Rock and Road is an exciting new cycling project developed through partnership working between Try-Cycles, NCA and Oldham School Sports Partnership. 

Utilising funding provided by Oldham’s SSP, 12 Mongoose MTB bikes, helmets and safety equipment have been purchased to assist in the smooth running of the scheme. Qualified NCA Instructors will train students to Bikeability level 2/3 with Try-Cycles to follow this up with a mountain bike skills course.

The MTB part of the training will utilise the newly opened green trail and pump track at Crompton Moor, built and designed with the assistance of Try-Cycles and the North West Riders mtb club.

Try-Cycles MTB Leaders will also be taking groups of riders to Dovestones in Saddleworth near Oldham for further training on more 'natural' trails. 

 It is envisaged that ten Secondary schools will take part in the scheme throughout the year 2011/12 with the bikes and equipment a available for use for other future projects in Oldham area which are targetting the 13-19 age range.

Rock and Road is spread over two phases, each phase comprises of four 2 hour sessions:

Phase 1. - 'Road' 
Aims to teach participants safe on road cycling through the Bikeability programme. 
The four Bikeability sessions are split in to two levels; 

Level 1 aims to introduce pupils to essential bike control skills and allowing them to develop these in an off road environment. 

Level 2 will teach safe on road cycling techniques using quiet roads .The course gives riders the knowledge to ride safely on the road and allowing them to travel by bike to school in the future. 


Phase 2 - 'Rock' 
The second phase of the project are four 2 mountain biking sessions.

Pupils travel by mini bus to Crompton Moor (nr Shaw) and Dovestone Reservoir (Saddleworth). 

The first two sessions will be based on Oldham Council's new purpose built green trail and pump track at Crompton Moor where instructors will coach participants in basic off road riding technique, along with hints and tips on how to get the most out of the bike on the pump track.

The third and forth sessions allow participants to utilise their new found mountain biking skills, riding a variety of routes on trails at Dovestones. 
  

Many thanks to Oldham School Sports Partnership, NCA, Oldham Countryside Service and the RSPB for their input and co-operation with the project.