Nearly a dozen bike enthusiasts gathered in the parking lot of the Lehighton Outdoor Center on Saturday, armed with their bikes and cleaning supplies and ready to learn more about bike maintenance.

It was the third of a six-party free bike clinic series, geared toward riders who want to know more about how to more efficiently fit, ride and maintain their bikes.

“A properly maintained bike is less likely to break down,” said Jerry McAward, owner of the Lehighton Outdoor Center.

“It shifts well, it brakes well. Most people want to care for their things but they don’t know how. When you are taught by a gentle expert, you can learn a lot.”

The event has been attracting current riders and enthusiasts who are ready to take their biking experience to the next level, and to learn to better maintain their equipment.

“We’re viewing this as a gateway experience toward being a more self-sufficient biker,” McAward said.

He added that even experienced riders have learned a few tips from the clinics, such as the riders who learned where to pay more attention to detail while cleaning their bikes.

Each of the six clinics has ended with a group trail ride and a chance to experience the trail without venturing out alone the first time they ride the route.

The clinics are led by Lehighton Outdoor Center bike mechanic Bill Drumbore, who has several decades experience working with local riders.

“We’ve had a good response, and good reactions,” McAward said. “Our staff are real people and this is a good chance to meet our staff and get some hands-on learning.”

He noted that their clinic leaders and staff members are always keen to passion on their knowledge and ensuring that customers get a chance to learn how to do maintenance tasks on their own, if they so desire.

This philosophy of teaching and hands-on learning applies during clinics and everyday encounters inside their store, he said.

The Lehighton Outdoor Center plan to do additional clinics throughout the year, including a women’s kayaking class and a life jacket awareness clinic.

The center also hopes to put together a cross-country skiing fleet this winter and offer a practice snow-covered site behind their main building.

“One of the great parts about having the building here is that we can do these free clinics,” he said. “It’s a nice location. We’ve picked things that are common skills that people want to know.”

The bike clinic has been attracting primarily local and regional riders, while the trail itself and their rafting and river adventures appeal to both locals and visitors.

“As we position ourselves as a regional bike center, it’s been a nice thing to get out there and help us spread word of mouth,” said McAward.

The outdoor center will offer three more bike clinics, including a session on gear shifting on Aug. 11; “Bikers Be Seen,” a lesson in visibility both day and night on Aug. 18; and a final clinic on carrying tools, gear and more on Aug. 25.