Latest news

You can find all the latest news and announcements for Bigfoot Youth CC below. If you want to get the news direct your inbox, then sign up for our regular email newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Annual Club Meeting and Social - Saturday 26th November from 6.30pm

Join us at Hayes Village Hall for your chance to find out what our club has been up to and what it plans for the future, to discuss these plans and have your say. The meeting will be followed at 7.30pm by our annual social, with music, pizza, tea, coffee and soft drinks. You can bring your own alcoholic beverages.

There will be a quiz with prizes, plus various bicycle-related fun activities (track stand challenge, monkey bike, unicycle, limbo and the 'get a bike in a box' challenge!). We will have club kit on sale and to order. And finally we will be awarding the annual Hugh Webb Merit Award.

Find out more here: https://mailchi.mp/ad2df3f742bd/2808-10112613

No sessions at Hayes on Saturday 26 February

There will be no coaching sessions at Hayes on Saturday 26 February, as Bigfoot Youth is hosting a round of the South London Go-Ride Racing League at Croydon Arena.

The South London Go-Ride Racing League is a cycle race series for children with little or no racing experience, arranged by Bigfoot and three other local kids cycling clubs.

On Saturday 26 February, from 1pm Bigfoot is hosting the race event at Croydon Arena. We would very much like as many riders in our club (Balance, MINI’s, MINI+’s, Juniors, Youth) to have a go at these races – so we are cancelling all sessions on this Saturday to focus our attention on this race and get lots of participation. We will even give our balance bikers the opportunity to have a little race too!

All the details are here: https://sites.google.com/view/southlondongoracing/race-4

Sannah Zaman is National Hill Climb Champion!

We're absolutely thrilled to report that former Bigfoot Youth rider Sannah Zaman has been crowned Junior Women's National Hill Climb Champion! Sannah, pictured below, raced in Bigfoot CC colours to win in a time of 4:44 in atrocious conditions on the fearsome Winnats Pass in the Peak District. Sannah was so fast that her finish time would have earned a top ten finish in the adult women's race!

17 year old Sannah, who first came to Bigfoot aged 6, said "the Bigfoot coaching sessions helped develop my bike riding skills from an early age, and the club gave me my first experience of bike racing. Hopefully I can show other riders that with lots of hard work it's possible to make the most of your talents and enjoy the bike racing opportunities that the club provides."

Annual club meeting Saturday 27th November

This is your chance to find out what our club has been up to and what it plans for the future, to discuss these plans and to have your say. It is important for the club that lots of people attend as we want to hear from as many people involved as possible. The Agenda, date, time and venue is here. There is also an information sheet with background information on our club and the company that runs it, plus the minutes of last year’s Annual Club Meeting.

We would encourage any and all of our Young Riders, their Parents / Carers and our Adult Volunteers (Helpers, Coaches, Welfare Officers etc) to come.

To help us know the numbers, if you are planning to attend, click here: https://form.jotform.com/212955180134351

Any questions? Adam can be contacted at goriding@bigfootyouth.cc

If you are very keen you can read the Memorandum & Articles of Association and Special Resolutions of Bigfoot Go-Ride Youth Cycle Club Ltd here – including the exact mechanisms for the interaction between Club Members and the Company, which is detailed in our Special Resolutions.

Saturday 27th November – The Rollapaluza Party!

Rollapaluza is fun, fun, fun! It’s a pair of bikes fixed to a static rig and linked to a big ‘clock’. You pedal as fast as you can for a very short time (15 to 30 seconds) and see how fast you can go, try again, go faster? Add in some loud music too! There will be bikes of various sizes – so adults and kids can all have a go. AND we are supplying food and drink. AND it’s free! Full details in the information sheet. Please let us know if you are coming, so we know how many to cater for by clicking here: https://form.jotform.com/212955180134351

No Junior sessions at Hayes on Saturday 13 November

We are taking the whole club to a little local kids' cycle race - we need a good representation there.

There will be no Junior coaching sessions on Saturday 13 November at Hayes.

