MTN BIKE CAMPS
*XC MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMPS!
If you want to learn to ride Mountain Bikes more efficiently with better balance, mental skills and handling skills this course is for you. This is a two day course with drills that will test your ability and by the end you will conquer them all with ease. The first day will be spent doing drills to get your confidence up. Also you will learn trailside repairs as well as proper fitting of your Bike. The second day is where it all comes together...we will spend the morning doing more drills and then onto the single track in the woods...... (this is what it's all about) all that you learned the day prior will be put to test here. After this day you'll have conquered obstacles you never thought possible and you'll enjoy the rest of your Mountain Biking life.
No skill is too basic. If the riders in a novice group are struggling with clipping into their pedals, we’ll focus on that for an entire session until it becomes second nature. If an intermediate group is having trouble with narrow switchbacks, we may spend an entire session working on tight-turning techniques.
Among the basic skills we emphasize our:
- Riding position
- Controlled braking
- Smooth shifting
- Relaxed turning
- ”Heads-Up” focus
Our instructors include experienced mountain bikers, mountain bike racers and USAC Cycling Coaches.
Mountain biking can be a rigorous sport. That’s why we stress indoor cycling for improving overall fitness. We believe that indoor cycling can be exceptional adjunctive training for mountain biking.
Our goal is for students to progress to the level where they feel confident and joyful mountain biking on their own. Fitness level plays a large role in achieving that goal.
What You’ll Need
At all of our group camps or private lessons, you’ll need the following gear:
- Mountain bike (rentals available, see below)
- Helmet
- Protective eyewear (sunglasses)
- Gloves
- Bike shoes with cleats or flat pedals with baskets
- Hydration pack and/or water bottles (if you’re using bottles, a bottle cage must be on your bike)
- Portable and durable trail food (Cliff Bars, Powerbars, peanut butter sandwiches, nuts, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Also bring a healthy lunch. (I do bring a grill for all student to use)
Thanks to our partnership with Piche's Ski and Bike Shop in Gilford, New Hampshire, mountain bikes can be rented for $40 day. Supplies are limited, so bikes should be reserved one week in advance. “Demo” bikes also are available for higher daily rental fee.
When renting a bike from Piche's, you'll need to identify yourself as a Mountain Bike Camp student. All Piche's employees are aware of this program, but if you have questions ask for Pat or Bob.
Contact information for Piche's is below:
Piche's Ski and Bike (603) 524-2068, www.piches.com
Tips:
1. Head and eyes! Very important to keep your head and eyes turned in the direction your going...it's just like walking or driving your car...you need reaction time to react to any change in your path. Try walking in a straight line with you head down...it limits your balance.
2. When descending down a hill don't squeeze your saddle with your legs, you want to be independent of your bike, if your squeezing your saddle you lose all the extra travel you would get in your knees....think of your legs and arms as shock absorbers and use them as such....you'll turn you 5" travel bike into a 10" travel bike.
3. Climb Steeps in your saddle...slide your body towards the front of your saddle so you have the mojority of your body weight over rear tire...do not squeeze your grips, relax your hands and arms it will save you energy.
4. Visualize what your doing...if you come to an obstacle in your path get out of your comfort zone and try to go over it...visualize yourself going over the tree that's down in the trail and try it, make sure to have a friend with you to help in case you don't make it. The general rule is - if your front tire makes it over, your rear tire will make it with ease.
These camps generally run two days and are great for Ski Club athletes who want to stay fit in the off season. Also, these camps are great for any school group, boy/girl scouts and anyone in between.....it's a great way to stay in shape and enjoy the what mother nature has given us. We keep our student to coach ratio small.
2 Day Mountain Bike Camps $125.00 each student, Maximum athletes is 15
Private lesson $50.00 hour, 2 hour minimum (locally only, central NH)
*To register go to the home page click on register and fill the registration form.
*course can be tailored to 1 day if desired for $65 each student
*Email: skiercyclist@gmail.com or call 603-856-1197
*PAYMENT CAN BE MADE BY CHECK OR CASH AT THE TIME OF THE CAMP.