MTB riding instructor

[medicineman]

Hi folks

Thanks for all the help, advice and tips so far.

As you know I'm a novice to all this and was considering untaking some formal instruction for gettign the most of my bike. Has anyone got any thoughts or comments on this? Is it worth it? And if so can anyone recommend me some one in or around the Sheffield Area?

TIA

Dave

[Ren-Raku]

Not wanting to put the profession down, but in my onion, it's probably worth learning from some old VHS tapes, from back when Martin Ashton was still riding, not the same style I know, but it gives you all the basics you need for MTB riding, I learnt from old VHS, and from practising with a few friends.

[RobDickinson]

Is there anywhere online that has decent advice on technique?

Seen a few vid places that are quite limited in content/level of advice, and a few that are OK on specifics (stack stand, bunny hop etc) but general trail riding (i.e. how to cope with climbing over rocks - say 1ft or more, take smallish drops etc).

[Rico]

I've found just getting out and riding the best way. If you watch a DH race, you'll see those who are amazingly smooth (Sam Hill etc) and those who are all over the place (Will Longden types). It's all about finding a style that works for you.

However, this dvd is pretty good - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod... Pretty much downhill orientated, but still gives the basic techniques you can use for any type of riding.

There are instructors out there, but none that I know personally.

[P-Jay]

These guys are meant to be very good. Give training on lots of different types of training. Not EXACTLY local to you being ether Scottish Boarders or South Wales, but you can't have everything.


http://www.dirtschool.co.uk/

I fully plan to do a DH day with them, but have be scuppered by work commitments, injury and bloody weddings.

[mk1fan]

I can recommend Fundamentals too. Also everynow and again you get free DVD's with the mtb mags that cover the basic Trail skills and, I've found, break them down into easy stages. MBUK was the last mag to do one, iirc.

There is no substitute for spending time on the trail - repeating sections and practising raher than doing a ride. But skills courses can really help move you on - especially if the skills level of the group you ride in has stalled.

Make sure that any instructor has all the right insurances and qualifications and treat yourself or do a group booking.

[Turbo5]

I am going to try these guys, its near Bolton where they held the commonwealth games events.
http://www.mountainbikeinstruction.co.uk/

[medicineman]

Thanks for the advice so far folks.

I fear my main problem is exactly that, fear, well lack of confidence anyway. So reading about techniques and watching various vids are ok but I feel I need some one to push me along.

[Xenocide]

Find some people who are better than you and just chase them!

Works for me!

(I was beating them last year before I hibernated in the winter and got far too fat )

[Ren-Raku]

medicineman said:

Thanks for the advice so far folks.

I fear my main problem is exactly that, fear, well lack of confidence anyway. So reading about techniques and watching various vids are ok but I feel I need some one to push me along.

Don't worry, you're not the only one to be starting, I'm sure. Have you tried looking in the back of MBUK at all?