We’ve all been riding a bike since we were kids, and by now we’re all as good as we’re going to get, right? Not even close. We all have more potential to improve, all we need is a little help.
Why should you take a lesson?
In most sports, when you want to improve, you take a lesson. Why would riding a mountain bike be different? Let’s say your riding a new trail that has some rooty, techy features that make your sphincter tighten up like your cheap uncle on a night out with the boys. There is someone out there who can help crack the code and get you riding loose again.
“But I’m not a beginner,” you say “I know how to ride”. Instructors and coaches are trained to see things that you might feel you are doing, but aren’t. And they can point out the possibility of doing those things differently to make riding more efficient, safe, and fun. You might ride well, but there is always room for improvement.
Where do I find qualified coaches?
If you are fortunate, there’s a certified coach in your area, a quick search may be able to help locate one. Don’t be put off if their sites or schools look like they are geared toward kids, that’s their bread and butter. Call or contact them and ask if they coach adults, you might be in luck. Finding a local coach has advantages. You can ride with them on a regular basis and build a relationship with someone who knows your riding style, strengths and weaknesses. A local coach may be more familiar with the local terrain than you are, and because they are out there more than you are able they know the current conditions.
Another option is traveling to a camp or location that offers coaching. Bonus! Not only do you get top level coaching but you also get to ride fun, new terrain!
Testimonial: Learning to Jump
My son has been coached to ride fast downhill and jump, and he does so with skilled abandon. He urges me to follow him down trails that I struggle on – Dirt Merchant and Clown Shoes at Whistler – and to his credit he is all heartfelt encouragement, but he is not a trained coach. Recently, I had the opportunity to get a morning’s worth of coaching on various skills and I’m here today to declare that those couple hours increased m skills and boosted my confidence dramatically. By far the biggest change came from a 30 minute session on jumping led by Shaums March who co-owns March NW. Shaums helped me dial in my suspension, then taught me how to find my center on the bike, and what I need to do to jump safely and smoothly. Perhaps this will be the summer I conquer DM…
Bottom Line
Your riding can get better. Finding a coach in your area or taking a trip to a camp or clinic are positive steps to making you a safer, more skilled rider. That’s a recipe for more fun on a bike.
Next Post