{"id":346,"date":"2013-05-27T09:03:00","date_gmt":"2013-05-27T01:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/2013\/05\/27\/adventures-of-learning-to-ride-a-bike-part-1-an-interview-with-sg-bike-school\/"},"modified":"2014-10-03T18:19:49","modified_gmt":"2014-10-03T10:19:49","slug":"adventures-of-learning-to-ride-a-bike-part-1-an-interview-with-sg-bike-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/2013\/05\/adventures-of-learning-to-ride-a-bike-part-1-an-interview-with-sg-bike-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Adventures of Learning to Ride a Bike (Part 1) – An Interview with Sg Bike School"},"content":{"rendered":"

The skies had been overcast all weekend, thwarting Daddy’s plans to bring Dana cycling…The gears were all packed in the boot, ready for action…When the rain finally cleared yesterday evening, we made a dash to the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sunset@Labrador Park – 26 May 2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

We cannot imagine that just weeks ago<\/a>,  Dana was struggling to transit from her training bike and her self-esteem was at an all-time low. She kept telling us that she couldn’t do it as she could sense our impatience and disappointment when she failed to balance on the bike time after time…We as her parents, scoured the web for tips on how to best coach her to overcome her fears of riding a two wheeler.  Fast forward to the magical month of May, this is the scene that greets us…Daddy’s wish for our family to cycle together has finally come true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Her first outdoor cycling trip!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New-found joy and freedom!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Getting better with each pedal…<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

And we have the Singapore Bike School<\/a> to thank. Singapore Bike School<\/a> is Singapore\u2019s first dedicated cycling school offering lessons for all ages and all levels.  While most of us grew up learning how to ride a bicycle through trials and errors, we figured some things are best left to the hands of the experts, minimizing the guesswork, stress and frustration for all parties involved (the child learner and the coach-wannabe parents). Moreover, we figured the earlier Dana masters the art of cycling, the more fun family expeditions we can go on! <\/p>\n

With the June school holidays coming up, we caught up with Coach Kenneth Wee<\/b>, founder of the Singapore Bike School<\/a>. Here is an excerpt of the interview.
  <\/p>\n

An Interview with the Singapore Bike School<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

1.     <\/span><\/span><\/span>Tell us more about Singapore Bike School. <\/span>When was the it started? Did you have to attend special training to be certified as a Biking Instructor\/Coach?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

Singapore Bike School was registered in 2011 although we had been coaching in primary schools since 2009. I got a CycleSkills certification from Australia as there were no instructor courses here at the time. In 2010, I spent a couple of months in Switzerland with the Union Cycliste International (UCI) training alongside world-class cyclists and coaches and returned with a Diploma in Coaching. I\u2019m also a Singapore Sports Council NCAP-qualified coach, and a certified First Aider.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

2.     <\/span><\/span>What are the classes you offer at the SG Bike School?  On average, how long does a child vs an adult take to master cycling?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

\n
Singapore Bike School offers classes for all ages and abilities. Students can learn to ride a bike with our Learn to Ride programme, and improve their bike handling with our Ride On! class. We do a module on riding safely on roads. For the more intrepid, we have mountain bike and BMX racing classes for beginners as well as experienced riders. Those with the inclination can also learn how to maintain and repair bicycles in our bike mech classes which are offered under Bike School Asia, which I recently set up specially to train bike mechanics. We offer basic, intermediate and advanced classes.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

Age seldom factors when learning how to cycle. Our oldest student so far is 65! What matters more is the mindset the student comes with. As long as they are eager to learn, we can help them overcome their fears, concerns and in some cases, physical or health issues. Some students \u2018get it\u2019 within 30 minutes, others might take two full lessons; but we always get them cycling!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

3.     <\/span><\/span>What is a good age for children to start learning how to cycle?  Can you share some tips for parents on how to choose a good bicycle and right protective gear for their kids?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

As long as the child can take instructions and is physically able, they can start to learn to ride. Typically they would be around 5-6 years of age.  I always encourage parents to consider the size, weight and style of the bike before considering the price. Cheaper bikes tend to be heavy and hard for kids to manouver. They often come with cheap parts that won\u2019t last. A good but slightly pricier bike would be easier for the child to handle, more fun to ride and ultimately last longer in terms of durability and usage. Good bikes have great hand-me-down value and can easily be re-sold to other parents when kids outgrow them. Ensure the bike is the right size\u2013 they should be able to have both feet on the ground while sitting firmly on the saddle, and they should not be \u2018reaching\u2019 for the handlebars.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