Balance bike, MINI and MINI+ coaching sessions will take place at Hayes as normal. MINI and MINI+ riders can choose to come to the little race or go to the coaching session.

The specific details of this race can be found at: https://sites.google.com/view/southlondongoracing/race-3 .

Full details of this little race series can be found at: https://sites.google.com/view/southlondongoracing/home .

Please note we have arranged that all our club riders at the race take part for free!

To help us on the day, if you are thinking you are coming to the race, please register in advance here: https://form.jotform.com/212845845957370

Youth Spin Sessions return from Friday 5 November

Spin is back! We have organised a series of sessions on spin bikes, in the company of a professional spin instructor for members of our YOUTH branch. No previous experience on spin bikes is necessary, the session caters for all abilities. Places are limited to 16 at each session, and you must pre-register at http://tiny.cc/bigfootyouthregistration.

Sessions are being held on the following Fridays:

  • November 5th, 19th

  • December 3rd, 17th

  • January 14th, 28th

  • February 11th, 25th

  • March 11th

There will be no club session at Bromley College on the Thursday before these dates.

Arrival and registration by 6:15pm at the latest in the main reception area at the Pavilion Leisure Centre, Kentish Way, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3EF.

Each spin class is from 6:30 to 7:15pm, and we must insist everyone arrives on time to avoid disrupting the session.

Full information is in our information sheet.

Drone video of our new off road trail

Bigfoot Youth recently opened its off-road mound and mini-trail at Hayes Primary School. Funded by a grant from the Jack Petchey Foundation, the trail was built by a small team of volunteers, with much of the work carried out by our club Chair Simon. This drone video of the trail in action was filmed by young volunteer Jacob Chambers. The trail will enable the club coaches to teach a range of more advanced cycling skills to our young riders.

Mountain biking at Herne Hill - Saturday 9 October

We have hired the mountain bike trails next to Herne Hill Velodrome for a coaching session from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 9 October. These are great trails, it’s fun and it will help develop cycling skills.

For some you it could also be handy as there is a Go-Ride race there the following weekend.

There will be no Junior Branch coaching sessions at Hayes on Saturday 9 October.

All of our Youth section and Junior section riders can attend.

Mini and Mini+ coaching sessions will take place at Hayes as normal. If there is a particularly keen MINI+ rider, they may also come to Herne Hill if Spencer gives you the ‘go-ahead’.

For more details download our information leaflet.

If you want to come then please register via the link below, then come! Simple as that, as we are not limiting numbers.

To register your place click here.


Balance bike sessions start from 6 November

New for 2021, our balance bike sessions are designed to teach riders how to ride a bike without stabilisers. Aimed mainly at younger riders, but open to all ages, the sessions are based on the British Cycling Ready Set Ride approach. These hour-long Sessions will run from Saturday 6 November, at Hayes Primary School, and are a perfect way to build the skills and confidence to progress to our Mini sessions.

The cost is £25 for a term, or £12.50 for a half term (if your child learns quickly and is ready to move on to Bigfoot Mini). Parents are required to stay and help for the duration of the session.

Your child will need a bike - either a balance bike, or a “normal” bike with the pedals (and stabilisers!) removed. We can help with this if required.

Your child can attend the balance bike sessions for as long as they need, and once they’re comfortable riding without stabilisers they will be ready to progress onto our Bigfoot Mini sessions (or Bigfoot Junior sessions if they’re slightly older).

You will need to register your place here.

You can find out more about the British Cycling Ready Set Ride approach here.


Pre-registration no longer required for coaching sessions

Following the relaxation of social distancing rules, we no longer require pre-registration for our coaching sesssions.

You must still be a club member with up-to-date British Cycling membership to book a place.

If sessions become over-subscribed we may need to re-introduce pre-registration for some or all branches.


Bedgebury off road trails: Sunday 18 July, for Youth branch riders

Note that due to availability of coaching volunteers this activity is for Youth branch riders only (i.e. those who attend the club sessions at Bromley College and Croydon Arena).

