Private & Semi-Private Mountain Bike Lessons

Lessons are designed around your skills and goals! Once you reserve your lesson(s) a coach will reach out to you to discuss what you would like to work on, then build a plan tailored to you. With private mountain biking lesson(s) you will gain confidence, build strength, and solidify your foundation.

A lesson package will allow your coach to design a custom schedule of progressive sessions. Developing your skills and reinforcing proper technique and good habits. We aim to have our riders progress safely while having fun and exploring the beauty of the surrounding area.

Semi-private: if you have a small group of friends or family members (2-6), all around the same skill level you can reserve a semi-private lesson(s) based on the goals of the group.

Beginner: your coach will teach you body position on the bike, braking, cornering, and line selection to begin, more as time allows.

Intermediate: your coach will teach cornering at higher speeds and cornering on berms, dealing with obstacles uphill and downhill, and basic jumping.

Advanced intermediate: your coach will teach drops, jumps, introduction to wheelies and manuals, and more challenging uphill and downhill obstacles.

• 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!

We understand life can be unpredictable. If you are unable to make your scheduled lesson, please contact us as early as possible. Then we can work together to reschedule.

• Cancellations that are given at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson (and not rescheduled) will be rescheduled when possible, or receive a full refund.
• Cancellations for lessons that are within 24 hours of the scheduled time are considered a “no show” and will be billed for the entirety of the scheduled lesson.
• Weather can be a real thriller, too! Your safety is our priority, on or off the bike, so if the weather is dangerous we may call, text or email you to reschedule. Example of weather considered too dangerous: winds of 30+ mph. 
• As Alaska Trail Guides, we hold the right to reschedule lessons at any time when the safety of participants is compromised due to dangerous outdoor conditions or for any other circumstances which are outside of our control. We will always try to reschedule first or a full refund will be given in these circumstances.

DAY-OF:

We suggest arriving 15 minutes before the start of your lesson, which gives you time to check in with us and get your bike and gear ready! 

BIKES & EQUIPMENT:

You must bring a functioning mountain bike that fits you and is capable of riding on dirt singletrack trails. All participants are required to wear a helmet that is certified to the MIPS standard. Helmets are required any time on a bike. We don’t require but recommend that participants also wear protective sunglasses, bike-specific gloves, and possibly knee and/or elbow pads. A hydration pack is great for storing extra clothing, snacks, water, and necessary bike tools and/or other equipment.

WAIVER:

A link to our online waiver will be emailed to you within 24 hours of your lesson. A completed and signed waiver is required to participate in a lesson with Alaska Trail Guides.