| Overview
Our guides can show you a few very simple techniques on varying trail
conditions that will get you riding more confidently and faster. Tips on
rider weight positioning, braking and bike set-up to name a few will make you
dab less and stop you from walking tricky bits. For those customers who take
advantage of this service most come away riding small drops and tight rocky
switchbacks where at the beginning of the week they had never dared to
attempt such maneuvers. You can learn years of riding technique in a single
week.
All the training that you will receive will be given as part of a regular days ride.
For example, an hour into a ride we will stop at a particular section of trail where a new level of skill
can be acquired, be it switchbacks or riding a rock garden in a controlled manner. This will continue
throughout the week for those who wish, and result in a gradual increase in technical gain. Skills development
is available for novice to expert riders.
We can show you:
| Bike and suspension set-up | fine tuning your equipment for better handling and more efficient riding.
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| Balance | body positioning on the bike while descending and climbing
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| Cornering | from loose, high speed singletrack to switchbacks, berms, drops, etc. The key here will be front brake control, correct foot positioning, line choice and shifting your weight over the bike.
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| Descending | through steep and technical singletrack, rock gardens, drop offs, picking lines and correct sighting of the trail depending on conditions, braking and controlling speed, etc. |
(What Mountain Bike magazine review)
Testimonials
"When I booked with Switchbacks I was
a bit unsure of whether I had bitten off more than I could chew as I had been riding for only 9 months
and the pictures on the website looked a bit daunting. But by the 3rd
day after a few simple tips pointed out by our guides, I was riding
technical sections of trails that I never could have imagined I would have
been capable of riding. My confidence soared as did my skills. A fantastic week
and one I shall never forget." Paul Jacobs.
"I got into mtbing through my husband
and he encouraged me to come out to Switchbacks. I was terrified and thought it might put me off
riding forever. But in a weeks of riding, coaching and encouragement
I learned at least 5 years worth of technique and now we are riding much faster
together which is far more enjoyable for both of us. Thanks again guys."
Sally Puch
"Tight rocky descents with switchbacks
and drops was the kind of riding I thought I was consigned to watch other people ride with ease.
4 years of riding had left me fit and fast but I felt I had plateaued.
But a week with Switchbacks and I was riding all of these and more. Thanks
for coaching and encouraging me. Riding that 5-foot drop was one of
the greatest feelings in my life. Muchas, muchas gracias. " Jonathan
Crellin
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