Hi,
I’m wondering whether I’d benefit from some MTB skills coaching, and wanted to see what other peoples experiences of it were.
I’m a roadie really but started riding MTB during the first lockdown and have been doing a couple of hours a week since with a couple of mates. I’ve raced a fair bit of CX, did a couple of XC races last year and was part of a 12 hour pair at 2412. I’ve definitely got a lot quicker on the technical bits and think I’m continuing to improve, but that’s only through riding more, not actually having any direction on technique. I like to keep my wheels on the ground, struggle to hop obstacles, dont think I shift my weight well etc.
I’d like to do some more xc racing this year, and conscious that I can probably gain as much time wise from technique training as I can physical training.
Have you had any skills coaching? How did it go? How many hours did you have and how was it structured? Is it a case of booking a 2 or 4 hour session and making some big improvements, or did you then have more follow up sessions?
Did you think it was worth it? etc
Thanks
Jedi aka Tony Doyle @ UK Bike Skills is absolutely brilliant - anyone will come away a better rider, and should continue improving as they practice afterwards. He has a great eye for how someone is riding and an ability to find how best to communicate this stuff (it’s not exactly easy to explain as so much is about feel!)
Say where you are and people can probably recommend a local-ish skills coach.
I'd suggest doing a half-day basics course first. Full days can be a bit too much.
Jedi aka Tony Doyle @ UK Bike Skills is absolutely brilliant
Completely agree - i did a group day with him last year and my riding really came on leaps and bounds, did stuff at the end of the day id never thought id go anywhere near.
I will say that since then have had a few spills, nothing serious but enough to dent my confidence, so ive booked another day with him and tried to really hone in on the lessons he taught me.
The best money ive ever spent or will spend on "bike stuff" will always be skills training.
Another thumbs up for Jedi @ UK Bike Skills. Best upgrade you can buy!
However, there may be other skills coaches more local. All would have some kind of qualification. Honestly, just having someone better than you to ride with and watch what you're doing can bring some benefit.
I'll say that skills coaching is the best single upgrade you can make lol
Even doing a basic skill course will improve your riding - body position, correct technique and try to eliminate bad habits.
Where in the world are you?
Thanks guys. I'm in the Plymouth area.
I'd use Katy Curd at Forest of Dean myself. I think it depends what you're looking to get out of the experience in terms of skills.
A pair of us did a Ridelines day, two seemed a good number as you could watch & learn.
As others have said, best upgrade,
It might be a good idea to go and do a morning course somewhere with good riding, then spend the afternoon bedding it in on the trails.
Skills coaching is best ever money spent on biking. Much better than wasting £££s on posh kit. I wasted my time for years when I started without any proper technique training as in the olden days there wasn’t any.
I would also add that the learning never really stops ( nor does the fun!)unless you are lucky enough to be one of those few very gifted riders.
Pretty much everyone would benefit from skills coaching (even if many refuse to admit it to themselves).
Jedi is really good, helped my wife and I out loads. But Hertford is a long old drive from Plymouth.
Katy Curd gets good feedback in the FOD.
I’m sure there were a few guys local to Devon that used to do skills days but not lived there in years.
It’s crazy, loads of us will happily spend hundreds (even thousands) of quid trying to buy ourselves more speed and skills (theres been plenty of posts on here basically asking how to buy speed) but scoff at the idea of spending a little bit of money getting some coaching (kayaking and running are other sports with the same attitude) which would help them actually improve and get faster.
Even World Cup DHers and EWS riders are getting coaching and they’re up at the pointy end of the sport, so how can it not help us?
I had some one to one coaching with Dirt School. Improved my riding immensely and has given me goals to work towards. Will definitely be back for more in the future.
Try Jay and Maddie at Fully Sussed http://www.fullysussed.co.uk/skills-courses.html
Coaching is in Newnham Park, Plymouth
I think coaching is well worth doing. Group sessions are ok - but 121 is much better.
I’ve had a group session at BPW which was ok ish. Quite enjoyable.
I’ve then done a 3 hour session with Katy Curd at FOD and a 3 hour session with Sam Copp at FOD (works with Katy). I’m planning to get another one with Sam or Katy later this year I reckon.
The first thing they’ll do is get your body position better - them work on cornering / pumping the trail for more speed and manualling / popping the front wheel if that’s what you like.
It’s amazing how much stuff you can work on in 3 hours.
Coaching is worth every penny as long a you use the information and techniques after the session and practice practice practice. I know plenty of people who haven’t made the effort, waste of time if you’re in that camp.
Did a session with Sam Copp last week, excellent teacher, he gave me a lot to work on, it all made sense, I've now just got to apply it. I can see myself going back in a few months.
Jedi, these are the skills your looking for.
Jedi.
Bit of a trek for you though but if you can work it it'll be worth it hands down.
