There are a bunch of companies offering bicycle instructor training, tour leader certification, and techniques for riding in traffic.   I should probably take a course.  It would add a bit of credibility to the whole outfit.  Right?

But I’m really dreading the idea.  It’s not like I’m some anarchist courier punk, but all the bike safety stuff I have read has been really uninspired.  Where’s the joy, folks?  I know that cycling in traffic can be a matter of life and death, but do you really need to treat it that way?  Ugh.

Anyhow, these are the programs I know about.  Anyone have any experience with them?  Good or bad?

Adventure Cycling Association – This looks like the best of the bunch, including things like “discussions about the dynamics involved in leading self-contained tours, including group motivation, conflict resolution, public relations, and much more.”  But three days and $400 is out of my budget.

League of American Bicyclists - These guys look serious.  Too serious.  Their big draw is a “student manual”.  And a $200 fee.  I’ll pass.

Our local crew at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine features classes for free.  And they provide lunch!  That’s the spirit!