The Rascals Award Scheme is designed to give capable committed Rascals a pathway to the next level in the British Cycling Performance Pyramid namely area cluster sessions & regional schools of racing.
There are six awards available:
Ride Award
“Can cycle & perform basic cycling techniques”
Rascals in Group D are working towards their Rascal Ride Award. Rascal Group D coaching utilises British Cycling’s Gears 1.
Gears 1 coaching guide focuses on the core cycling & bike handling techniques to develop a rider’s balance & coordination. These core techniques include:-
- Mounting
- Dismounting
- Pedalling
- Cornering
- Points of contact
- Position
- Introduction to group riding.
So Rascal group D riders can ‘perform’ the techniques & show understanding of when to apply them. As they participate more & apply the techniques regularly they begin to get skillful at the techniques.
Skill at a technique is it’s smooth & seamless application without noticeable conscious cognitive effort – “do it without thinking every time”.
| Rascal Ride Award | |
|---|---|
| Bike Handling | Points of Contact Know the neutral points of contact for a balanced comfortable controlled ride Slow Controlled Riding Capable of riding a simple course at a steady pace, safely & in control Ready Position Know the static & riding ready positions: pedal position, brakes, hands, feet, eyes, ears |
| Core Cycling Techniques | Static Mount & Move Off Know & able to demonstrate the technique of mounting their bicycle & moving off smoothly & safely Controlled Stop & Dismount Know & able to demonstrate the technique of coming to a smooth controlled safe stop using both brakes & then dismounting Pedalling & Braking Know & able to demonstrate the techniques of smooth pedalling with feet in the correct position, whilst utilising both brakes to control pace Cornering Know & able to demonstrate the technique of negotiating simple corners: stop pedalling through the corner with the inside pedal up |
| Group Riding | Leading & Following Beginning to show understanding of the techniques involved in leading & being lead in a single file group of 2 to 3 riders on a simple oval course Riding Next to Each Other (2×1) Beginning to show understanding of the techniques required to ride next to another rider safely on a simple oval course Riding Within a Small Group (up to 6 riders) Beginning to show understanding of the techniques required to ride in a small group of up to 6 riders safely on a simple oval course |
Bronze Award
“Capable cyclist showing skills in basic cycling techniques & beginning intermediate techniques”
Rascals in Group C are working towards their Rascal Bronze Award. Rascal Group C coaching utilises British Cycling’s Gears 1 & 2. Gears 2 coaching guide extends the Gears 1 core cycling & bike handling techniques & adds the techniques of:-
- Gear selection
- Climbing
- Descending
- Weight shift
- Manipulating points of contact
- Group riding
So Rascal Group C riders are skilled at the Gear 1 techniques (do them without thinking) & actively learning & applying Gears 2 techniques. Again as they participate more & apply the techniques regularly they begin to get skilful at the Gears 2 techniques applying them automatically when needed.
Skill at a technique is it’s smooth & seamless application without noticeable conscious cognitive effort – “do it without thinking every time”.
