Our staff is committed to inspiring and nurturing a love for cycling in children. In order to do this, we present the Hero Legacy Foundation Programme every Wednesday, free of charge, to little ones. We alternate the venue between Specialized Paarl and Spice Route Destination to teach our little heroes the skills they need to take on the incredible trails we have around us when they are a little bit bigger and older. The programme comprises two levels.
As of this year, 6 badges are awarded to participants as they master the skills focused on for that badge. The intention behind the badge system is to provide our heroes with an understanding of the sport, the equipment and the environment. While most of them come to the classes to make friends, take some (safe) risks and have fun, we have learnt that they come to realise that persistent focus is needed for improvement. It is also worth noting that if a class is missed, we adapt and the skills will be taught or caught up on at another time. We also adapt to our riders’ skill level and age – in the end it’s all about seeing them on their bicycles and enjoying the sport. And all the while parents are able to enjoy some much-needed downtime.
Read more about what our programme comprises of, here:
Badge 1: Safety First
Skills taught and information shared includes, but is not limited to:
– No helmet; No ride
– Appropriate shoes
– Safe braking (back brake only)
– Front brake usage is taught once the basics are down and the child shows interest to learn. (Badge 3)
– Respecting your fellow cyclist
– Balance as well as how to use your body weight to your advantage.
– Communication on trail
Badge 2: Balance
Skills taught and information shared includes, but is not limited to:
– Riding without side pedals (balance bike)
– Riding with pedals
– Standing whilst pedalling
– Traversing the pump track unassisted
– Cyclist caution
– Pump track terms
– Body positioning
Badge 3: Braking
Skills taught and information shared includes, but is not limited to:
– Cyclist caution
– Using both brakes
– Standing whilst turning and using the brake
– Flow (this being the correct usage of bodyweight and body positioning)
– Push and pull (introduction to jumping)
– Time trials
Badge 4: Route
Skills taught and information shared includes, but is not limited to:
– Cyclist caution
– Pump track handling: berms, flow and technical skills
– recognising signage on the trails (For example colour arrows, danger and caution, using trail names to memorise your route)
Badge 5: Climbing
Skills taught and information shared includes, but is not limited to:
– Included in badges 1 – 4
– Core building which is essential to climbing; Flexing the core instantly grants you more balance in tricky situations
– Standing whilst pedalling
– Endurance
– Introduction to obstacles (rocks, bridges etc.)
Badge 6: Descending
Skills taught and information shared includes, but is not limited to:
– Downhill skills (this varies according to the cyclist’s age and size)
– Training at Specialized Paarl Skills ground
– Advanced look at obstacles in downslope positions
– Body positioning to compensate for these obstacles
– Using your eyes to survey the trail and choose lines correctly
– Advanced training in jumping mechanics.
We look forward to seeing you and your cycling champs on our tracks. Hero Legacy Foundation classes are on Wednesdays from 16:00 to 17:00 and alternate between Specialized Paarl and Spice Route Destination. Keep an eye on our socials or get updates via our ChatBot.
