The number of bike clinics is exploding. Not only for ordinary cyclists, but also for corporate clinics, there is a large selection available. Yet I know of only a few people who have attended a clinic, a very small group who chose to do so consciously. Many cyclists, both cyclists and gravel riders, started practicing their hobby ‘just’ because of a friend or girlfriend’s tips or sometimes through a trainer from a club. There was no bike clinic available for that. Discover the benefits of a bike clinic in this article.
Text and photos: Sander Kolsloot
Working on your skills
Still, bike clinics are a great way to work on your cycling skills. I myself have been cycling for almost 20 years, but I also picked up a lot of ‘seeing and hearing’ from that time. I still remember the first time I descended a hill. With over 60 kilometers per hour, hands on the handlebars and off we go. I splash all the colors of the rainbow. A few years later, I went down a steep hill in the vicinity of Lucca. I had no idea and I almost went off the road. If only I had done a ‘climb and descent clinic’ back then. Well, you’re never too old to learn.
Now many years later, I realize that it’s sometimes quite nice to refresh some knowledge. I myself took part in a ‘Control over Gravel‘The clinic at Amateurfietser.nl was very enlightening. Especially because the year before I had struggled a lot, especially with gravel biking. I really want to recommend everyone to book a bike clinic. Why? I’ll explain it to you in a nutshell.
Why you should attend a cycling clinic
- Expert guidance: When you sign up for a bike clinic, you get access to experienced coaches and instructors who are experts in what they do. That means you are always with someone who is better than you. Although that seems to be a big problem for some men, that is actually super helpful. So don’t miss this opportunity and ask questions! Even if you think you already know everything.
- Safety First: Often you are used to riding in a certain group, or you generally ride alone. When you suddenly ride in a different formation, staying safe on the road is very important. A bike clinic helps you to be safe on the road. In my case, Gert Jakobs was also present, who once again emphasized the importance of getting home safely: ‘sometimes when you see how those guys go about on the street, I always say: just put a number on it, then you can be on the road alone!’ As the former professional put it. Note taken.
- Improving Skills: As was the case with the ‘grip on gravel’ clinic given by Maikel Govaarts, it was mainly about improving skills. Important points included cornering techniques, braking, agility on the bike, and shifting. These skills not only make you a better cyclist, but also improve your overall cycling experience.
- Building Self-Confidence: This aspect cannot be underestimated. Many cyclists are paralyzed on their bikes, mainly due to fear. Fear of descending, fear in the turns, with all sorts of unpleasant side effects, such as unpredictability in a group. The risk of accidents then increases, both for the cyclist and his or her companions. If cyclists are more confident on the bike, that is actually better for everyone on the road.
- Meet new people who are just as enthusiastic about cyclingBike clinics are a wonderful and easy, unconstrained opportunity to get to know other cyclists. At (large) events, that is often a bit more difficult, as everyone is busy with their own thing. This gives you more space to exchange tips, stories, and experiences with other cyclists. This is also an important part of an advanced clinic. For me, it is definitely one of the reasons to participate again.
- Achieving Goals: It's simple: you want to improve and a clinic is ideal for that. Because in the case of a climbing and descending clinic or a a clinic where you learn to breathe better you will benefit from that for a long time.
- The Path to More: Usually a cycling clinic is a stepping stone to more. Whether it is to recover from an injury or become a better climber/climber or to become better in gravel, a cycling clinic is a good starting point. Usually after level 1 you also want to move on to level 2, or you do it every year, for your self-confidence (see point 4). In fact, after a successful clinic, cyclists sometimes continue cycling together and before you know it they are together on Mallorca(! Just to mention something weird.).
Discover the benefits of a bike clinic:
Participating in a bike clinic is a wise investment in your cycling skills. It offers the opportunity to learn from experts, improve your skills, build your confidence, and meet other enthusiasts. So, if you want to take your cycling adventures to new heights (literally and figuratively), consider attending a bike clinic. you can register for a cycling clinic and the start of an exciting journey to become a more skilled and confident cyclist.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.