| Rascal Bronze Award | |
|---|---|
| Bike Handling | Understanding Weight Shift Capable of remaining balanced & in control when moving about on the bike whilst riding a simple oval course. Standing & leaning (left, right, forward & back) Changing Points of Contact Capable of demonstrating balance & control when raising arms & legs one at a time whist riding around a simple oval course Balance & Coordination Capable of demonstrating balance & coordination during bike handling & core cycling techniques on a simple obstacle test (limbo, slalom or ride the line) |
| Core Cycling Techniques | Changing Gear to Aid Riding Know & able to demonstrate changing gear to assist when moving off, setting a steady pace & anticipation of coming to a stop Basic Climbing & Descending Know & able to demonstrate the basic techniques to ride up & down a non technical short incline Pedalling, Braking & Cornering Capable of chaining the techniques together to negotiate simple corners: inside pedal up, braking complete before the turn, start pedalling after turn Scoot Mount & Dismount Know & capable of demonstrating the technique of scooting & mounting bicycle to move off smoothly & safely. Plus come to a safe controlled stop |
| Group Riding | Leading, Following & Lead Changing Able to demonstrate an understanding of the techniques involved in leading, following & changing the lead in a single file group of 2 to 3 riders Riding Side By Side (2×1) Able to demonstrate an understanding of the techniques involved when riding next to another rider whilst negotiating a simple course Riding Within Group (up to 12 riders) Able to demonstrate an understanding of the techniques involved when riding near to other riders (up to 12) safely on a simple course |
| Rider Development | Basic Bike Check & Helmet Check Capable of a self led basic bike check (tyres, brakes & chain) & helmet check before a ride & demonstrate an understand of there importance Participation Participate in at least 2 British Cycling Go-Ride Race events (includes the Rascals Race events) |
Silver Award
“Competent cyclist skilled at basic & intermediate techniques”
Rascals in Group B are working towards their Rascal Silver Award. Rascal Group B coaching utilises British Cycling’s Gears 1, 2, 3 & 4. Gears 3 & 4 coaching guides further develops the Gears 1 & 2 core cycling & bike handling techniques & adds the concepts of:-
- Sprint cycling
- Endurance cycling
- Riding cooperatively in a group
- Competitive group riding
So B riders are skilled at the Gear 1 & 2 techniques (do them without thinking) & actively learning & applying Gears 3 & 4 concepts & techniques. Again as they participate more & apply the techniques regularly they begin to get skilful at the Gears 3 & 4 concepts & techniques applying them automatically when needed.
They also have the opportunity to be introduced to & participate in discipline specific coaching events the club has access to.
Skill at a technique is it’s smooth & seamless application without noticeable conscious cognitive effort – “do it without thinking every time”.
| Rascals Silver Award | |
|---|---|
| Bike Handling | Understanding & Using Weight Shift Know & able to demonstrate the use of weight shift to aid cornering, climbing & descending Manipulating Points of Contact Know & able to demonstrate the use of manipulating points of contact when required whilst riding. Using drops & hoods; saddle; standing; feet Balance & Coordination Able to demonstrate good balance & coordination during bike handling & core cycling techniques on basic obstacle courses |
| Core Cycling Techniques | Using Gears to Maintain Cadence / Pace Demonstrate gear utilisation to maintain pace & smooth cadence on a simple course with inclines Climbing & Descending Demonstrate the use of weight shift, points of contact, & gear selection to ride balanced & coordinated up & down a series of non technical inclines Pedalling, Braking & Cornering Demonstrate smooth & efficient negotiation of a basic course. Choice of line; braking; acceleration; pedal position Mount & Dismount with Cleats Capable of demonstrating the technique of mounting bicycle & moving off smoothly & safely with cleats. Plus able to come to a safe controlled stop |
| Group Riding | Leading, Following & Lead Changing (1×4) Capable of demonstrating the technique of leading, following & changing the lead in a single file group of 4 riders Riding Side By Side (2×3) Capable of demonstrating the techniques involved when riding close next to other riders (2 abreast 3 long) whilst negotiating a basic course Riding Within Larger Group (15+ riders) Capable of demonstrating the techniques involved when riding close to other riders (15+) safely on a basic course |
| Rider Development | Bike ‘M’ Check Capable of a self led bike ‘M’ check before a ride & understand it’s importance Helmet & Clothing Check Capable of a self led helmet & clothing check before a ride & understand it’s importance Participation Participate in at least 4 British Cycling Go-Ride Race events (includes the Rascals Race events) |
Gold Award
Rascals Group A riders are working towards their Rascal Gold Award. Rascal Group A riders are mature more skilled riders. Some of them have competed at British Cycling youth race events or other orgaised race events. They take part at Rascals Racing & Go-Ride Events for fun as well as to inspire & encourage the developing riders.
Rascal A riders are skilled at the Gear 1, 2, 3 & 4 concepts & techniques (do them without thinking). They participate to develop their understanding & hone their skills at the various cycling techniques.
