We're passionate about teaching newcomers how to ride with us. We encourage everyone to take a look at our skills levels, self-assess where you are, and get in touch.
Bike & Peloton Skills
Select the level you are currently working towards from the below options:
Level 1 – New Rider
Can clip in/out of cleats, steering skills, brake smoothly and change gears
Level 2 – Introductory
Introduction into peloton riding side by side in small groups, can ride in all handlebar positions - hoods (ie on top), flats, drops (ie lower handles)
Learning to call obstacles, change from singles to doubles in peloton, turning and lane changing
Riding 10-30km at average 20+ km/hr (on flat terrain)
Ride 10-50 km per week
Learning bike and peloton skills on closed roads
Level 3 – Elementary
Comfortable riding and descending in pelotons, can eat and drink while riding, moves easily between sitting and standing pedalling positions.
Descends in the drops and understands effective cadence pedalling
Riding 30-70km at average 22-24 km/hr (on flat terrain)
Ride 50-100 km per week
Learning bike and peloton skills on public roads
Level 4 – Intermediate
Learning more advanced peloton riding skills and able to signal directions, descends confidently, maintains effective cadence and peloton positioning. Climbing as a peloton.
Riding 90-120km on flat & hilly terrain at average 23-26km/hr in a peloton, 23 km/hr solo
Learning to ride 150-250 km per week
Minimum requirement for 2-4 day Tour or Tour Experience.
Level 5 – Experienced Intermediate
Comfortable handling a bike in all weather and road conditions and peloton riding conditions
Riding 100-150km at 1000-1500m at average 26-30 km/hr in peloton, 24-26 km/hr solo
Average 200-300km per week with back to back long rides
Any TDC Tour ready, in a peloton
Level 6 – Advanced
Higher level of bike handling in all road and weather conditions in a peloton
Higher peloton dynamic skills including finer 'engine room', mid-peloton skills and mentor rider
Riding 120-150km at 1500m at average 28-32 km/hr in peloton, 25-29 km/hr solo(on all terrain)
Average 250+km per week with multiple back to back rides