Possible clinic at Southridge / Fontana in mid-December

[allison]

Hey guys,

Saw this on emptybeer, and after an email to/from Zach he requested I post it here also (I would've told him to post it, but wasn't sure if it'd be considered spam?). I figured some people might have an interest!!

<<Hey everyone just wanted to give you a heads up that Lee McCormack from Leelikesbikes.com and I Zach Griffith are trying to see if anyone is interested in a training camp in the Southridge Park, Fontana area. The cost would be about $250 per person for the weekend, and would be around 10-15 people. The camp format would look like this:
FORMAT

* 10a * 12p drills
* Lunch break
* 1p * Ride trail until it gets dark or we get tired out.

Day 1: Drills then trail. Position, braking, basic cornering. We would practice on a relatively smooth trail.
Day 2 would depend on the group and it's needs. Basically drills then trail. We would review then whatever fits, i.e. terrain absorption, manual/hop, drop, etc. Then depending on the terrain and the group, we would look for a bumpier/more technical trail.

Please email me, zstyle_22@yahoo.com, if you or someone you know would be interested.
Thanks again,
Zach
>>

I emailed to ask if it would be beginner-based or beneficial for intermediate riders as well. Zach said everyone starts out together, and depending on skill levels they'd break it up into groups.

Sounds like it might be cool.

[skate]

Wow kind of pricey for one day. For about another 100 dollars you can take Gene's hamiltons course at bootleg for 3 days and he guarantee's you'll learn or you money back.

The course sounds pretty cool especially since its at fontana.

[allison]

Originally Posted by skate

Wow kind of pricey for one day. For about another 100 dollars you can take Gene's hamiltons course at bootleg for 3 days and he guarantee's you'll learn or you money back.

The course sounds pretty cool especially since its at fontana.

Gene's course at Bootleg is $499 (last I remember reading), not including gas and hotel for 3 nights.

It's all relative. I assume that a clinic with Lee McCormack would be great also (he was a pro mountain biker, afterall).

BTW, it's 2 days?

I'm not trying to pimp these guys or be down on Gene at all. I've never taken any kind of clinic, but thought some peeps might be interested!

Since it is a bit cheaper and more local than Bootleg Justin and I *may* sign up.

[Marshall Willanholly]

I'm there. I like Lee's book and would love to get some in person coaching from him.

Maybe it will help me improve my results in the Winter Series this year. I'm getting tired of eating Winston's dust!

[mechmann]

darn!

i was hoping that taking this clinic would put me up in front of you and winston!!!!

[allison]

Originally Posted by mechmann

darn!

i was hoping that taking this clinic would put me up in front of you and winston!!!!

We can cut his tires both mornings.

[Marshall Willanholly]

Originally Posted by mechmann

darn!

i was hoping that taking this clinic would put me up in front of you and winston!!!!

Are you old enough to compete against us?

[jfromlv]

Lee's clinics are awesome! Lee never has raced pro, but his words and techniques are definitely pro-level. After talking to him quite a bit, here's why I think he is such a great teacher:
-he has had to study every aspect of riding to write his book
-he is a pulitzer prize winning writer(from his former job), which allows him to find the right words
-he is easy to talk to
-he can smoke most people on any given day!
Here's the Incycle clinic from Sept. 06.
Lee McCormack - Clinic in Fontana

I'd also like to add that just because someone is a pro, does not mean they are a good teacher. I took a clinic at Whistler a few years ago from Ritchie Schley, he's a HORRIBLE teacher, fun to ride with, but not learn from. Fortunately, he had 3 other coaches in the clinic, including Thomas Vanderham, who were all solid teachers.

[DownhillWebKook]

...I don't think anyone can go wrong on this one, BUT it might be helpful to get people within a similar range of skills.

I did the Bikeskills.com clinic with a few dudes (beginner/novice) and the focus was too remedial. I spent nearly a $100 bucks to practice track stands and j-hops. I thought the content was good, but my return on investment was relatively low.

If nothing else, Lee's book is great. I love it. You can turn to any page and go, "Cool, I need to work on that a bit." If his clinics are anything like the book, you'll be stoked!

Have fun.

[skate]

Originally Posted by allison

Gene's course at Bootleg is $499 (last I remember reading), not including gas and hotel for 3 nights.

It's all relative. I assume that a clinic with Lee McCormack would be great also (he was a pro mountain biker, afterall).

BTW, it's 2 days?

I'm not trying to pimp these guys or be down on Gene at all. I've never taken any kind of clinic, but thought some peeps might be interested!

Since it is a bit cheaper and more local than Bootleg Justin and I *may* sign up.

True dat, on the hotel and stuff. 2 days isn't bad then, becuase it looks likes Gene's rates have gone up.

Hopefully someone will post some reviews. and hopefully he will be here at fontana giving classes frequently becuase I might just check out the second round depending on how the reviews are.

[m80kickflip]

The clinic we did with Lee last year was awesome. Thanks Jason (jfromlv) for setting it up.

Lee's instruction is well worth the cost. He taught us the basics (mostly on asphalt, then a little on dirt) on body positioning, turning, braking. It was so helpful and applies to ANY level rider. This clinic will improve anyone's skills.

[jfromlv]

Originally Posted by skate

True dat, on the hotel and stuff. 2 days isn't bad then, becuase it looks likes Gene's rates have gone up.

Hopefully someone will post some reviews. and hopefully he will be here at fontana giving classes frequently becuase I might just check out the second round depending on how the reviews are.

Lee lives in Boulder, CO. He makes it out here once a year to visit his parents in Mission Viejo. So you gotta jump at the chance to get in on his clinic.

[420Moment]

Count me in.

[ferrit66]

$250 is not bad for 2 day's of endless advice. His book is very good, and i have taken a lot from it, so i'm sure he might have some good drills in person. Good coaching doesn't always come from top pro's.

It is worth noting that Eric Carter does clinics throughout the winter at fontana, and we all know he has the results to back it up. He also has some wicked raffles when you sign up, so chances are you can win a frame or a fork. Check out www.southridgeusa.com

[mechmann]

Originally Posted by Marshall Willanholly

Are you old enough to compete against us?

i have been corrected... i am not of age.

i guess that means that instead of knowing who it is, i will be getting my @$$ handed to me by people i don't know.

[denmother]

I have taken numerous clinics over the years and all have been beneficial. None from Lee, but his book is great.

Gene Hamilton's clinics are well worth the money and Bootleg is a great place to practice your DH skills (although it can be intimidating for beginners). We did basic practice drills the first day which was highly beneficial.

I also took several clinics with Eric Carter and Rich Houseman (they used to do them together at Fontana). Their clincs were more race skills and race preparation based.

When choosing a clinic, look for one based on what you want to accomplish. Also, it is very beneficial to make sure that the clinic level (i.e. beginner, intermediate, etc.) is right for you. I have taken a few where they combined levels and it was very frustrating ( I have been both too experienced and not experienced enough). It's like computer classes, the class can only go as fast as the slowest person.

[Permagrin]

I would be interested depending on when it is.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by mechmann

i have been corrected... i am not of age.

Damn young whipper snapper you!

Of course I can hear Roger saying that to me.

[mechmann]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Damn young whipper snapper you!

Of course I can hear Roger saying that to me.

i am 32. i can't wait to get to the next age bracket. the late 20s early 30s riders are FAST!