Handcycle Taster Days

A taster day caters for both those that own a handcycle and those who are new to the sport. The Saturday consists of a general coaching session, which is taken by qualified British Cycling Coaches and offers a real insight into how to train for cycling. The June taster day is held on the same weekend as the Tour De Vale cycle sportive, and those attending the taster day have the option to borrow a handcycle on the Sunday, to ride the 25km, 60km or 100km sportive, which starts and finishes at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

A taster day starts at 10am with those without their own handcycles arrival by 09:30am for handcycle fitting, with a lunch break followed by an afternoon session. For those who’d like prefer to stay overnight Saturday, we usually head out for a social meal – you will have earned it!

There will be a number of handcycles available for people to try from a number of manufacturers including Draft, Quickie, Schmicking and TopEnd. Our selection of bikes includes both road and off road designs with frame sizes to suit all shapes and sizes.

Having observed the bo in power assisted cycles, we decided to convert 5 of our existing Force 3 manual bikes to power assist for Sumer 2024. WE quickly realised this not only made hand cycling a lot of fun for everyone, it also meant those with higher level SCI or upper limb amputations could also hand cycle by themselves. If you are unsure, just ask us..

We organise regular handcycle taster days at the Stoke Mandeville track in Aylesbury and these have been a great success. There are several of these in 2025, the first being in April. So it doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden a handcycle before, you can borrow one of ours for the day or if you have your own bring it along.

“How do I get into one of those bikes, I can’t transfer that low” Is a question we hear a lot. Don’t worry, there’s loads of help available, from helpers you can bring yourself plus innovative kit like this adjustable transfer seat which makes your trader a simple slide in and out of the bikes.

So you’re interested in attending a taster day. That’s great, we’ll need some general information about you when you book – this is all on the booking form, so please answer all of the questions as clearly as you can.

You are welcome to attend as of the sessions as you wish. All sessions are open to all handcyclists irrespective of experience and disability. All that is required is that you can operate your cycle safely and you follow the advice given by HCAUK officials. We do require all newcomers to complete the Medical Declaration form and bring it with them to the weekend.

For taster days held at Stoke Mandeville, rooms can be booked at the Olympic Lodge for Friday and/or Saturday nights if required. Lunch can be purchased from the cafeteria. Those that stay on Saturday usually go into Aylesbury for an evening meal.

Please contact us if you wish for any further information.

Accommodation should be booked directly at the Olympic Lodge