Young and old, rookies to pros. Building a training program for diverse learners.

As Club Secretary of the Bushrangers Mountain Bike Club, I saw an unmet need amongst our members: a comprehensive training curriculum to cater to all skill levels. My mission? To grow and empower members, boost confidence on the trails, and ignite a passion for riding, all while minimising financial barriers.

Conquering Challenges.

Of course, the path wasn’t smooth. I faced three major hurdles: diverse needs, limited resources, and maintaining engagement within a tight budget. But the Bushrangers are a resourceful bunch, and we tackled these challenges head-on.

The Solutions.

• Planning: Working out measurable objectives, identifying the right stakeholders and breaking up the job into smaller steps made life so much easier. Sample project plan for Parklands Dash Project.
• Listening to stakeholders: A thorough needs assessment and surveys informed workshop topics and difficulty levels, ensuring everyone found their perfect fit and had their say.
• Partnerships: We strategised with qualified coaches, bike shops, and first aid providers, expanding our expertise and reach.
• Flexible Formats for Flexible Schedules: From “Rookie Rides” on beginner-friendly trails to in-depth maintenance sessions, we catered to all skill levels and time constraints.

• Communication: Regular updates on the website, email, and social media kept members engaged and informed, building a thriving online community. I even got a few articles in the newspaper.
• Funding: Proactive grant acquisition from local and state governments secured crucial funding, making the program more accessible and cost-effective for everyone.

The Results.

The results were as exhilarating as conquering a challenging trail. We saw:

• Soaring Participation: The program boomed with high member engagement, fostering a vibrant and growing club, partly fueled by the grant-funded affordability.
• Confidence increased: Riders reported improved skills, bike-fixing know-how, and a newfound trail confidence. Check out one of my ideas here.
• Stronger Community Spirit: “Rookie Rides” built camaraderie and eased new members into the Bushrangers family.
• Positive Feedback: Member surveys and comments praised the program’s value and encouraged expansion.

Lessons Learned.

From this journey, I gleaned invaluable lessons that will make us even better:

• Listening is the Key: Feedback is the roadmap to program refinement and relevance. Our new annual survey and virtual suggestion box provided great ideas.
• Partnerships are Power: Collaboration is a force multiplier for expertise and impact.
• Variety is the Spice of Life: Diverse options and accessible formats attract broader participation and cater to individual needs.
• Grant acquisition and acquittal: Securing grants not only expands reach and reduces barriers, but also strengthens program sustainability. Applying for grants is an advanced skill-set in itself.

The Bushrangers’ training program is more than just a series of workshops; it’s a journey of empowerment, camaraderie, and pure riding joy. And the best part? The road ahead is full of exciting new destinations!