‘BikeSmart Portland’ will teach cycling skills

Jim Anderson, the man behind the Monday Night Racing series and a successful series of women’s clinics, has launched a new business — BikeSmart Portland.

Partnering with Anderson is Russell Cree. Cree launched a cycling performance center in downtown Portland last month called Upper Echelon Fitness.

In a press release sent out yesterday, Anderson wrote that he’ll offer “unique classes” that will be, “an introduction to cycling and provide new riders with confidence and basic knowledge to get on the road.”

The classes are set to begin this fall and they are targeted toward intermediate cyclists who are new to riding in traffic. Russell Cree says that, “Cycling can be very intimidating” and he hopes the classes will help create confidence by going over the basics like how to ride in traffic, clipping in and out of pedals, how to shift, going down hill, and so on.

The classes will be held at Therapeutic Associates, Inc. in North Portland (4829 Martin Luther King Blvd.). Pre-registration is required for the classes and each hour-and-a-half class costs $15.00.

BikeSmart Portland joins several other options in town for improving your bike confidence.

The non-profit Community Cycling Center offers an array of clinics and classes from urban to family cycling. The Bicycle Transportation Alliance gives hundreds of bike commute clinics to businesses each year, and Gracie’s Wrench offers workshops geared toward businesses who want to have more of their employees biking to work.

More info and details at BikeSmartPortland.com.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Brian Johnson
15 years ago

Awesome.

I think it would be great if they could hold some clinics out in the various community centers/church parking lots/etc.

Education is key. Gotta take it TO the people. Make it easy (clinic is close by) for folks to attend and find out how to ride safely and responsibly in traffic.

Sort of like a “tent revival” you take the clinics to the people rather than making them come to the clinic.

Education, education, education!

Russell @ Upper Echelon Fitness

Excellent idea, Brian. And something we could easily do, especially when the weather gets good again. This is a fun project and we’re excited about. Thanks for the feedback!

RC

Aaron
Aaron
15 years ago

KUDOS!
I’m thrilled to hear about more bike education. Whether we want to admit it or not, there is a sore need for everyone to be more educated on safe road cycling. I hope to hear lots of positive comments here.
Thanks

Jim
15 years ago

BikeSmart Portland Cycling Classes

WHAT:
BikeSmart’s introductory class for road cycling will focus on the basic knowledge and skills to get you riding safely and on the road. Class size is limited will be limited to ensure high quality instruction. No need to bring your bike for the 101 class. This class is held in a classroom format with plenty of time for question/answer. All classes run an hour and a half with time for Q and A at the end. Register NOW for Road Cycling 101, at http://www.bikesmartportland.com

This class may cover the following topics:
• Cycling Terminology
• Cycling Etiquette
• Essential equipment and clothing
• Basics of bike positioning for comfort and performance
• Shifting your bike
• Clipping into your pedals
• Braking
• Descending
• Cornering
• Climbing
• Riding in a group
• Lighting and locking
• Common mistakes
• Preride checklist and preparation

WHEN:
Classes are from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. In October classes will be held on Tuesdays (21st and 28th) and Thursdays (23rd and 30th). In November, we switch to having classes held on Mondays (3rd, 10th, 17th) and Wednesdays (5th, 12th, 19th).

COST:
Pre-registration is required through http://www.bikesmartportland.com. Classes cost $15.00.

WHERE:
The classes are held at Therapeutic Associates, Inc.’s North Portland office at 4829 Martin Luther King Blvd., Suite 101. Portland, OR 97211. Office is located between NE Alberta St. and NE Wygant St. on NE MLK Blvd. There is ample car and bike parking available. Bringing a bicycle to class is not required.

REGISTER NOW:
http://bikesmartportland.com/?page_id=24

MORE INFO:
Contact Jim Anderson, 503-975-8229 or jim@bikesmartportland.com