CAN-BIKE Touring Skills I and II

CCA CAN-BIKE Program

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This course develops cyclists' touring skills in classroom and on-bike environments. The course is designed to meet the needs of the serious bicycle tourist. But even the casual cyclist will benefit from the material by understanding the larger context of multi-day, self-contained bicycle tours.
 
 

Course Aims

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

• plan and conduct a multi-day, self-contained tour for themselves and a group of friends;
• develop confidence in their mechanical skills and self-sufficiency;
• understand and practice the basics of safe traffic cycling practices;
• understand and practice the basics of group riding;
• pack and ride a loaded touring bicycle.

Course Scope

The course encompasses classroom and on-bike learning. Classroom components focus on organizational elements of preparing for a biycle tour, understanding and selecting a touring bicycle, adjusting and maintaining the bicycle, basic roadside repairs, transporting a bicycle, selecting clothing for bicycle touring, choosing touring accessories, packing the bike for touring, nutrition and menu planning, and finding and using resourses to assist with planning. On-road components include basic traffic skills, hazard awareness, techniques for riding comfortably for long periods, group riding, and practicing classroom lessons.

The course may be conducted in conjunction with a short overnight tour, providing cyclists with additional practice in applying concepts discussed in the classroom.

The course content is designed for cyclists new to bicycle touring. Participants should be reasonably fit and be regular cyclists. If an overnight tour is involved, participants should be prepared for overnight camping.
 

Course Outline

The general course outline is presented below. Time allotments and emphasis will vary from course to course depending on the leader and the participants. 20 hours instruction (including 5 hour day tour), plus optional overnight camping tour.
 

Class 1	The Touring Bicycle  Introduction  Essentials  the touring bicycle  sizing the bicycle to the rider  the quick bike check  routine maintenance  travelling with a bicycle
Class 2	Riding Technique  Riding technique  traffic technique  group riding skills  hazard awareness  Clothing for touring  First aid
Workshop 1	Day Tour  Individual bike set up  Quick bike check  Riding techniques  Group riding
Class 3	Touring Equipment and Camping  Choosing touring accessories  Packing  what to bring  the art of packing  Camping  skills  equipment  Nutrition  Security
Class 4	Tour Planning  Planning  resources  process  exercise  menues  Map reading  Preparing for overnight trip  form tent/food groups
Workshop 2	Camping Tour (Overnight)

 

Enrollment

5 - 16 participants.
 

Participant Requirements

A bicycle in safe operating condition (hint: take your bicycle to a reputable bike shop to have it inspected and repaired before the course). Approved bicycle helmet and appropriate clothing for day-long ride. Pen, paper or notebook.
 

Instructors

Nationally certified CAN-BIKE instructors, all experienced cyclists, teach all courses.
 

Classroom requirements:

Blackboard and chalk, TV/VCR, Overhead projector

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For more information:

CAN-BIKE Hotline:
Phone: (306) 978-BIKE (978-2453) or
Toll-Free: 1-888-CAN-BIKE (1-888-226-2453)

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