Getting started in cycling is easier that you might think. Here is a quick guide to help those new to cycling gain a better understanding on how to get their kids involved in the fun and healthy sport of cycling.

Licence

Every rider involved in club events needs a licence. A Cycling Australia KIDZ participation licence cost $5 per year. This covers riders for club road and track events. As riders progress they will require an open licence to compete in events beyond club racing. There are different rules that apply to MTB events and riders require a seperate licence. (see the mtb section below for licence details)

Safety gear
Every rider needs to wear an approved helmet when riding in club events. Gloves are recommended. Shorts, a t-shirt, and a good pair of joggers is all you need to get started.

Bike
If you don't already have a bike we have three great bike shops in the Highlands who would be happy to guide you through the process of selecting a bike that is the right fit for you. To get started generally juniors can use the bike they already have. The club has qualified coaches that can help you make sure your kids bike is suitable and setup correctly.

The Southern Highlands Cycling Club holds events in three different disciplines. Road cycling, Velodrome track racing and Off road mountain biking.

Road Cycling
Generally speaking road cycling is not the place to start for juniors. It takes time to learn the etiquette and skills necessary to race safely on the road. Riding in close proximity to others, sometimes called bunch riding takes practice. The club holds road racing events all year round on a variety of up to 10 different circuits. Other than the Hanging Rock course and Tycan crit course, where the club holds junior events suitable for riders from U9's upwards, road racing is restricted to under 15's and over. For more information on junior involvement in road racing talk to one of the club coaches.

Velodrome Track cycling
The Olympic sport of Track cycling is one of the oldest cycling disciplines. The bikes are specialized fixed gear bikes and ridden on oval closed circuit tracks. This is a great place for kids to get started. You don't need a dedicated track bike. The club caters for road bikes and kids can get started with a mountain bike or BMX bike. Racing is held on Thursday nights at 6pm during summer months at Eridge Park Bowral.

Mountain Biking (MTB)
The club utilizes 4 different MTB tracks in the Highlands including a short circuit track at Bong Bong racecourse. It is common for kids to get started on BMX bikes. The club recommends that when younger riders are new that they ride with an adult at the bushland circuits such as Welby and Wingello. If mum or Dad doesn't have a bike talk to the club coaches. Mountain Biking is a great place for juniors to get involved in cycling. The club holds racing all year round for MTB.

MTB Licencing for mountain biking events a 'Day Licence' can be purchased at the race venue for $15.00, but a full MTBA membership saves you money for a junior if you participate in just 4 or more events or for a senior if you participate in only 5 or more events in 12 months you save!. Full details of Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) benefits can be found on the MTBA website. See also MTBA membership FAQ.

Cost
Racing costs $3 per week for juniors. Training and coaching sessions are mostly free of charge. Training days and training camps may have associated costs dependant of the events.

What else to bring
A water bottle, maybe a healthy snack such as fruit or a muesli bar.

Parent or Guardian club policy
It is club policy that junior riders must have a parent or guardian present at all times during training sessions or when a race meeting is being held.

For more information check out the club calendar and come along and watch racing. This is often the easiest way to introduce kids to what goes on at a race meeting. Or you can contact the club directly. Information is on the contacts page of the website.