Help me go faster...!

[lisa]

I'm always wishing I had more 'skillz'!

What are the chances of getting some sort of session set up to help those of us fairly new to MTB with our skills/technique? I'm a complete chicken and rubbish descender. The sole reason I didn't do the Dunmore race was because the course scared the crap out of me!

Would anyone else be interested in something like this? Would any of you who already have skillz be willing to help out?

[johnmcg]

lisa, i think you just described me ( the chicken and rubbish descender part ) so i would certainly be interested in this, maybe Mr BK ( i think he is some sort of mtb champion ) or some of the other skilled riders would be willing to substitute a mtb group ride day for a skills day ( should be worth their while, some laugh for them anyway trying to get me to handle a mtb )

[barryvankellett]

Having good skills doesn't necessarily make them good teachers.
And thanks John, but having no skills makes me an even worse teacher!
I'd be interested if anyone else was, in setting up a skills day with someone like firsttracks

But the way I started progressing a bit more on technical features was to go out with friends who would bully each other mentally into doing stuff!

It generally helps to watch someone ride a feature or just follow them over it to get ac
A feel for the speed needed etc

[johnmcg]

exactly barry, i need bullied, which is why i thought of you first :-)

[barryvankellett]

I can bully you no bother!

[johns]

Would be interested in a skills day too. Something like this www.rockandrideoutdoors.com/index.php/mtb-core-skills.html

[lisa]

I don't mind being told to 'man up' but I also need something aimed at a novice. There's stuff I just can't do yet. Trouble is I can probably do more than I think, it's just knowing where the line is! The line being the place where I either just get off and push the bike (most likely scenario) or end up in A&E.

[bigpeter151]

Count me in!

[barryvankellett]

Herr Wilson may organise a team bullying day then.
I'll bring a full face helmet to give anyone who wants to wear it a shot of over confidence.

[johns]

Those first tracks boys seem good too www.firsttracksguiding.com/index.html

They're cheaper and will take groups up to 12.

[bryce]

Oh you are a modest bunch!

Theres an abundance of talent within the club MTB scene and EVERYONE has there own particular strengths and weaknesses, just like anything else really. Its just tapping into it is the hard part!

Lisa, EVERYONE wishes they had more skillz, however some people on here just don't realise how far they've come in the short years that have been MTB'ing (*Cough, BK)

BACK TO BASICS!

Im all for the idea of a leisurely paced run around the race course to stop and session parts of the track. It gives us all a chance to look at lines, choose the best one and then practice riding it. IT CAN ONLY MAKE US FASTER! Surely?

BEST FOOT FORWARD...

Ryan Leech is an extremely talented trials rider, however I feel this video can teach us something about the importance of balance, (something I lack Im afraid!) and that really this sort of "skill" only comes through time and practice. The trackstand is a classic example that often gets overlooked as it involves being staionary as opposed to racing down a hillside. Its important nontheless IMO. Theres other wee tips and hints on the video that are useful, even if like me your never ever gonna be able to ride trials.

I think that after a few hours on your own practicing, and a few Sundays out on the trails sessioning the course or Dunmore will definately help.

After that then consider paying for tuition.

Anyway heres the video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS-QZpvCB58

And for a more "Mountainbikey" one this ones good...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiQGFX_RlW4