Skills clinics

[Wayne Potgieter]

Ok, so there are a few oldish threads, but i am looking for some more current info.

 

Are skills clinics worth it?

 

I am thinking of going to Tread Skills clinic with my wifey.

 

Anyone have any feedback?

Edited December 5, 2013 by Wayne Potgieter

[Raab]

Ok, so there are a few oldish threads, but i am looking for some more current info.

 

Are skills clinics worth it?

 

I am thinking of going to Tread Skills clinic with my wifey.

 

Anyone have any feedback?

 

Would also like to do this with the wife, shes been mtb'ing for about 3/4 months now and her bravery never fails to amaze me

[Wayne Potgieter]

Went to the Tread Skills clinic last year in PE, since then its helped me LOADS.

Thanks.

 

Please explain why?

["Mechanic"]

Went to the Tread Skills clinic last year in PE, since then its helped me LOADS.

[patches]

This is the one I'd kill to go on...

 

...but otherwise, riding with friends that are more technically skilled thanone's self is probably the best help

["Mechanic"]

Well... um... dont know your skill level, but I wasnt the most skilled rider. Went on the Level 1 course and they dealt a bit with bike set up, climbing loose hills, position on bike, balance etc. The day after we went on the Level 2 course and they deal more with drop offs, switch back climbs/decents and things more technical, things you would find more in XCO circuts.

 

I have taken all the aspects I learnt in the clinic, and its made me faster on my local trails.

Dont know if that helped?

[ChUkKy]

Thanks.

 

Please explain why?

 

My other half went... Rather Mr Tread teach than me.

When I tried to teach in the mornings on our rides, the afternoons were rather silent.

[V12man]

Ok, so there are a few oldish threads, but i am looking for some more current info.

 

Are skills clinics worth it?

 

I am thinking of going to Tread Skills clinic with my wifey.

 

Anyone have any feedback?

 

Absolutely worth it - especially the ones done by some European pros... Sauser et al... you might figure it out on your own, you might not.... probably not....

[Wayne Potgieter]

Ok, poll added.

[Justin Hale]

I don't mean this facetiously but… YouTube. I mean, there are 30 minute videos explaining the finer aspects of railing a berm, the tutorials are endless. And then, as Patches says, find some mates who are better than you and learn a trick from them each time you ride. I'm still trying to get Patches to teach me that Finnish Flick he uses to get through tight corners.

[hayleyearth]

This is the one I'd kill to go on...

 

...but otherwise, riding with friends that are more technically skilled thanone's self is probably the best help

 

Thanks.

 

Please explain why?

 

Yes, let her ride with Patches....I am doing jumps already ....

[V12man]

Yes, let her ride with Patches....I am doing jumps already ....

 

And your scar collection is increasing too..... :)

[nimthor]

This is the one I'd kill to go on...

 

...but otherwise, riding with friends that are more technically skilled thanone's self is probably the best help

 

Guess I have to start saving for this one! Now I just wish something can happen to strengthen the Rand again so it is even remotely possible to save up the money before I can't ride a bike anymore.

[Uni]

As mentioned before as an absolute noob that couldn't even ride in a straight line I went on a fundamentals skills clinic. The things I learned have helped a lot and while I might not "shred" i can get through some tight single tracks now without connecting with every single tree on the way or having to constantly stop.

 

I find myself "checking in" while I'm riding - some basic things like relaxing the shoulders I'm sure have helped as well in avoiding some injuries. I STILL can't wheelie or bunny hop , still nervous as hell descending anything remotely steep in my mind, but I think the course has helped my confidence - and I totally agree - trying to get your OH to teach you is asking for a domestic - don't do it - pay a stranger to do it.

[MrJacques]

I went to the Tread skills clinic when I started mtb about 3 years ago and it definitely helped. It's good to get some basic techniques right when starting out with mtb and even for the more experienced guys there it was good to correct a few bad habits they learned during the years. There were quite a couple of useful things Geoff taught us. I'd like to do the intermediate and advanced courses some day as well.

 

There are a lot of training videos on youtube, etc, but having a 'coach' there to watch what you are doing and correcting you on the spot definitely helps.

[mrbaker]

I think a skills course will never be a bad idea- even 'competent' riders can always learn more...

But I'm more a fan of riding with guys better than me and learning as you ride on a more on going basis.

 

And therefore I'd be keen to organize a 'technical' riding day at Rietvlei this December- maybe the 21st.

I'm by no means a pro and don't profess to be, but I can handle the odd technical bit here & there...and would be glad to help out for a couple of hours.

 

Is anyone keen?