Cyclewise Academy

Our Cyclewise Academy

The Cyclewise Academy was founded in 2010 with the goal of “Making it Happen” for our young riders.
We have a dedicated team of qualified volunteer leaders and a dynamic and growing membership of 8 to 18-year-olds.

Professional, Knowledgeable, Passionate, Dedicated, Inspiring, Efficient and Fun are just some of the words our members use to describe their Cyclewise Academy experience.

The Cyclewise Academy was the first club to gain British Cycling ‘Clubmark’ accreditation in the North of England.

What We Do

Cyclewise Academy

Building on our experiences, we have developed a programme of Academy sessions. These are structured and have a logical approach. We operate strategically planned home and away days. Enabling learning in different locations on a variety of terrain.

We aim to have at least 6 sessions at Whinlatter and 6 sessions in other areas during the course of our Academy year.

We also regularly arrange trips and overnight stays with other MTB clubs. This is a fantastic opportunity for the members to meet and make friends with other riders of a similar age and ability.

Our Cyclewise Academy leaders are proficient at providing and delivering a variety of led rides which have something for everyone.

Incorporated into these sessions are the following –

Skills
Navigation
Leadership
First Aid
Mechanics/Maintenance
Hydration
Nutrition
Racing
Advice on the kit required to keep you comfortable and warm in winter and cool in the summer.

This fantastic learning environment lays the foundations of the skills associated with the sport of Mountain Biking.  Above all it makes our sport SAFE and FUN for all the youngsters participating.

Members meet at the Academy clubhouse behind the Cyclewise Whinlatter shop.

In summer, the sessions usually run from 10am – 3pm. They are shortened to 10am – 1pm in the winter.

Times can change according to the location, weather, etc. Members will be advised of this via our Facebook Group.

Our Aims

The Aim Of The Cyclewise Academy Is Really Quite Simple:

Navigation Training

To provide opportunities for young bikers to enjoy fun, safe and exciting mountain biking. This takes place in one of the world’s best places to bike, the Lake District. It all happens with the support of our highly experienced and qualified group of leaders and coaches. Along with the support of an amazing committee.

Skills Coaching

To provide a progressive structure of coaching sessions to enable the riders to improve their technique and their understanding of the sport. Resulting in them obtaining more enjoyment from their riding and giving you the peace of mind that they will be safe.

Group Riding

Enable members to meet other like-minded young riders of a similar age and ability. This creates a supportive riding family. There is also the opportunity to visit other clubs and areas to not only widen their friendship groups but also their experiences of different terrain.

Our Academy Leaders & Commitee

 Cyclewise Academy Skills CoachingThe Academy is managed by a team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom have their own kids in the club.
All leaders are British Cycling qualified to either Level 2 or Level 3. Some also hold the Night Leader Award, which means we can also run very exciting sessions in the dark.

The leaders all possess First Aid qualifications and are enhanced DBS checked.

We also have some very talented coaches and riders as part of the academy team. This enhances our reputation for providing outstanding training sessions and why we usually have a waiting list to join the club!

We also have a dedicated core of super-dynamic committee members. They meet once a month for some behind-the-scenes organisation, ensuring we continue to provide a good-quality experience for all.
As a voluntarily run organisation we are always on the lookout for extra hands to help aid, develop and expand the academy. Please contact us for further details via our Academy Facebook Page if you would like to join this dedicated team of parents and volunteers. If you would like to become a qualified leader, we can recommend the British Cycling Leadership program – click here to find out more.

Academy Membership

How To Join

Our Membership is open to girls and boys aged 8 to 18.The current fee is £30 for one year of membership. This is an annual fee paid by bank transfer in September each year. If you would like to join the club you should contact our membership officer. cyclewiseacademymembership@gmail.com
Please note: applications will be held on file and contact will be made when a suitable induction session is available.

New Member

All new members will be assessed during their induction and put into groups of ascending skill levels. Green, Blue, Red, or Black.

Once ‘inducted’ you will be able to pay your joining fee, pro-rata.  You will be added to our closed Facebook groups where you can see more information, share photos, videos, and see details of the next session when you can ride.

Keep up to date

Let us know your interests and we'll keep you posted!