Learning new skills on the bike to keep your mind sharp and your riding fun

Over the last nine weeks I’ve looked at various cyclingrelated activities that if you haven’t already done so, you might want to stick on your “to-do” list for 2018. It is, of course, a subjective list and open to personal opinion so feel free to ignore any or all of my suggestions. Ultimately, if you are out on your bike and doing something you love, then there should be no higher purpose in cycling.

However, my final suggestion is one that is perhaps a little more objective. Learning a new skill on your bike is perhaps, you may think, not a necessary requirement. You may have been riding for years and get on just fine with your current skill set – but before you jump on your bike and pedal off into the sunset, have a think about what you can currently do on your bike and consider if that, in any way, limits the way in which you ride.

When I talk about learning a new skill it is easy to think big and get carried away with ideas of pulling wheelies and similarly impressive tricks and, yes, such skills are fun and improve your riding ability, but they may not be for everyone. If you are riding technical trails and such a box of tools is going to improve your riding, then, by all means, go ahead and add them to your bag of learning.

However, what I am thinking about are more subtle and simple skills. Skills that are essential parts of cycling but often neglected. Fixing a puncture is a common one. I know quite a number of riders who, if pushed, could muddle their way through changing a punctured inner-tube, but certainly wouldn’t be confident about doing it. Other skills, such as completing a first aid course, don’t necessarily need to be directly related with the bike, but will benefit yourself and your riding buddies.

Hopefully such skills will never be needed, but the confidence gained from doing such a qualification is invaluable. Speaking of qualifications, there are numerous cycling-related qualifications you can do. From bike mechanic workshops to coaching and leadership awards, there are lots of courses and awards to get stuck into. The beauty of such courses is the new people you meet with exactly the same passions as yourself and the opportunities that lead on to new and exciting bike-related activities.

There is also the satisfaction of being able to share your new-found skills with others, either helping them improve their cycling or encouraging others to get on their bikes. Join the Blazing Saddles Strava Club at: www.strava. com/clubs/BlazingSaddlesWeekendCourier

Where to ride: Highland Hardline Events at: Round 1 – Learnie Red Rock, March 11 2018

Round 2 – Golspie, March 24 2018 Round 3 – DH Farm, Banff, May 27 2018 Two more event locations to be announced.

Description: Highland Hardline is a downhill mtb race series. It is run on a short course and aims to encourage young riders aged eight to 18 to compete in downhill mountain biking. As well as offering an introduction to the discipline to new riders, the courses will offer challenges to more experienced young riders. The series consists of five rounds, with each round increasing in technical difficulty, but each course will have “A” and “B” lines that offer two different levels of ability. Learning new skills, like fixing a puncture, can be of benefit. Picture: Getty Images.