4.     <\/span><\/span>What can parents do to prepare their kids to learn cycling?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t pressure the child if they are not ready. For really young children, start with \u2018run-bikes\u2019 which hone natural balance skills. If you already have a little bike, remove the crank and chain and presto\u2026 run-bike.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

5.     <\/span><\/span>How did the idea for this bike school come about?  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

I have always had a keen interest in cycling from the time I got my first bike at age 12. When I got my first BMX bike at 15, my brother and I would spend hours at a time practising our jumps and other stunts. The sport was new and no one really knew what they were doing. Those who could do stunts couldn\u2019t explain what it is they were doing that the rest of use weren\u2019t \u2013 so it was a time of trial and error, bloody shins and battered bodies. Fast-forward to the year 2002. I rediscovered BMX and started collecting the bikes that I\u2019d wanted as a child but could not afford back then. A quick search online revealed that even though it was now an Olympic sport, there wasn\u2019t a structured programme save for a few ex-riders turned coaches who had something going. My own obsession with trying to find a \u2018textbook\u2019 or secret manual eventually led me to working with the Singapore Cycling Federation as a VP for BMX, managing and training the National Team. There was no one else conducting classes or training then. We were also getting many requests from pre-cyclists for a quick and easy way to learn cycling. I felt it was a latent need that was waiting to be answered, so I jumped all in and started the Singapore Bike School.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

6.     <\/span><\/span>What motivates you and keeps you going in running the Bike School?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>     <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Meeting interesting people and sharing in a milestone moment in their lives. The look of joy on the faces of students as they pedal a bicycle un-aided for the first time. It\u2019s cliched, but knowing that I am making a real difference in someone\u2019s life motivates me.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

7.  <\/span>What are some of your family\u2019s favourite hangout places and hobbies?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, we\u2019re a family of homebodies. We enjoy taking in a good exhibition, watching movies, an occasional fancy meal and simply lounging around the house with a book and cup of tea. My daughters, Alison has taken an interest in archery and baking while Zoe likes any kind of activity that calls for jumping and running. My wife, Jean gets crafty with cloth whenever she finds the time. I am doubly blessed to be able to ride my bike both as a hobby and as a job.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

8.     <\/span><\/span>How do you balance the demands of an entrepreneur with your role as a parent? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>To what or whom do you most attribute your success? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

It\u2019s a fine balancing act that I am still grappling with. \u201cFamily first\u201d is a helpful reminder that while I am doing this for the family, time spent is more valuable than money earned. I couldn’t have done it without <\/span><\/span><\/span>God\u2019s grace, my long-suffering wife Jean, family, friends and industry partners who believe and support what I\u2019m doing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

9.     <\/span><\/span><\/span>What is your favorite aspect as an entrepreneur?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The flexibility in time management which allows me to be with the girls (be it in school or at home) when necessary. Being present during their growing years is something very important to me. Knowing that I\u2019m taking a path less travelled sometimes make me feel a little smug \u2013 right before panic sets in.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
10.     <\/span><\/span>What are your dreams and plans for the Bike School?  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n

I hope I continue to be able to ride and talk about bikes for a living. Bike School going regional would be a dream come true \u2026 which is probably why I\u2019ve started Bike School Asia \u2013 to set that course for the next 10 years. Right now I just want to make sure we are the best at what we do.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>
 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/span>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A portrait of Coach Kenneth’s lovely family!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

A typical recreational cycling class at the Singapore Bike School<\/a> consists of the following key techniques to get you and your child riding in no time.<\/p>\n

 Topics include:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Mounting and dismounting <\/b><\/span>
\u2022 Balance and coordination <\/b><\/span>
\u2022 Steering with confidence <\/b><\/span>
\u2022 How to start and stop with precision, and more<\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

We’ll be bringing you a comprehensive review of Dana’s ‘Learn to Ride a Bike’ lesson at the Singapore Bike School <\/a>next.  In the meantime, do pop by their website<\/a> to check out the bike classes and holiday progammes! Stay tuned!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
My fav pic of the weekend, the pair riding into the sunset together…<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The skies had been overcast all weekend, thwarting Daddy’s plans to bring Dana cycling…The gears were all packed in the boot, ready for action…When the rain finally cleared yesterday evening, we made a dash to the park. Sunset@Labrador Park – 26 May 2013 We cannot imagine that just weeks ago,  Dana was struggling to transit […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[165,71,13,14],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p59hHF-5A","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/346"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=346"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/346\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}