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Level Descriptions

LEVEL 1 - BEGINNER
You have little experience riding a mountain bike off-road but, have tried wide dirt trails such as
logging roads or double track. You don't yet have the skills and confidence to ride on the tight
trails with terrain such as roots, rocks, tight corners, tight trees and or anything steep.


LEVEL 2 - NOVICE
You have taken a few rides on real single track and enjoy smooth green trails however, you find
that the can trees sometimes feel too tight, you can’t seem to make it up steep climbs, and are
discouraged by any obstacles such as roots and rocks.


Level 3 - INTERMEDIATE
You are good at a controlled speed and on mellow trails, you are comfortable riding a variety of
single track which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand. You are comfortable and confident rolling over small obstacles (a couple of inches high) like roots, rocks and small rollable drops but you do not take your wheels off the ground.
Shifting - you anticipate the terrain and shift gears accordingly.
Descending - you are comfortable and balanced standing up off of your seat and can maintain
level pedals for the entire descent.
Speed Control and Braking - you use momentum to climb rolling terrain and are comfortable
using both your front and back brakes when required.

 

LEVEL 4 - INTERMEDIATE +
You are comfortable riding a range of single track which may include tight trees, mud, loose
rocks and sand. You are also comfortable doing so on more challenging terrain. You are comfortable with a front wheel lift and rear wheel lift to get up and over larger obstacles (up to 6 inches) such as roots and rocks that are not rollable.
Shifting - you shift gears often and smoothly to keep flow on terrain.
Climbing - you shift your bodyweight forward to help keep traction on your front wheel. You
don’t have trouble with climbing, unless technical roots, rocks or corners have you walking a
short section.
Descending - you are comfortable and balanced standing up off of your seat and can maintain
level pedals for the entire descent. You are comfortable with speed and letting go of your
brakes as long as you can see the exit or end of the descent.

Speed Control and Braking - you use momentum to climb rolling terrain and are comfortable
using both your front and back brakes when required.
Cornering - you understand effective cornering techniques although still need to work on your
timing and coordination.

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If you are unsure of what level to register in, please contact riseandridemtb@gmail.com and we are happy to help!

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Level 1 Riders - GET OFF ROAD:

This clinic is for anyone who has never been truly off-road on their mountain bike. You can ride a bike with confidence but, want to feel more comfortable off-road. 

Skills covered in this course:

  • proper mountain bike body position

  • how to appropriate use your gearing and brakes

  • cornering

  • how to climb and descend small hills

  • appropriate trail selection

  • other basic trail riding skills

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Level 2 Riders - MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES:

This clinic is for anyone who has completed the Level 1 "Get Off-Road" clinic or can comfortably perform the skills from that clinic. You can ride green and some easier blue trails with confidence but, want to feel more comfortable on blue trails.

Skills covered in this course:

  • climbing

  • obstacles

  • cornering and switchbacks

  • riding steeper terrain 

  • appropriate trail selection

  • other valuable trail riding skills

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INTERMEDIATE RIDING (Level 3 Riders):

This clinic is for anyone who has completed the Level 2 "Mountain Adventures" clinic or can comfortably perform the skills from that clinic. You can ride most blue trails but, want to increase your skills to take it to the next level.

Skills covered in this course:

  • riding steeper technical terrain

  • technical climbing

  • corners and switchbacks at speed 

  • roll downs

  • appropriate trail selection

  • other valuable trail riding skills

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Bike Handling Skills:

This clinic is for anyone who is looking to improve their overall bike handling skills. All types and sizes of bikes are welcome. You can ride but want to feel more confident on turns, smaller areas, grabbing your water bottle, and more! 

Skills covered in this course:

  • breaking, stopping

  • balancing 

  • tighter cornering

  • Water bottle retrieval

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If you are unsure of what level to register in, please contact riseandridemtb@gmail.com and we are happy to help!

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