Progression Mountain Biking Clinic: Beginners

This three-week course begins with the core fundamentals of mountain biking. Topics include bike-body separation, climbing positions, braking, descending positions, cornering, front, and rear-wheel lifts, ratcheting, and balance techniques. We will also cover trail etiquette, suspension set-up, basic bike maintenance, and repair. By the end of the course, students will be able to comfortably bike all the Kincaid and Hillside singletrack trails (not the one-way flow trails).

• Beginner – I know how to ride a bike, shift gears, and use hand breaks. I can control my speed and direction on the pavement, however, I am new to mountain biking and have never ridden dirt trails or ride off-road once or twice a year.
• Novice – I have some experience riding dirt trails or off-road terrain and have been mountain biking several times. I can control my bike speed and direction on smooth trails and moderately uneven terrain, but often walk my bike when things get rooty. I am able to anticipate the terrain and know when to shift gears some of the time.
• Intermediate – I have been mountain biking for at least 2 years and ride regularly. I am able to control my speed and direction on moderately steep and technical singletrack trails which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks, and sand. I can roll over small obstacles but I don’t take my wheels off the ground. I can anticipate the terrain and know when to shift gears.
• Advanced – I am a strong rider who has been mountain biking for 5 or more years. I am comfortable climbing and descending steep, technical and exposed terrain that includes rocks, tree roots, primitive trail, tight switchbacks, short drops, and jumps.

• Leisurely: My main source of exercise is walking or light workouts once or twice a week. I enjoy getting outside and walking or light activity. I prefer mostly flat or downhill terrain. Short, small hill climbs are doable, but less is ok with me. (Less than 200 feet of climbing)
• Recreational: Weekend warrior or commute to work or do spin classes in the gym, I enjoy an active lifestyle, working out 2 to 3 times a week with an occasional physical challenge. I enjoy gentle rolling terrain and feel great after reaching the top of a hill climb. (Less than 500 feet of climbing)
• Active: Fitness is central to my life. I ride my bike regularly weekly (spin classes count!) or I work out 4 to 5 times a week physically challenging myself with almost every workout. I enjoy hills and like getting some speed. (Less than 1,000 feet of climbing)
• Avid: Fitness is my life and everything I do revolves around my workouts and nutrition. I ride my bike an average of 100 miles per week and enjoy a fast pace for an extended time. I love to train, improve, and maybe even race my friends. I enjoy all-terrain!