“It’s just like riding a bike.” That is often a phrase we use to describe how “easy” something should be, to do. The thing about that statement however, is that it gives one the impression that biking is an overly simple activity. Sure, most of us can recall the feeling of effortlessly coasting on 2 wheels, but that is in fact, a moment that disguises a much more complex and involved story around bike riding.
To ride a bike confidently, efficiently, and safely, there are many technicalities that need to be understood and mastered. Mountain biking brings even more intricacies and skills that are required to be able to ride and explore trails. There is beauty in the “simplicity” of riding a bike, and the goal here is not to diminish that feeling by overcomplicating this timeless activity, but rather to equip riders with skills and knowledge that will give them confidence to take full advantage of everything a bike can offer.
Many parallels can be drawn between learning to ride a bike and learning to swim. These are both skills that we often want to teach our kids when they’re young, and are almost rights of passage of childhood. What makes learning these activities different from many others we learn over the course of our lives, are the elements of fear and safety. The presence of these emotions requires extra know-how and TLC from the instructor, and demands an intentional and structured approach to ensure that the student is not left intimidated, discouraged, or at risk of being hurt. The YMCA has done a great job in becoming an industry leader in teaching people, especially children how to swim. I have positive memories of working my way from Guppie to Shark at the Y during my childhood years, and am thankful to my parents for having enrolled me in those classes.
It seems with learning to ride, or developing skill on a bike however, there are fewer resources than swimming, or even skiing for that matter. As a parent, I know the feeling of wanting to be able to teach my child “everything,” but sometimes you need to call in some help. We’ve all heard stories of the disenchantment with a particular discipline that resulted from a parent’s overly aggressive approach to teaching. Or how about when you walk into a bike shop and spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on a bike for your child, or yourself, and then realize there’s information you need, and practice that’s required to actually put the thing to use. It’s easy to feel like you’re on your own when navigating these different scenarios.
That’s why we are passionate about what we do, and believe in the value of what we offer at KC&E. Sure, we’re a little biased because we absolutely love to ride bikes, but we are truly inspired to foster a genuine joy for riding, in whatever capacity, through a systematic, supportive, and safe approach to teaching the skills of cycling.
