The beginning of class can be disjointed at times. Riders are trying to get settled. Some people are still chatting (loudly) and we are trying to establish that official “class has started” moment. Then 5 new people show up and need to be setup on their bikes.
Yesterday I”™m teaching at a club I”™ve taught at for over 7 years. The cycling class is held in a multi-purpose room, so each member is responsible for pulling their bike onto the floor from the side of the room. The class starts right on time (I”™m a stickler for punctuality). Five minutes into the class, 5 “new” riders enter the room. All of them have on running type sneakers and they are standing next the to the remaining bikes and appear confused.
I meet them at the back of the room and immediately understand their hesitation. The bikes are equipped with Schwinn Triple-Link pedals, which allow for the standard SPD clip on one side and then a removable toe cage on the other side, which accepts a LOOK compatible cleat. The problem was that none of the available bikes had toe cages. I found a set of cages thrown to the side. One cage was missing a strap, which I found and re-threaded. Then I went around the room to other riders who were not using their cages and started removing them from their bikes to allow the remaining 4 people to ride. Throw in a few bike setups and now we were 15 minutes into class before I re-emerged back at the front of the room.
Obviously, the big challenge was not the pedal hunt, but trying to teach the class and keep everyone focused while controlled chaos was unfolding in the back of the room. At the time my 5 newbies entered the room, I had just finished my opening spiel. So while I was getting them situated, I was simultaneously leading the class through some Spin-Ups (short 10-second accelerations followed by 20 seconds of easy pedaling) and then a set of 30-second speed intervals. In addition to staying on top of the timing, I found myself continually pushing the headset mic onto the top of my head so I could talk with the new riders without our conversation bombing over the sound system.
As chaotic as all of this was, I actually love this kind of challenge. As a cycling coach, I spend a good amount of time coaching off the bike. I”™m constantly leading drills while speaking one-on-one with riders to help them with specific issues and technique. But it made me think, “how could an instructor train themselves to handle a situation like I experienced gracefully?” Here is a suggestion:
Try teaching your entire intro and warm-up off the bike. But don”™t just stand at the front of the room. Instead walk around from rider to rider. Pace the isles (if you have them). Provide encouragement and make suggestive corrections as you go. Try to keep track of the timing and any intervals. See how it goes. Remember, it is all about experience. Obtaining the ability to stay on task and keep your riders focused in this way will provide some great preparation when those 5 new riders show up at the last minute.
Also, please share any other tips you have used to stay in control and command when all hell breaks loose.
Originally posted 2017-03-30 18:50:10.
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Ah yes, this goes under “things they don’t cover during your certification process”. Its a grow as you go, and be prepared to handle all kinds of surprises, thing.
But i love your idea of doing the whole warm-up off the bike. I think I might try it.
I too have begun more time increments off the bike which allows for that 1:1 personal and engaging time making riders feel special and know that i have confidence in them to be “responsible” for their warm up and not so much focus on “me”. As for the beginning of class interruptions and challenges I always choose to think of these as opportunities to learn, improve and chuckle sometimes at myself. I will occasionally call on one of the experienced riders to “lead” the warm up where they are called to step up, shine and lead. I have had the pleasure of some thoughtful experienced riders using clips, generously offer to switch their bike knowing they can quickly reset which is a great example to note as we are all in this journey together.
great tips. thanks tom
Tom, you made me laugh inside! I have had the same scenario many times…teaching while I am setting up new riders…..not the pedal part, though. 🙂 I handle the situation exactly the same because I don’t want the riders who are warmed up to wait on the new folks. Intervals seem to work well for me as well. Ocassionally I will ask one of my regular riders to watch the clock and give a time check to the group. Everyone is very understanding because they know I’m trying to do two things at once. I’ve also had situations where members are drinking all of their water. I will take water bottles out to the fountain and fill them up while we are in the middle of an interval. The fountain is right out the door in the hallway and I’d rather do that than have them get off of their bikes. Again, I may ask a “regular” to watch the clock for me and call out the timing. Thanks so much for your article. It’s a comfort to know I’m not alone in this world!
A day in the life… yep haven’t had the chance to sit on the bike to warm up with the class since week six of Cycling Fusion Winter Training. (had a captive audience that day)
Seriously, your example happens so regularly that the warm up walk around has now become standard in my classes. I catch up with my regulars and personally introduce my self to the newbies. I’ve got a good routine that is coaching and stand up all rolled into one. 🙂
Like finishing strong, a great start will bring them back for more.
Another good one Tom… Thanks