Youth branch riders are invited to join us on Sunday 18 July for a morning of mountain biking at Bedgebury.

We need as many parents as possible to join us too, so parents please come along with your bike if you can.

Meet at Bedgebury Forest, TN17 2SL by the bike shop at 10.15am for an 10.30am start. We'll finish about 2pm.


Mini and Mini Plus: ride and ‘Trim Trail’ Beckenham Place Park on 19 June

This Mini branch ride will be around Beckenham Place Park, with some added bonus exercise along the way.

Can all Mini and Mini Plus riders meet us at the café / toilets courtyard at Beckenham Place Park at 8:45am. We will ride from 9:00am to 12:00noon – that will include for some rest breaks too!

Parents / carers must ride with their child. Everyone to wear cycle helmets and have bikes in good working order. Bring some drinks and snacks.

There will be no Mini or Mini Plus coaching sessions at Hayes Primary on this day.

Please still pre-register for the session in the usual way for this day, but make sure to come to Beckenham Place Park at the right place and time!

If anyone has anything they want to discuss please email Adam at: adam@bigfootcc.co.uk.

Cyclopark off road trails: Sunday 13 June, for all Junior and Youth section riders

We have organised this outing to the wonderful off road bike trails at the Cyclopark on Sunday – this place is fun and it’s a great way to develop your cycling skills.

This activity is open to all Youth and Junior section riders, the weather forecast looks good, and we have some spare places!

Details are in the information leaflet and Covid Action Plan, but please note there are a couple of changes and clarifications as below:

  • We will be riding the off road trails (the tarmac track is closed on Sunday).

  • Junior and Youth section riders will ride with us in the club, unaccompanied by parents / carers. We do welcome some parents coming with their bikes to help on the day. If you're interested please contact Adam at adam@bigfootcc.co.uk and we can confirm if your help is needed.

  • Parents need to remain at the venue during the session.

  • Bikes suitable for the activity are required, as set out below.


Suitable bikes

  1. Youth section riders must bring mountain bikes – in good working order.

  2. Junior section riders are to bring either a mountain bike, cyclocross bike or an Islabike with off road tyres – in good working order.

  3. All bikes must have caps on the bar ends (the ends of the handle bars), if unsure consult your local bike shop.


There is also some national level elite BMX racing taking place at the Cyclopark on Sunday. This may mean that the car park is busier than usual, and the overflow car park will be in use. Hopefully we'll be able to watch some elite BMX racing, which is a real spectacle.

Having read everything – use the link below to register (or to un-book a place if you can no longer make it), spaces are limited!

http://tiny.cc/bigfootyouthregistration

Spring in the Park racing series cancelled

We have just been informed by the event organisers that the Spring in the Park racing series has been cancelled due to a shortage of volunteers at the host club.

This means that the four races due to take place at the Cyclopark in June and July will unfortunately not now go ahead.


Find out more on the Spring in the Park website or on Facebook.

Novice race event at Cyclopark - Saturday 5 June

Local bike club, Limited Edition Cycling, have arranged a "Go-Ride style" race for novice racers at the Cyclopark on Saturday 5 June, and have invited Bigfoot Youth CC members to enter.

Age categories will be U6s, U8s, U10s, U12s, U14/16s. The race fee is £3 (+£1 British Cycling booking fee).

Please note that this event is for children who have never raced or have very little experience of racing. Anyone who has raced at regional level or above please do not enter!

All entries will be online in advance via the BC website here:

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/241538/Limited-Edition-Cycling-Go-Ride-Event

Rider information and timings will be sent out to all participants via email ahead of the day.

Keston Ponds Family Ride: Saturday 12 June

A lovely easy ride to Keston Ponds and back. Suitable for young people, adults, children – anyone who fancies a nice easy ride. Part road, part off-road ride about 5 miles, with no hills. Everything you need to know is in the information leaflet.

