Of course you've got questions!
These are the only “standard” answers that you’ll get from me – everything else is bespoke for the moment.
"Is this even for me?"
Lots of people have tried to get me riding a bike, can you?
Hopefully. You can see what I do from the “how I work” page; we’ll talk about how you feel, what you want to do and what you’ve tried before.
We’ll agree a plan that you’re comfortable with before spending time together, have the session and then review.
Hopefully you’ll feel it’s been worthwhile. If not, we can shake hands and head off at any time knowing that we’ve done our best.
I'm petrified of riding on the road/downhill/in traffic; can you help?
Definitely. By talking about what petrified means for you, we can get a strategy together to help you feel more comfortable.
Initially, it might not even involve riding, more visualising and discussion to boost your confidence, help you rate your perception of risk, and ease anxiety ahead of getting out on the road.
How do I know if you're the right coach for me?
Us being right for each other is crucial; if I don’t think I can help you, I don’t want to take your money or your time.
You’ll have a feel for me from this website, what you’ve seen on Facebook, LinkedIn, or heard around and about.
If after our initial conversation you don’t feel right, the only thing I ask is that you don’t ghost me – a quick “no thanks” is perfect.
If we have a session, and you don’t feel it’s right, the same applies. No pressure, or hassles!
"What do I need?"
My bike/clothes have seen better days
So have mine! Seriously, if it works for you, is comfortable, or good enough to get you going, that is absolutely perfect.
My grandad used to say “there is more to catch the fisherman than the fish”, and cycling is no different!
Do I need clip-in pedals?
Definitely not; they can be a hazard to be honest… Even from a performance perspective, the gains of clip in vs. flat pedals are marginal. Cycling shoes with stiff soles vs. trainers are a much better solution for casual riding.
Can you supply a bike?
Possibly; I can borrow my wife’s or daughter’s bike, but if you’re much taller/shorter than 5’ 4” neither will do you any favours. Using one of the Leeds/Bradford bike hire scheme bikes is always an option.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
It’s your choice; I do, but I certainly won’t force anyone to wear one. Similarly, I always wear gloves to protect my hands if the worst happens, but wouldn’t insist that you do.
"What does coaching actually look like?"
What happens in a first session?
That depends on what you need and what we decide together is the best approach. We might sit down with coffee, cake, paper and small plastic bikes talking about different situations, how they feel and how you respond to them. That needn’t be face-to-face if being online fits best with your diary or location.
We could be heading out for a country ride, or stood at the side of the road with your bike, some tools and greasy fingers.
It’s all about what you want to do, and what we agree on how we’d like to do it.
Where do you work?
Geographically, I’m based in Guiseley and happy to travel in a 10-15 mile radius. If we feel I can help you online, the world is literally our oyster.
Location wise, I’ll work in the best place to be to achieve our goal; a car park, quiet street, online, busy or country roads, coffee shop, or a cycle track.
Do I have to be local to work with you?
If you want to do something that doesn’t need us to be physically with each other, absolutely not. If it’s something where we need to be together, let’s have a conversation about exactly where you are, what you want and if we can make it work.
Do you work evenings/weekends/early mornings?
Yes, yes and yes. I’m here to fit around you.
"What if life gets in the way?"
What if I need to cancel a session?
Just let me know with as much notice as possible; we can then rearrange to a better time for you.
If it’s a last minute thing, with less than 24 hours notice, I may charge you if I can’t refill the time, you’ve cancelled on the day before, or if you just don’t turn up.
Some will say that I’m not commercial enough, others that I’m “too nice”. Either way, I sleep well with it.
I've got an injury, can you work around that?
Possibly. I don’t want to do anything that will make it worse, but if I can help with your rehab, well that’s perfect.
If you think you have an injury, but are not sure, Mayu at West Point Practice (www.westpointpractice.co.uk/team/mayuri-amin/), is an outstanding physio who helped me go from running zero miles a week to sub-5 hours at the Barcelona marathon in 12 weeks after injury. Her focus is on helping you do what you want safely, rather than preventing you for safety.
I’ll always err on the side of caution and leave you to make the decision; the last thing I want to do is make you feel pressured to do anything that will do you harm.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you want us to do together; a quick spruce up of your bike and confidence boost for you, could get you where you want to be in 2-3 hours.
If you want to learn how to ride a bike, and then have the skills and stamina to complete a 100 mile ride, that will take a while longer.
The bottom line for me is that if you’ve achieved what you want to do from our initial plan, you don’t feel it’s working, or I don’t feel that I’m giving you value, that’s the point to stop.
It’s how I’d like to be looked after, and the spirit of my cancellation policy, just when we’re together.
"Can we...?"
Are you happy to arrange family or group sessions?
Yes, with the caveat that it depends on what you all need; if as a family one of you is on a balance bike and someone else wants to ride time-trials, we’d be best off getting everyone to a level separately, and then coming together.
Can you teach my young person how to ride?
Let’s talk about what you’ve done together, what I can do that’s different, and if you think that I am what you need. As you'd expect, I have a clear, Enhanced DBS check.
I'm an aspiring tri-athlete, should we talk?
It depends what you want; if it's a ride partner, someone to help you keep motivated, it's definitely worth a chat; as you may have gathered, I won't kid you about where I can and can't give you value.
If you are looking for a Physical Trainer, and you’ve read this far, you need to speak with TeeJay Jones at All Change Personal Training (http://www.allchangepersonaltraining.co.uk/about/trainers/).
We’re similarly different to what you expect in our approaches; she could be just the PT you want, but didn’t think existed.
I've signed up for a big crazy event and have no clue where to start; can you help?
Big crazy event you say? You’ve obviously missed my cycling CV page!
Seriously, the short answer is “yes”, and the long one is “hell yeah; you don’t get a photo collection like this without hard work, planning and learning what works by making mistakes, plus an acceptance that it may not be fun at the time…