The Almaden Cycling and Touring Club’s Academy is for anyone age 14 and older who wants to become a safer and more competent cyclist.

The twelve-class course is unique in both its breadth and depth combining lectures, demonstrations, drills, and mentored rides to give you the skills and practice necessary to Master the Road.

The Academy is held twice each year, in the spring and fall, and is taught in three, four-class Modules: Fundamental Bicycling Skills, Intermediate Bicycling Techniques, and Road Cycling Skills.

Classes are held on Saturdays at various locations in the San Jose area and start at 8:30am.

More details about the class dates and the Academy curriculum can be found here and in the FAQ.

Learn to Master the Road

Video by Scott Francks

Academy Benefits

• Learn to change a flat tire and perform routine bike maintenance
• Confidently ride on an expressway
• Understand lane positioning and communicating with motorists
• Become a stronger bicyclist, mastering hills and longer distances
• Have fun and enjoy being out on the road

...and much more!

Academy Faculty & Staff

ACTC Academy Faculty is composed of experienced and qualified volunteer instructors, many of whom are ACTC Bike Driving Academy graduates. Some have successfully completed the League of American Bicyclist (LAB) Traffic Skills 101 or Smart Cycling class; several are League Cycling Instructors (LCIs).

Course Prerequisites

• A geared bike (7 or more speeds) in good working condition. Class 1 and Class 3 (pedal-assist) electric bikes are welcomed in the Academy
• A CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approved bicycle helmet.
• Physical fitness to ride 10+ miles in one hour without getting exhausted.
• An active membership in Almaden Cycle Touring Club (you can join here).
• Students under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is enrolled as a student in the same Module.
• Tuition payment.

Testimonials

"Being an experienced rider, I initially joined the Academy as a 'supporting spouse' but ended up learning a lot myself."

"After graduating from the Academy, I feel much more comfortable with hills and country roads."