All mountain bike lessons begin with a basic bike safety and fit check.
Air, brakes, chain/crank, quick release, head set, tire pressure and pedals
We will do a quick fit check and offer suggestions that may be needed to make riding more fun and safe. (brake position, saddle height etc,)
Start building skills
All first lesson start with a minimum of a brief fundamentals review.
Introduce skills in a low consequence setting allowing time to hone in balance, stability, and timing.
Add the next layer of complexity to each skills allowing for some mega progression sessions.
Constructive feedback to help you achieve your goals.
Video and picture analysis to help riders hone in skills.
It’s time to take it to the trails
Apply the skill in a practical and real life setting on local trails.
We continue providing feedback and give demos to help you achieve your trail goals.
We can spot you on new features.
More video analysis for feedback.
After the lesson
We are here to help you continue to progress! You can contact us anytime after your lesson with questions!
Send us pictures or videos for feedback or ask general questions and we’ll offer suggestions. We want you to succeed!
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
A Mountain Bike in working condition
If you aren’t sure about your bikes condition, take it to a local mechanic. If you don’t know you’re local bike shop, let us know and we can help you find one.
We recommend having a seat that can be lowered at least 3”
Knobby tires are also encouraged
Helmet in good condition
If you’ve had the helmet for more than 5 years, it’s been in a crash, or it just doesn’t fit well; we recommend you replace it prior to the lesson (if you need recommendations, we can help).
Needs to fit snuggly with little movement and sit level on your head.
Water/Hydration
There may not be water access at all trails. Please plan accordingly!
We sometimes get hungry when we ride! Don’t you? Please try to bring some snacks along. We love Honey Stinger Waffles! Our coaches carry emergency supplies, but please don’t rely on them to stock your feed need!
We also recommend using some electrolyte tablets if temperatures are warm or we’ll be away from “home base” for an extended period of time.
Shoes (and pedals that work with them)
We recommend flat pedals for learning skills. We have found it’s safer to learn and in the long run will help you be more in tune to technique.
Closed toed shoes are required. Please no sandals or flip-flops. Tennis shoes work, but we recommend a skate shoe or MTB shoe (check out Five Ten for some RAD shoes).
We will give you suggestions and tips to ride on the flats. Also, remember every skill we teach you in flats can be transferred to clipless pedals (the ones you clip into).
If you normally ride clipless and think changing your shoe and pedal set up will create a road block, consider bringing both and starting the session in flats and then if you need, switching to the clipless for any on trail portion.
If you ride with to clips/cages that were popular in the 90’s and prior, please remove them prior to your lesson.
Additional Protection
Eyes- Sunglasses, goggles, or just some safety glasses- not a necessity, but strongly recommended at least for on trail work.
Pads- Knee pads, shin pads (recommended if you are new to flats.)
Other items to consider
Our coaches will have tubes, multi tools, co2, and a shock pump, but it’s always a good idea to come prepared and get used to carrying your own.
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Extra clothes (jacket, arm warmers, vest, etc)
An open mind, willingness to learn, a positive attitude, and a smile!
Learning can be sometimes tedious and frustrating and we do our best to minimize it and keep things fun.
Be ready to receive constructive feedback to your riding and keep an open mind when trying new skills.
Don’t forget to bring your smile (we’ll bring ours)! Riding bikes is FUN!!!
“Dang, just took my first lesson with Catherine, and I am stoked to practice my new skills! I was having trouble progressing in some areas, and during my lesson, I realized that I wasn’t advancing because I never mastered some of the techniques that go into intermediate skills. The two hours zipped by as we practiced on small features in the grass. It was non-threatening; she was patient, competent, and easy-going. ”