Coaches

Steve McIntosh

I am married with 3 children, due to work and family commitments I currently do not get out on the bike as much as I would like and will be looking to fit some extra rides in 2014 and beyond around these and my cycling committee commitments. I am currently updating my coaching qualifications, to reflect my current coaching interest.

I joined Barnesbury CC in 1986, aged 16 years old after playing youth football to a reasonable standard. My initial interest in cycling was leisure riding, but soon got into time trialling. I helped out at races immediately and organised my first event aged 19 years old.

During a Sport Studies Joint Honours degree I qualified as an ABCC (Association of British Cycle Coaches) coach. I also held tennis, weightlifting and football coaching qualifications. After University I began to work in the fitness industry working in several of the top private gyms in Newcastle, doing some personal training and cycle fitness classes.

Being a founding member of Cycle Coaching North, I helped develop fitness testing activity and seminar presentation in conjunction with other NE regional coaches. Due to this work which saw the North East becoming the blueprint for the initial British Cycling coaching structure I was invited by John Mills – BC Coaching Director to help develop the initial BC Level 2 course, where I became a Level 2 coaching tutor.

In 2002 seeing the lack of opportunities for youngsters in the NE I established Hetton Hawks CC and took the position of NE Talent Team Coach in the acclaimed BC talent ID set up. I continued to volunteer at Hetton Hawks after BC changed their priorities up until 2011. During this time I have worked with riders who have gone on to ODP squads, professional teams and a number of top local riders. In 2011 the opportunity arose to develop a BMX facility and use off road facilities in South East Northumberland to set up a youth programme with Barnesbury CC. I have received 2 awards at the British Cycling National Awards Evening for volunteering.

I’m currently updating my Club Coach qualification to include Level 2 MTB and will continue to organise events and look at ways of developing both senior and youth coaching opportunities in line with facility improvements to maximise rider potential in the local SE Northumberland area in conjunction with my limited time (due to trying to maintain a good work/life balance).

Neil Cranston

I am married and we have one boy. I have been riding bikes all my life, mainly for commuting although I did race with Houghton Le Spring CC as a teenager. Once introduced to MTB all those years ago, I have had many years getting out into the hills on two wheels as well.  I want to introduce my son to all the outdoor activities that have played such a large part in my life. One of my work colleagues put a flyer round the office advertising the NECCL Gypsies Green Cyclocross race. I took my son along to watch and he thought it was fab “I can do this Dad!” he said. At this point I started looking into cycling clubs with a youth section, quickly learning about the British Cycling Go Ride scheme.  The family joined Barnesbury CC in 2013 I took my bike up to the Saturday morning Kids session and rode round with the kids, just helping put chains back on, fixing punctures, picking kids up when they had fallen off and helping out, just one of the Dads!

I was identified as a keen parent and would I consider becoming a coach. So now I am a British Cycling Level 2 Coach, no longer just a Dad. I help deliver the off road skills coaching on a Saturday Morning.  Within the Barnesbury CC coaching team I have taken on the role of Cyclocross champion. That definitely does not mean I am the best at Cyclocross, far from it! I will try to promote inclusion of Barnesbury CC youth riders into local Cycloross races.  Developing their bike handling skills and introducing them to what I believe is a fantastic sport.

Since joining the club I have got back into the racing scene enjoying  going to the same events as my son competing in, Cyclocross, MTB and time trials. Demonstration to my son anyone can get involved and enjoy the sport.
 

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