Overview
The 12-week ACTC Academy course (BD1 to BD12) consists of three four-class Modules which are described below.
The Academy classes start at various locations in and near San Jose. Each successive ride becomes increasingly longer and more challenging. Classes start promptly at 8:30 am and generally take most of the day.
Because new instruction is presented at every class students are required to attend regularly to graduate.
Riding during the week to practice skills and maintain endurance is strongly recommended.
Calendar
Downloadable Academy Schedule
Module 1:
Fundamental Bicycling Skills
(Bike Driving 1 to 4)
The curriculum in Module 1 (BD 1-4) consists of lectures, demonstrations, and supervised rides with the goal of getting each student comfortable riding on the street. You will learn the fundamental bike driving skills which include shifting, signaling and lane positioning. You will gain proficiency in basic bike maintenance and will be able to change a flat tire. The course includes an introduction to group riding. By the end of the 4-week course, students will be able to ride 25 miles of mostly flat terrain at a leisurely pace.
Space is limited to 16 students on a first come first served basis.
Fixing a flat
Group Cycling and Safety in Traffic
Module 2:
Intermediate Bicycling Techniques
(Bike Driving 5 to 8)
Module 2 (BD 5-8) is for students who want to increase their cycling competency on city streets, expressways and rural roads. Pacing, drafting and ascending/descending techniques are taught and practiced. Instruction in training zones, nutrition and ride recovery topics are included. Guidelines for purchasing a new bike are covered. By the end of the 4-week course, students will be able to ride 40 miles with some climbing.
Prerequisite: Graduation from Module 1.
Time Trial
Drafting
Module 3:
Road Cycling Skills
(Bike Driving 9 to 12)
The final Module 3 (BD 9-12) helps students build endurance and gain proficiency in mastering more complicated traffic conditions, climbing hills with technical descents, increasing bike maintenance skills. By the end of the session, students will be able to ride a metric century (62 miles) with a moderate amount of climbing.
Prerequisite: Graduation from Module 2.
Bike Maintenance
Metric Century
Academy Curriculum
This is a basic course of study presented over 12 weeks. Topics will be introduced and then the student will practice and demonstrate understanding and competence. Topics are reviewed in later classes and, for some topics, additional details will be presented. Lesson plans are provided, but may be modified to suit current needs of the students and occasions. Students have the responsibility to ask questions when the information presented is unclear or insufficient. Students should feel free to ask questions on any topic not covered.
Safety
- Riding in traffic
- Group riding safety and etiquette
- Descending and climbing techniques
- Taking the lane on narrow roads
Equipment
- How to adjust helmet for proper fit
- Size and fit of bike
- Guide to selecting the right kind of bike for your intended use
- Saddles: types, adjustment
- Gears-understanding how gears work. Making a gear chart
- Tools to have on a ride and those nice to have at home
- Clothing and shoes
- Types of pedals
- Accessories: mirrors, computers, bags etc
- How to fix a flat, remove and replace wheels
- Lights and Reflectors (for night riding)
- Maintenance of bicycle: cleaning, chain care, etc.
- Minor brake adjustments
- Minor Derailleur Adjusting
- Bike security - locks and safety
Fitness and Health
- Keeping a journal
- Aerobic heart rate
- Nutrition and how to eat
- Hydration and hydration systems
- How to build endurance
- How to increase strength
Skills and Techniques
- How to “start” the bike.
- Pedaling rhythm/cadence
- Holding your line
- Shifting effectively
- Proper lane position.
- Changing lanes safely
- Left turns - from left turn lane and box style
- Cornering system
- Climbing and descending
- Using momentum on rollers
- Starting and stopping smoothly and effectively
- Drafting.
- Emergency maneuvers - Quick Stop.
- Riding in the rain.
- Riding at night
Miscellaneous
- Details about ACTC (History, Communication, Rides, Events etc.)
- Bike Advocacy