Gravel and Glitter: Chloe's Journey from Beginner to Bike Educator

As a child, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike. As an adult, I saw my friends explore the world on two wheels and wished I could join them. But before I could begin gravel riding, bikepacking, or bike commuting (all things I love now), I had to learn the basics. 

I taught myself to ride a bike when I was 19 and living in London as a university student. It’s possible to teach yourself how to ride, but my journey would have been far smoother if someone had guided me.

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My experience learning to ride and maintain my bike as an adult inspired me to become a Bike Education Lead with Cascade. Bicycling gave me independence, and now I love giving that freedom to others. 

Folks need a psychologically safe place to try something new, a patient instructor, and the chance to build confidence. No one is born knowing how to ride or maintain a bike, but everyone deserves the opportunity to learn. 

I often teach adults who want to ride with their children. It’s a privilege to witness someone learn a skill that becomes a shared family activity. 

In my maintenance classes, students often worry about asking a “silly” question or accidentally breaking their bikes. By the end of class, that apprehension gives way to curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to get their hands dirty. Witnessing that transformation is incredibly rewarding.

There is bravery in choosing to learn a skill that many other adults already know. I’m proud that Cascade’s Adult Education classes provide a supportive space for people to be vulnerable, ask questions, and build confidence. 

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Cascade’s Adult Education Offerings

Cascade's Bike Education Leads help people of all bicycling abilities improve their skills. We offer Adult Learn-to-Ride classes for folks who have never ridden or haven’t in decades. Our 60-minute, one-on-one classes create a supportive space to learn the fundamentals: balance, pedaling, braking, and more.

For people who know how to ride but want to advance, Cascade offers Basic Cycling Techniques. For those who want to learn how to bike amidst traffic, we offer Urban Cycling Techniques. Our Gravel Cycling Techniques classes, which will resume in spring 2027, help riders get off the pavement and into the woods.

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Cascade's Fix-a-Flat, Brake Systems Maintenance, Chains and Derailleurs, and Maintenance for Every Rider classes give students hands-on experience working on their own bikes. We learn how bike components work, identify common problems, and troubleshoot.

Inclusivity is core to Cascade’s mission. Our Women and Nonbinary Program creates space for riders to learn, ask questions, and build confidence alongside instructors and students with similar backgrounds.  

Learn to Ride, or Help Others Start Cycling

If you’re inspired to learn more about your bike, sign up for a class. If you’re excited about helping other people discover the joy of bicycling, consider becoming a Bike Education Lead. Email us at info@cascade.org and put Bike Education Lead in the subject.

And if you want to help Cascade teach more adults, please consider donating. Our adult education program is primarily donor-funded, which allows us to offer classes at sliding-scale rates that make bike education accessible regardless of income. If you are an employer, host a group class to help your employees and coworkers learn how to bike commute. 

Cascade Bicycle Club’s mission is to bring people together to experience the joy of bicycling through transportation, recreation, and friendship. Bike education is a big way we make that mission tangible. 

A bike can take you far. But as I discovered, the courage to learn new skills will take you even further.

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Check out our upcoming Maintenance Classes as part of November’s Ride in the Rain series!