Whoo! Just back from the first class. Wow. People all over the place, grinning, coasting, slightly terrified, all of them pushing their limits like crazy. We 3 instructors had very little time to prepare ourselves, so we had to just jump in. As the one with the biggest mouth and loudest voice I got to do the start-up talking. We did a few basic things like talk about what the various parts are called, wheel the bikes around, try to feel their balance point etc. Then we started on coasting exercises, and suddenly people were all over the place and we spent the next 45 minutes running after them like sheepdogs

It was great fun, but we do have a problem with too many people and too few bikes. The problem was that there are people on waiting lists, and several who just turned up hoping there would be room for them, but by the time the course started about 5 of the ones who HAD signed up weren't there, so we let the others join in. Then the remaining 5 turned up of course.

No language problems, no difficult clothing, apart from one thick long felt coat. I helped some of the more timid ones by balancing the bike for them so that they could try pedalling properly. They were thrilled beyond belief, but I can see that I can't do that much as it quickly gives over-confidence.

Next time we'll have to split up in smaller groups, and practice in a more structured way. WE also have problems with some of the bikes being too large. But we'll have to just give them to the ones who are already cycling alone, but who need to practice gearing, turning etc. and letting the newbies have the smallest bikes.