When: August 23, 2025. 9am to 12pm
Where: Emmaus Compost Center Course
Who: Rachel Rubino and You!
Experience Level: Beginner
Ages: All Ages. If we have a wide range of ages, we will break up the group.
What: A free and lightweight cyclocross skills clinic!
1. Welcome & Warm-Up (15–20 min)
- Intro of instructors and clinic purpose
- Icebreaker activity (e.g., favorite bike memory, how you found out about CX)
- Bike and helmet safety check
- Light dynamic warm-up + easy spin to get bodies moving
2. Cyclocross 101 (15 min)
- What is cyclocross? (Short explainer)
- Types of bikes (CX, gravel, MTB), clothing, and tire pressure basics
- Overview of a typical course (obstacles, terrain, laps)
- Community norms: inclusivity, heckling culture, and support systems
3. Skills Stations (60 min total; ~15 min per station)
Break the group into smaller pods if needed. Rotate through:
- Mounts & Dismounts
Teach step-by-step dismount and remount techniques; use cones or barriers. - Shouldering & Running with the Bike
A lightweight introduction to carrying the bike over barriers or up hills. - Cornering & Braking
Emphasize body position, vision, and confidence through turns. - Off-Camber Riding & Terrain Navigation
Practice on uneven or grassy terrain with guidance.
4. Break + Q&A (10 min)
- Water/snack break
- Ask Me Anything with instructors
5. Mini Course Practice (30 min)
- Mini CX course with taped sections, barriers, and cornering features
- Let participants ride it multiple times with feedback
- Encourage racing each other or just riding at their own pace
6. Wrap-Up & Community Connection (15 min)
- Group circle: share favorite part or something learned
- Hand out resource guides (local races, how to register, gear checklists)
- Share USA Cycling race license info