Join us for our first virtual “Get Out and Bike” workshop! During the pandemic, we are excited to cover the basics online—so you can get some exercise and fresh air, test ride your commute, or just have some fun!

“Get Out and Bike” virtual workshop
Tuesday, May 19
5:30-6:30 pm
FREE, click here to register

Come to this workshop to refresh your skills and learn:
– how to fit a bike and helmet
– what clothing and gear you need (and don’t need)
– how to “read” the street and ride safely
– how to plan your route
– how to do an “ABC Quick Check” and do a “power start” and “controlled stop”

We offer our Everyday Bicycling Workshops in Partnership with Local Motion!

Email Bethany@VitalCommunities.org to schedule an Everyday Bicycling Workshop in your town!

The Workshops

Everyday Bicycling Basics: Fix A Flat & More This easy welcoming workshop for beginners gives you the skills to manage common problems encountered on a bike ride. While learning how to change a tire, you’ll become familiar with brakes, chain/gears, and how to remove a wheel. Participants leave with free tire levers, chain lube, and patch kit!

Bring a bike to practice on, if you have one. Hands-on practice will be done in pairs, so there are always enough bikes to go around! Please note: many entry-level bikes aren’t designed for much adjustment and can be frustrating to work on. If you have questions about whether to bring your bike to this workshop, call 802.291.9100 x111 or e-mail us.

Everyday Bicycling Basics: Getting Into Bicycling
Haven’t been on a bike since you were 13? Come to this workshop to refresh your skills and learn:
– how to fit a bike and helmet
– what gear you need (and don’t need)
– how to “read” the street and ride safely
– how to do a “power start” and “controlled stop” and how to better handle your bike
– snacks provided! ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING A WORKING BIKE AND A HELMET.

Everyday Bicycling Basics: On-Street Bike Skills Designed to follow the “Skills Refresher” workshop. Build your skills & confidence for riding your bike on the road. We will review some skills in the parking lot and then head out for a narrated bike ride with periodic pull-offs to discuss conditions encountered and how best to respond. Snacks provided! ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING A WORKING BIKE AND A HELMET.

Winter Warrior Bike Workshop Get the tips & tricks from an experienced year-round bike commuter! We’ll cover how to plan a winter commute, how to dress, snow and ice safety, and how to keep your bike clean. This workshop is held indoors; no need to bring your bike.

Do you want to walk or bike to work but aren’t sure what trails and routes are available? Visit the Upper Valley Trails Alliance and click on Trail Finder to see detailed information on many Upper Valley trails that can be used for commuting!

The Upper Valley Loop Trail is a signed on-road bike route connecting Hanover, Lebanon, Hartford, and Norwich. Keep an eye out for UV Loop signs.

Can’t make the whole trip on bike or foot? Try a hybrid commute: bike to catch a carpool or bus and get some exercise on your commute.

Are you interested in biking to work but haven’t been on your bike in years and not sure where to start? Check our calendar or see below for Everyday Bicycling Workshops coming to your community in the warmer months. Workshops are free but registration is required.

Organize a group of eight to ten coworkers or friends and contact us to set up your own free Everyday Bicycling Workshop series to teach you the basics and get you comfortable on your bike again. Contact us to schedule a workshop. Read more about the program for workplaces on our blog.

“I LOVED our bike workshop with you yesterday.  You were an amazing presenter, so easy going and funny, but also very helpful and informative.  Thank you so much for taking the time to help our team get ready to launch our bike share program.”

– Laura Perez, Special Needs Support Center

ABC Quick Check: A two-minute safety check to make sure your bike is road-worthy

A – AIR: Squeeze your tires. If they’re squishy, pump them up. Low air pressure makes you feel sluggish and tired while riding. Both under- and over-inflated tires can cause blowouts. See the fine print on the side of your tires for the correct psi.

B – BRAKES: Stand beside your bike and squeeze each brake lever as you push the bike forward. Does the front wheel stop when you apply the front brake? Does the rear wheel stop when you apply the rear brake? If so, GREAT!

Now spin each wheel. Do the brake pads rub against the rim? If not, GREAT! If so, you’re slowing down your ride and wearing out your brake pads, so it’s time for an adjustment.

C – CHAIN & CRANKS: Your chain should be fairly clean, free of rust, and move smoothly and quietly. Use WD-40 or special bike chain lubricant if needed.

Yank on each pedal. The crank – the piece that attaches the pedal to the bike – shouldn’t wiggle.

QUICK – Quick Releases: These are the small levers that tighten down your seat to the bike and your wheels to their hubs. The levers should run parallel to the bike (no pointing out to the sides!) and be tight enough that they leave a faint impression on your palm when you push them into place. Too loose and your seat will slide down as you ride and your wheels might come off!

CHECK – Take your bike for a 30 seconds spin to make sure everything sounds good and works well.

The ABC Quick Check should take 2 minutes, tops! If something is broken, get it fixed before you ride. There are lots of great how-to videos online or have a friend or nearby bike shop fix it.