We have to limit numbers so everyone who is coming (adults and children) need to register via the link below, we will allocate places on a first come first served basis and we will confirm who is to come via the main Bigfoot Youth CC newsletter nearer the time of the ride.

https://form.jotform.com/211425321006337

Bewl Water Family Ride: Saturday 29 May

This is a lovely ride through the Kent and East Sussex countryside around the beautiful reservoir of Bewl Water. Suitable for young people, adults, children – anyone who fancies a nice easy ride. Part road, part off-road ride about 12 miles, with some hills, around Bewl Water - with a shorter 7 mile (or shorter!) less hilly all off-road option seeing part of Bewl Water. Everything you need to know is in the information leaflet.

We have to limit numbers so everyone who is coming (adults and children) need to register via the link below, we will allocate places on a first come first served basis and we will confirm who is to come via the main Bigfoot Youth CC newsletter nearer the time of the ride.

https://form.jotform.com/211355248123347

Mini and Mini Plus: ride to Norman Park on 22 May

We will be doing a slightly longer, slightly more lumpy bumpy ride to Norman Park and back – a good way to celebrate the end of this half term. Can all Mini and Mini Plus riders arrive at Hayes Primary at 8:45am, we will ride from 9:00am to 11:00am. Parents / carers must ride with their child. Everyone to wear cycle helmets and have bikes in good working order. Bring some drinks and snacks, as we will probably have a longer break at the playground in Norman Park. There will be no Mini or Mini Plus coaching sessions at Hayes Primary on this day. If anyone has anything they want to discuss please email Adam at: adam@bigfootcc.co.uk

Bigfoot CC 10-Mile Time Trials 2021

Bigfoot Youth riders (aged 12 or over) have been invited to take part in Bigfoot CC's 10 mile time trial events this year. You can take part in as many or as few as you like, so keen riders can hone their skills and strengths over the series of time trials, or just come along, spectate and support. They take place on a Wednesday evening so unlike previous years, they don't clash with the Youth section's regular activities.

For full details, including dates and how to enter, click here.

Youth Branch rider survey results

A massive thank you to all the youth Branch riders who took part in our rider survey at the start of the year. We had a great response to the survey, and although lockdown unfortunately put a hold on our activities, now that we're starting up again we will use the information to plan and deliver activities that meet your goals and interests. You can download a summary of the survey results here.

Coaching sessions to resume after Easter

We are delighted to be able to announce a timetable for resuming Bigfoot Youth coaching activities, following guidance released yesterday by British Cycling.

The guidance confirms that our coaching activities can resume from 29 March, so for us this means a full return to coaching activities after the Easter holidays. Provided there are no further changes to the timetable, our first sessions will be on the following dates:

  • Youth at Croydon Arena - Monday 19 April

  • Youth at Bromley College - Thursday 22 April

  • Mini, Mini Plus and Junior at Hayes School - Saturday 24 April

All sessions for the Summer term are now published on our online calendar.

Pre-booking of sessions

Social distancing measures will continue to be required for some time. This means capacity is limited and all riders must be pre-book their place.

All our sessions for the Summer term are now available to book on the British Cycling website.

Click here to book your sessions: http://tiny.cc/bigfootyouthregistration

You must be a club member with up-to-date British Cycling membership to book a place.

If you have not booked please do not turn up on the day as unfortunately you will not be allowed to take part.

Coaching fees

With a full term of coaching activity ahead of us, we will be charging coaching fees again from April. Fees must be paid before the start of the term.

The fees for each branch are:

  • Bigfoot Mini and Mini Plus - £25 (10 one hour sessions)

  • Bigfoot Junior - £40 (10 two hour sessions)

  • Bigfoot Youth - £65 (23 two hour sessions)

All coaching fees must be paid online through British Cycling’s club subscription payment interface, which can be found here: http://tiny.cc/bigfootyouthpayments

Make sure that you select the correct branch subscription to avoid your payment being rejected.

Note that your child must be a British Cycling member and you must be logged into your child’s British Cycling account in order to make the coaching fee payment.

If you have more than one child you will need to log into each of their British Cycling accounts to make their coaching fee payments.