Clancy BriggsBlog

At Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy, our Doncaster classes are the ideal way for young riders to learn skills, build confidence, stay active, and have fun — all year round. Here’s everything you need to know about our class schedule, and why keeping up with cycling through autumn and winter is so valuable for children.

Pedal Classes

• For children aged 5–16 who can ride unaided.
• Held at the Doncaster Dome Cycle Track (Bawtry Rd, Doncaster, DN4 7PD).
• Riders grouped by ability, so everyone learns at a level that’s right for them.
• Coaches use ramps and other equipment to teach fundamentals right up to advanced techniques, all while having loads of fun!
• Cost:  £36/month.

Weekly class times (booking via links on our site):

• Wednesday 16:45–17:30  
• Saturday: Young riders: 09:00–09:45 Intermediate riders: 09:45–10:30 Confident riders: 10:30–11:15

Balance Classes

• For youngest riders, aged 18 months to 6 years.
• Focus on very first steps: balance, coordination, steering skills.
• Begins with off-bike exercises & games; progresses to balance bikes (bikes without pedals), then to pedals when ready.
• The aim of the sessions is for children to learn to ride unaided.
• Cost: £38/month (for once-weekly 40-minute session).
• Saturdays 10:00 - 10:40

Even when the days get shorter and the air gets colder, cycling offers many benefits. Here are just a few reasons why keeping up with cycling through the autumn and winter months is excellent for young riders:

1. Health & Immunity Regular exercise strengthens the immune system. Being active outdoors (with the right layers on) exposes kids to fresh air, which can help ward off seasonal bugs and boost respiratory health.
2. Mental Well-Being Autumn can bring darker, colder, and wetter days which sometimes make children (and adults!) feel down. Cycling helps with mood, reduces stress, and gives a sense of freedom. The physical activity promotes endorphin release, which helps tackle low moods.
3. Resilience & Adaptability Learning to cycle in varied conditions (wind, wet leaves, colder temperatures) builds handling skills, balance, concentration, and resilience. These lessons carry over into other sports and areas of life.
4. Physical Fitness & Development Even when the weather isn’t perfect, riding helps maintain cardiovascular health, muscle strength (especially legs and core), coordination, balance, and gross motor skills. Regular movement helps prevent winter lethargy or high screen time.
5. Social & Learning Benefits Being part of a class gives structure in the week, social interaction with peers, coached feedback, and steady improvement. It gives children something to look forward to, friends to cycle with, and goals to achieve.
6. Consistency for Skills Progression Stopping through the autumn/winter can lead to skill loss. Maintaining riding helps reinforce technique, so when spring returns, riders are ahead, not starting over.

• Choose the class that best suits your child’s age, confidence, and current riding ability.
• Book via our website using the “book class” links for each time-slot.
• Dress for the season: layers, waterproofs, gloves, warm socks, and suitable footwear make a big difference.
• Bring a well-serviced bike (even simple maintenance like tyre pressure, brakes, etc.). Safety & comfort are key.

Don’t let the cooler weather slow your child down — join our classes this autumn and winter at Doncaster, keep growing, keep riding, and enjoy every pedal stroke. Visit our Academy page for full details of all class offerings, to book a session, or to ask any questions. We look forward to riding with you!