Cycle Maintenance

The Club is organising a cycle maintenance course, free, for members at Wickamford Village Hall on Tuesdays 11th and 18th November and Tuesday 2nd December from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. It will be hosted by 3 Wheelers: Steve Tarlin, John Jenkins and Martin Halls who between them have had to deal with all maintenance and self-rescue issues likely to be met by any cyclist in their shared 100 years of cycling. Rather than sitting and listening, course members will have the opportunity to try out all the newly learned skills on their own bikes during the evenings. Question and answer sessions should ensure that the sessions are relevant and meaningful. Club members may choose to attend all sessions or just a selection.

The first week, 11th November, will be for new or inexperienced cyclists who are competent on the road but are not sure how to deal with basic procedures like repairing punctures, adjusting brakes, lubrication and adjusting a bike to fit properly. We will also look at essential tools to carry on a ride and to have at home.

In week two, 18th November, we assume a knowledge of the above and move on to replacing parts like cables, chains, brake blocks, headsets and bottom brackets together with adjusting gears. An anecdotal session on “getting home with a broken bike” ought to test our tutors’ memories this week!

Week three, 2nd December, will respond to questions from experienced riders. Wheel trueing and building will certainly be on the agenda. Who knows what else?
The sessions are open to all current members but the Village Hall has limited space if everyone brings their bike to adjust! Priority will go to members who book their sessions in advance by contacting Martin Halls on 01386 593104 or martinhalls@btinternet.com, from whom a more detailed course schedule is available by email.

If there is demand, further courses may be held. Come to the AGM on 25th November to discuss it!