Welcome to the Rookies Home page, riders generally aged 5 to 9 and beginners

What's it about?

Rookie sessions introduce and teach cycling skills through a variety of fun games and activities. The sessions are adapted to make them easier or harder dependent on the group. Some can be made into informal competitions or team games. Coaches will cover many of the basic cycling skills: Balance and co-ordination, stopping and braking, riding together and pace judgement.

What's expected of riders & Parents?

Rookies can opt in and out of CSP sessions at any time. Youngsters are welcome to become members or alternatively continue to attend informally. Weather has a big bearing on their enjoyment particularly in cold periods and although we rarely cancel sessions there is no pressure to attend. However Rookies will prepare riders thoroughly when they are ready to move up to 'Boot Camp'.... the next age group up, where CSP membership is a requirement and an obligation to work toward the CSP Level 2 awards is encouraged.

Parents have a role too! Parents should give full support and encouragement and remain at sessions. There should be no pressure to become competitive, this is 100% fun. Parents, this is a great time to think about riding too, you can play a big role with family rides and trips out. Youngsters under 5 are welcome as siblings of members and will be integrated into sessions if at all possible. If this is not possible, our coaches will give advice and guidance.

Parents: please read our CSP codes of conduct - this is very important

What can CSP Rookies achieve?

There are lots of fun sessions that the Rookies will experience:

• Pushing and scooting
• Limbo bars
• Bottle passes
• Ride the circle
• Ride the Line
• Figure of 8 relay
• And many more

CSP have qualified ride and Bikability leaders and there will be opportunities to experience club rides and family rides into open country safely and expertly supervised. Pendle has excellent access routes via tow paths and cycle ways. Bull Holme playing fields Barrowford has off road and Mountain bike facilities which offers additional opportunities for the Rookies.

Before moving up to the next age group, there will be opportunity to complete Bikability level 1 and 2 award. This is a programme in road safety education. 

What happens when I grow our of Rookies?

Towards the end of your time in Rookies we hope you will be a full member of CSP and have many of the skills required to progress. You will have made friends and be ready to move up to 'Boot Camp' with them (10+).