Budding cyclists will have an opportunity to brush up on their riding skills when recreational cycling is added to the Cycling Otago racing programme at the end of the month.
The idea is to accommodate those who want to ride on a marshalled course with other riders but do not want, or are not ready, to race.
"It will be held in conjunction with Cycling Otago's Saturday road-racing programme," CoachForce Bike development Officer with Sport Otago Shane Melrose told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
Recreation cycling has increased in popularity in the North Island and Nelson.
It is expected to work the same way in Otago.
The recreational class will run alongside Category 4 racing, which caters to those who wish to race, but not over the full distance travelled by riders in the higher categories.
"There will be experienced cyclists on hand to give advice," Melrose said. "This class will offer those with little knowledge of cycling a much less intimidating environment in which to give cycling a go.
"It is designed to break down the preconceived barriers that make cycling look so scary to those who have not participated before."
New riders can start in the recreational class and learn the basics of bike riding and racing before moving up to the Category 4 class.
"Once a rider is competent in this class they can step up to the longer distances of Category 3 races," Melrose said.
"It means there are more opportunities for people to be involved with the club but in a more social setting."
