2.2 THE RIDERS – Die Teilnehmer
Begin assessing your riders from the moment they arrive. Expect your riders to begin assessing you as well. Be professional and respectful. You are setting the tone as an engaged, safe, trustworthy, and fun leader. Your riders may be feeling nervous and/or excited. Convey confidence and appreciation.
Rider Assessment – It is essential to start assessing your riders from the moment you meet them. Apart from creating a good first impression, you are collecting important information. Rider’s names, how much riding they have done, where they’ve ridden, how they feel about riding over certain obstacles, and what their goals are for the lesson.
First Impressions – First impressions are very important. Introduce yourself to each rider as the instructor. Ask names (using name tags is helpful when working with a group). Let them know what will be happening next, and where to go. If the rider is a minor, it is important to greet the parent/guardian – they are passing over responsibility for their child.
Introductions – This is your opportunity to get to know your riders and their goals for the skills lesson. Share some brief information about yourself and what really excites you about teaching. Learn each rider’s name, where they’re from, and how long they’ve been riding. This helps instill leadership and bonding throughout your group. Icebreaker games can be a fun way to develop camaraderie between riders.
Expectations – Tell the riders what to expect. It is important to be very clear about what the lesson will include. Riders need to understand the degree of difficulty and physical demands of the lesson before it begins, so they can make decisions about what is safe for them to participate in. Ask riders if the objectives of the session meet their expectations. At this point, some riders may feel that the session is beyond their capabilities, or not quite what they were looking for. Use initiative and interpersonal skills to make the best decisions for each rider and the group.
Equipment Checks – Equipment must be in good working order before departing for the lesson. Complete a hands-on inspection of bikes and helmets before heading to the skills lesson.
- Does the bike appear to fit the rider?
- Is the seat height appropriate for the rider and the skills lesson?
- Do the front and rear quick-release skewers appear secure?
- Does the rider have appropriate clothing for the weather conditions?
- Ask if the riders have enough food and water.
- Is everyone wearing the proper protective equipment for the skills lesson – knee pads, elbow pads, and full-face helmets?
