General Information and getting started with Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club Juniors

DHBC welcomes, encourages and trains junior cyclists, both boys and girls, defined as being under 19 years old. You're welcome to come give track cycling a go or just ride for fun, and we'll be right behind you if you decide to take your riding to the limit in competition. So please, read on... you could become the next Cadel Evans or Anna Mears. All world champion cyclists start at their local club and DHBC wants you to start your cycling journey with us.

Introduction

DHBC Juniors ride on the road and track, for recreation and in competition and you can choose to do one or both types.

Track Cycling

Track cyclists train and compete in several different events. Events roughly divide between sprint and endurance, so you can usually find a race that suits your strengths. Events include individual and team time trials, point races, sprints, the Madison and the Keirin. Some cyclists specialise and others compete in several categories. DHBC Juniors train with coaches at the Tempe Velodrome, Waterworth Park, off Bayview Ave, Wednesday nights from 5.30pm. A track fee of $5.00 each time you train covers the cost of hiring the track.

Track Bikes

Road and recreational bicycles are not allowed on the track. You will need a special "fixed gear" track bicycle to get started. DHBC Juniors has several bikes for loan free of charge, but it's great if you can bring your own.

Gearing

The gearing roll out for juniors is 6 metres (U15). Coaches can advise on gearing restrictions for competition as they vary according to age groups. The club will help to set-up your bike correctly.

Clothing & Pedals

A firmly fitted helmet (which meets Australian Standard 2063) and gloves are required before you can ride on the track. A pair of cycling shorts, called "nicks", (worn without underpants) is a good investment and will help prevent chafing. Later on you may wish to buy one of the club's own jerseys. New juniors use pedals with toe clips and straps while they are developing their skills. Many move on to clipless pedal systems. DHBC Juniors has set-up a "clothing a shoe exchange" to help members save money.

Road Cycling

Good track cyclists understand the benefits of building up their skills and endurance through road riding. DHBC Juniors members are welcome to join the Saturday Ride, if they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The ride leaves from the corner of Illawarra and Marrickville Rd Marrickville at 6.30am sharp (best to be at least 5 minutes early). It's a guided ride which takes cycle-friendly routes to Centennial Park and back. Friendships are cemented over breakfast on Marrickville Road after the ride. DHBC Juniors members also compete in road races throughout the year. Details can be found at:

Cycling NSW

Cycling Australia

Cycling Safety

DHBC Juniors takes safety very seriously. Coaches will instruct riders on track safety and the skills needed to avoid accidents. Anyone deliberately ignoring track etiquette will be asked to leave the track. While DHBC Juniors takes all precautions, cycling on the road and the track comes with the risk of injury. You should consider this before getting involved.

Licences

All riders must have a licence to use the track. This covers them for insurance claims in case of injury. A "Novicover" licence will enable you to have a go and see if you want to continue. A 'Silver Ride' membership will cover you if you want to train without competing. You will need a 'Gold Racing Licence' to ride for DHBC Juniors in competition. Information on membership and competition age groups is available here. The DHBC Secretary and the Juniors' officer can also help you get the right type of licence.

We can't wait to see you at the track or on a Saturday ride - bring your parents!

Michelle Brown - Juniors' Officer