Skill at a technique is it’s smooth & seamless application without noticeable conscious cognitive effort “do it without thinking every time”
They also have the opportunity to be coached advanced techniques by qualified, discipline-specific coaches in:-
- Road
- Time Trial
- Track
- Mountain Bike (MTB)
- CycloCross (CX)
Rascal A riders also have the potential to attend discipline specific events the club has access to.
| Rascals Gold Award | |
|---|---|
| Bike Handling | Utilisation of Weight Shift Demonstrate skilful use of weight shift techniques when cornering, climbing & descending over an undulating course Manipulating Points of Contact Demonstrate skilful use of manipulating points of contact techniques when cornering, climbing & descending over an undulating obstacle course Balance & Coordination Demonstrate skilful balance & coordination techniques when riding an undulating course |
| Core Cycling Techniques | Gear Selection: Anticipation, Adjustment, Cadence Demonstrate skilful use of gears to maintain cadence &/or traction when negotiating an undulating course Climbing & Descending Demonstrate skilful climbing & descending techniques when negotiating a series of inclines Pedalling, Braking & Cornering Demonstrate skilful smooth & efficient negotiation of a simple course. Choice of line; adjustment of line; braking; acceleration; pedal position Dynamic Mount & Dismount With Cleats Capable of demonstrating the technique of scooting, mounting bicycle & moving off smoothly & safely with cleats. Plus able to come to a safe controlled stop |
| Group Riding | Leading, Following & Lead Changing Able to smoothly demonstrate the techniques involved in riding through & off in a single file group of up to 6 riders Riding Side By Side (2×3) Able to demonstrate the techniques involved when riding close to other riders (2 abreast 3 long) & circulating the lead on a basic course Riding Within Larger Group Socially & Competitively Capable & experienced in riding within a group of riders socially (Rascal Rides) & competitively (Rascal Races, Eelmoor, Hillingdon, …) |
| Rider Development | Maintenance – Change Quick Release Wheel Capable of removing a quick release wheel (front & rear), refitting it so it is safe & ready for use Maintenance – Puncture Repair Capable of removing an inner tube; fitting a new inner tube; finding a puncture in an inner tube; repairing a puncture in an inner tube Participation Participate in at least 6 British Cycling Go-Ride Race events (includes the Rascals Race events) Experience Beyond Go-Ride Take part in at least 3 youth events that are not British Cycling Go-Ride or Rascals Races. For example youth races for CycloX, Road, Time Trial, Track, Cycle Speedway, BMX or Mountain Bike |
Rainbow Award
The Rascal Rainbow Award gives Rascals a understanding & experience in several cycling disciplines. An insight in looking after themselves as well as their equipment. It’s objective is to provide Rascals with a glimpse in to the next level of the British Cycling Performance Pyramid, Regional Schools of Racing. Which if they have the ability & the desire they can progress on to.
| Rascal Rainbow Award |
|---|
| Participation |
| Take part in 4 or more non competitive events beyond Rascals Coaching sessions. For example Rascal Rides, Club Rides, Track introduction, Road & Time Trial experience |
| Competition |
| Take part in 12 or more competitive events in at least 3 different cycling disciplines. Cycling disciplines include: Road Race; Individual Time Trial; Mountain Bike; CycloX; Track; BMX; Cycle Speedway |
| Development |
| Take part in 4 or more local British Cycling Cluster Sessions. For example Cyclopark, Lee Valley, Herne Hill, Surrey Sports Park … |
| Caring For Your Equipment |
| Understand the importance of keeping your equipment clean & fit for use. Regularly cleaning bike; regular maintenance checks; care of helmet; care of shoes & cleats; care of clothing |
| Looking After Yourself |
| Understand the importance of looking after yourself: food; hydration; warming up; cooling down; measured effort; learning to train; position on the bike; dressing appropriately before during & after events |
Volunteer Award
The Rascal Volunteer Award is to recognise Rascals who want to help maintain the Charlotteville Rascals, so Rascals coaching is there for the next generation of young aspiring cyclist.
| Rascal Volunteer Award |
|---|
| Become a British Cycling Youth Volunteer & assist with 6 or more Rascals Coaching Sessions &/or Rascal Events |