Mar 22, 2010
There comes a time when as adults we have to realise that we need help in order to get better at something.
As a keen road cyclist I recognised that riding on the road, through no fault of my own may not be the safest activity. Even when I did everything right and kept to myself, idiot drivers would yell abuse and attempt to drive you off the road. So I looked for an alternate – Mountain bike riding.
After hacking through and around the single tracks out at Lysterfield, I took more than my fair share of bumbs, scrapes and falls. At least though, my injuries were caused by only myself. With myself being the limiting factor, I needed some skills if I wanted to get more out of it and enjoy it more.
I quick Google search for mountain bike courses easily found MTBSkills.com.au as the top entry. MTBSkills hold courses throughout the year at three locations: Forrest, You Yangs and Lysterfield. Living in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, I choose the Lysterfield skills clinic from 9.30am – 3pm at a cost of AU$155.
MTBSkills is run by Norm and Jessica Douglas . This husband and wife team have been playing with bikes most of their lives. They live and breath Mountain Biking and can be found most weekends competing in Endurance races ranging from short 6 hour races up to and including 24 hour solo races. With a team of hand picked instructors, these guys really know their stuff.
After registering, I received an email that contained an information questionnaire, a course outline and what I would need for the day such as a suitable bike, approved helmet, sunscreen, water etc. Having booked the course for the middle of the Melbourne summer I was hoping for at least a half reasonable day that turned out to be a hot mid 30C day. Lots of water for hydration was the call of the day.
I arrived at the Lysterfield car park about half and hour before, set-up my bike and proceeded to the nominated meeting point at the Trailmix cafe. After everybody arrived there was a group of about twenty participant with a mixture of young and old, male and female. After a formal group introduction there was an inspection of our bikes and helmet making sure we knew the basics such as correct tire pressure were.
We were split into four groups based on our pre-determined skill level. I was placed into a group with four other guys to be instructed by Adam Kelsall. We headed off with Adam over the Lysterfield Lake dam wall and pulled over for some further introductions and a chance to get to know our fellow participants.
When headed out to the Blair Witch track stopping for Adam to discuss skills such as positioning of body weight, the importance of momentum, looking forward through corners, modulation of brakes, handling obstacles and many others. Each instruction was followed by a demonstration and number of practical runs both individually and as a group. Our instructor Adam was happy to answer and provided instruction to some of my personal riding challenges such as how to climb tight switchbacks more effectively.
After a grueling day, we arrived back at the Trailmix cafe for a well earned refreshment and de-brief. The following day MTBSkills forwarded an email with a revision sheet outlining what was learned and some other valuable tips.
The MTBSkills team for the day: Jess, Norm, Liz and Adam have to be commended for providing a valuable resource even for those who thought they knew everything. The course was refreshing and entertaining without any pressure to be perfect. The methods of teaching could not have been any better as all the participant got what they needed out of the day.
It is recommended that you attended other MTBSkills courses at different locations to become familiar with the different terrain that they offer. The basic skills learned can be put into practice in your own time at your own pace anywhere. A discount is provided for those who have participated in previous courses.
For more information check out the MTBSkills.com.au website and be sure to follow Jess Douglas as she leads the way as the 2009 female Australian 24 hour solo mountain bike champion.
