1. Cornering with precision and confidence
Cornering is a skill every cyclist can refine, especially as kids progress to winding trails or paths. Proper cornering techniques involve not only steering but also balancing body position, leaning, and anticipating the turn’s exit.
Lean and look: Encourage kids to look where they want to go, not just at their front wheel, and shift their weight slightly towards the inside of the turn. This builds confidence for sharper turns and prevents abrupt or jerky movements.
Mastering body position: Instruct riders to keep their outer foot down, adding stability by keeping weight on the outside pedal. Practising this on wide, empty paths or gradual inclines helps young riders feel how lean, speed, and balance interact.
Adding a practice course with varied turns, curves, and markers for entry and exit points is an engaging way to help kids finesse this skill.
2. Efficient climbing and descending
Once comfortable with moderate terrain, autumn’s crisp air makes it the perfect time to introduce hill techniques. Hills help riders develop leg strength and stamina, while learning how to effectively navigate climbs and descents adds another layer of cycling expertise.
Climbing techniques: Teach kids to lean slightly forward when climbing and to keep a smooth, consistent cadence. Experimenting with standing climbs is also valuable, as it can give extra power when needed, particularly on steeper sections.
Descending with control: For downhill stretches, encourage kids to shift weight backwards and keep their arms relaxed for better control. A light touch on both brakes helps them regulate speed, avoiding abrupt stops or skids. Gradual descents on forest paths or park trails are excellent for practising these skills in a safe setting.
3. Using gears effectively
If your child is riding a geared bike, understanding when and how to shift gears can make a world of difference in comfort and efficiency, especially on variable terrain.
Smooth gear transitions: Introduce them to gradual, smooth shifts, beginning on flat terrain. Explain how to shift into a lower gear for climbs, making it easier to pedal, and higher gears for smooth paths to build speed without overexertion.
Developing anticipation: Encourage them to shift gears before they start climbing or descending. This “pre-emptive” shifting prevents unexpected stalls or the strain of shifting under pressure. Practising on short hills or gentle slopes is ideal, as it lets them experiment and feel the difference in resistance.
4. Advanced braking techniques
Brake modulation—the ability to apply varied pressure on the brakes—is key to controlling speed and handling unexpected stops.
Rear vs. front brake mastery: Teach kids to rely on the rear brake for minor speed adjustments and the front brake for a more controlled stop. Practising this distinction on different terrain helps them understand braking physics and prepares them for mixed surfaces.
Emergency braking: For times when a quick stop is needed, kids should practise using both brakes together while shifting weight back. This technique not only helps with rapid stopping but also improves their balance and reaction time, especially in unexpected situations on shared paths.
5. Bunny hops and basic jumps
Once they have built a solid foundation of control, balance, and strength, they might be ready for small jumps and bunny hops—skills that add confidence and agility to trail riding.
Bunny hop basics: The bunny hop—a jump using both wheels to lift the bike off the ground—helps riders clear small obstacles without dismounting. Teach kids to compress downwards by squatting slightly, then pulling up and forward on the handlebars as they spring up. Begin with low obstacles like painted lines or small cones.
Building jumping confidence: Small slopes or ramps in bike parks are fantastic for first jumps. Encourage kids to stay loose and focus on landing with control, absorbing the impact with their legs. This skill adds versatility for uneven terrain and can be extremely rewarding once mastered.
6. Navigating variable terrain
Autumn trails are an inviting setting to explore and develop multi-terrain skills. Practising on gravel, grass, mud, or even small puddles builds adaptability and awareness.
Sand and loose gravel riding: Encourage kids to keep their weight back slightly and their grip loose, which allows them to glide over these surfaces without losing balance. A steady cadence helps maintain forward momentum, while slightly relaxed hands help absorb any unexpected jolts.
Mud patches and wet leaves: Autumn often brings mud patches and damp leaves on trails, so teaching kids to ride straight through (without sudden turns) prevents slips. This encourages a greater level of environmental awareness, helping them anticipate and adjust to changing surfaces.
7. Route planning and navigation
Understanding route planning and navigation can deepen a young cyclist’s sense of independence, especially as they venture on longer rides with the family.
Map skills and local trails: Encourage kids to look at maps or digital apps with you, identifying key features like parks, roads, and paths. Let them suggest stops or detours, teaching them to visualise the route and think about pacing.
Setting a goal: Help them plan a route that includes specific goals, such as reaching a lookout point or following a loop trail. The sense of accomplishment at the end will enhance their confidence, encouraging more adventurous cycling.
8. Riding in groups and building road awareness
Autumn’s quieter streets make it an ideal time to begin introducing these skills.
Staying together: Explain the importance of keeping a consistent speed and following behind others without overtaking unexpectedly. Practising calls and hand signals as a family or in small groups also adds structure to the ride.
Awareness of road rules: If they’re ready for minor road riding, reinforce the “look both ways” rule at crossings and introduce basic hand signals for turning. Teaching them to check over their shoulder when changing direction improves their spatial awareness and helps them ride more safely.
Remember to always have a relaxed post-ride chat about what your kids enjoyed or found challenging. It allows them to reflect and celebrate their success, all while enjoying the beauty of an autumn day outdoors!
