WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
My teaching style helps you learn correct riding technique
while building upon your skill and confidence. No matter what your
level, I can help you get better. How? By being an “interactive video
camera”: I’ll show you what you’re doing and help you improve by
making adjustments to your technique. I use proven methods that have
worked for literally thousands of riders. (I use a real video camera,
too.)
PROPER RIDER COMPARTMENT CONFIGURATION
Before you even start riding, you need the handlebar height and
reach, and saddle position that is right for YOU.
PROPER SEATED RIDING POSITION
How you sit while pedaling makes a big difference in how
comfortable you are. I’ll show you proper placement on the saddle and
correct posture.
BRAKE MODULATION
You’ll learn how to make the brakes work in dirt, from slow
speed singletrack to high-speed descents.
CADENCE
You’re the motor, and you need to work efficiently. Proper
gear selection and cadence (revolutions per minute) are critical if you
want to maximize your energy and stamina.
photo: Anne Carasik
DESCENDING
The Crouch. It’s like a balanced athletic position in
traditional sports. It’s easy to learn, and once you do you can go
down just about anything!
SLOW SPEED MANEUVERING
As much as we like to go fast, most of the time we’re going
slow. I’ll get you comfortable with slow speed maneuvering in tight
situations.
photo: Anne Carasik
CLIMBING
Most people only use their legs when climbing. I’ll show
you the secret to getting your entire body to power the bike uphill.
STARTING AND STOPPING ON STEEP HILLS
We all have to stop some time. I’ll show you how to get
started again.
TECHNICAL CLIMBING
Once you learn the basic climbing technique, we can move on
to climbing steep hills with rocks and loose dirt.
TECHNICAL DESCENDING
Steep, rocky descents are one of the most intimidating things
about mountain biking. Learning how to stay low while using your legs as
shock absorbers is the key.
CORNERING
There are several ways to keep the bike from sliding at
speed--it’s all about weight transference. I’ll also show you how to
work with the bike to float through turns and maintain momentum.
photo: Anne Carasik
CONTROLLING THE FRONT WHEEL
A little wheel-lift goes a long way. You can use it to get up
over an obstacle when climbing, descending, or even on flat terrain.
CONTROLLING THE REAR WHEEL
Yes, there are two wheels, and you have to learn how to work
the rear tire up and down as well as the front--for instance, when doing
a “bunny hop.”
ADVANCED SKILLS
You’ll find that once you properly master the
previous skills, you will be more confident in all aspects of your
riding. However, there is no substitute for time in the saddle. As you
gain confidence you will try more difficult terrain. There are advanced
techniques that can help you with the most severe terrain, and this is
where my instruction becomes the most valuable. Whether you just want to
be a better all-around rider, or want to improve your racing
performance, I can help. Your hard work will be rewarded!
