Taw Velo offers a range of opportunities for junior and youth riders to participate in cycling. Our volunteer coaches are experts in their field and bring a wide range of experience to our coached sessions that benefit youth riders. We fully support youth riders to guide them through British Cycling’s programme for the development of their talent and skills, if they want to go down that route. One day we are hoping a Taw Velo rider will take part in the Olympics!
We understand not everyone wants to race. Some people just like being outside in the fresh air on their bicycle. If you are a youth rider unsure of your ability, or just want to ride a bike for a healthy lifestyle, Taw Velo can help you make the most of the sport. It’s not all about winning and racing, in our view, but taking part in sessions and events that bring people together.
Taw Velo is working closely with British Cycling to set up cluster sessions to work with other Sport England accredited bicycle clubs to deliver better, more useful sessions that enable youth riders to train with other clubs in the area.
The youth section meets weekly on a Saturday morning at different locations to train in MTB, Road and Cyclocross riding:
5 – 16 YEAR OLDS
If your child would like to receive coaching with Taw Velo they will need 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).
The youth and junior section of Taw Velo is run by Darren Armstrong a British Cycling Level 2 coach. He is supported by a number of other British Cycling coaches and trainee coaches.
As a club we work closely with British Cycling coaches on cluster sessions. By meeting and riding in a space that is free from traffic, we offer youth riders the chance to work on bike handling skills.
Already, Taw Velo riders have gone on to race successfully at junior races at a local and national level. We are confident that if your child has cycling talent, Taw Velo can help to spot and develop it.
10 – 16 YEAR OLDS
We quickly found that older, stronger children wanted to be getting further afield, either on their MTB on a trail, or on their road bike on the quieter lanes in the area.
The frequency of rides to suit children in this age bands depends heavily on whether or not coaches are available.
What does it cost?
Youth Membership is £5 per year or family membership can be bought for £35 for the year.
The coaching sessions are paid for at the start of each term (3 per year) and cost £15 per term. We advise you make contact with the club first as you can have a free taster session before making the commitment to join, so why not come and see what we are all about?
During the Summer break of 2018 Taw Velo Rider and Youth Coach George Armstrong spent 10 weeks in Canada coaching Mountain Biking at a summer camp for Canadian children
Greorge tells us about his summer.