Progression Mountain Bike Clinic: Backcountry Trails

Go beyond the smooth trails and start exploring. Alaska has some of the best backcountry trails in the world. This course will cover route selection, gear, nutrition, trail repair, wildlife encounters, and the riding skills needed to successfully tackle Alaska’s wilderness 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!