coaching advice can come from many different sources – a club coach, an article in a magazine, advice from fellow riders, professional coaches, and so on. The wise rider seeks out all these different sources, absorbs and reflects on what they are saying, and then applies the bits that he feels will work best for him.
Don’t be afraid to ask experienced club members like Billy Kirk or Paul Robinson for advice.
Ards Cycling club is fortunate to have many experienced riders who can offer advice. Club President Billy Kirk was a multiple Northern Ireland and Irish time trial champion, and his advice on how to set up a good position on your bike is legendary. Other members are always willing to offer advice, so don’t be afraid to ask at club races or while out on the club runs.
Remember – everyone’s different. You need to understand what you want to get out of cycling, and what sort of training works well for you. Not all the advice you get will be relevant to what you want to achieve. The key is to be curious, to try new things, and most of all – to get out on your bike!
Next – develop a love of cycling..