Beginner's MTB Clinic (Free!)

[scruffylooking]

Hey STR folks...
In skiing or snowboarding you can easily enroll in a learn-to-ski/board class at just about any ski hill in the world. Yet, for mountain biking, we have very few organized beginner's classes. So BikeSkills is looking to start a beginner's clinic. We believe in giving riders the fundamentals to ride safe o they can crash less, ride more, and have fun.

I'm going to have a "trial run" beginner's clinic on Saturday, 1/27/2007, 9AM-12PM at Aliso Woods. This clinic is free since it's a trial run for me to work out the kinks. Future classes will be for a fee (TBD).

Prereqs for the class:

• You have to know how to ride a bike. Duh! But you can have limited to no mountain biking experience
• Have a mountain bike that has been well maintained and is in good working order (shifts are smooth, brakes work, tires are in good condition, etc.)
• Have a mountain bike that fits
• Wear a helmet, gloves, and eyewear
• Bring water (bottles or hydration pack)
• Be willing to sit down and give us some constructive feedback after the clinic
• Willingness to sweat, work hard, and have fun learning some new BikeSkills
• Full class details to come for those who are interested

Some items we'll cover:

• Bike set up
• Braking
• Cornering
• Climbing
• Descending
• Riding through the rough stuff
• Etiquette

If you have any friends or family who are interested in trying out mountain biking have them email me at:

jason@bikeskills.com

Questions? Feel free to post here, PM, or email me.

[tkblazer]

nice, i hope these skills classes bring out or at least help people realize the passion one can have for biking

[scruffylooking]

You know, that's the hope! I've known people who have tried it and just got too beat up and gave up. Our thinking is: give them the fundamentals to ride safely and they'll have more fun. If they're having fun they'll want to keep doing it. And bingo, you're hooked.

It's sort of like drug dealing except it's good for you.

[1_fez_rider]

Man that's cool you offer those services! I wish I had known about you when I first started riding. Good luck on that!

[LBmtb]

For any new riders out there: take advantage of this sweet opportunity. I took a similar class in the santa monicas with corba (I think?) and it really helped me out early on.

[scorns]

What is the youngest you would let attend?????

[scruffylooking]

Fez! Thanks for the encouragement. Well, we didn't have this offering when you were getting started. Heck, very few people in the world have something like this available. We want to bring the love of trail riding to anyone who wants to learn.

George - Thanks for the promo.

Scorn - Right now, I'd have to say 14 with a parent participating. We aren't set up to do kids so any younger will have to wait for our kids clinics that we want to set up (maybe second half 2007?).

Thanks for your questions folks. Let's go ride.

[El Presidente]

CORBA also offers a free MTB skills class in Malibu Creek State Park on the first Saturday of each month. http://www.corbamtb.com

[scruffylooking]

Sounds like a cool program!

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Originally Posted by Hans

CORBA also offers a free MTB skills class in Malibu Creek State Park on the first Saturday of each month. http://www.corbamtb.com

What's the youngest age they'll teach? I'd like to bring my daughter.

[bcroach78]

Sounds interesting. Im a firm believer in "its never to late to teach and old dog new tricks". Ive been riding for a few years, but would still love to attend. I promise to attend with an open mind and willingness to learn. Im in the army, and will find out on the 24th when I will be leaving, so if Im still here on the 27th I would like to attend.

[scruffylooking]

bcroach78 - Thanks for your interest. If you haven't already, send me an email so I can get you on the list. This clinic may be full already (with a couple on the waitlist, too). But people drop out all the time so I may be able to get you in.

[roadkillross]

looks pretty legit. would go but im gona be racing and tryin to learn some tricks of my own lol

[scruffylooking]

dhr13, you would be so booooored on your new IH Sunday riding the flat beginner's trails in Aliso. But it would probably be pretty funny to watch. =)

[scruffylooking]

Thanks for the flood of interest folks! The clinic is full and we've even got a few on the waiting list. But if you're interested don't be shy. People come and go last minute in these types of things so you still have a chance.

[andino]

sounds like there is a lot of interest in this already! good so we can have more riders out on the trail with us. good luck with your clinic!

[scruffylooking]

Originally Posted by andino

sounds like there is a lot of interest in this already! good so we can have more riders out on the trail with us. good luck with your clinic!

Thanks andino.

[OTHRIDER]

Jason,

Thanks for the excellent FREE skills workshop yesterday. I soaked up all the info and found a new riding spot.

A little ice and a little pale ale took all of the knee pain away!


Time to ride - thanks again.

Duke

[scruffylooking]

You bet Duke. You had a lot of good feedback for us, too. I'm going to post some pictures when I get them from dubjay.

[bobzrag]

Thanks for the course over the weekend Jason - I ended up using the weight distribution tips going up Cholla and down Rock-it. I'll be keeping an eye on the schedule for the next step up to continue improving!

Let me know when you are going to have another beginner course, I know a couple guys that might be interested in taking it.

Thanks,

Bob