I've taken many steps on my journey to get my mojo back on my mountain bike, not the least of which was a Downhill 101 (now called Freeride 101*) course at Northstar. If you're thinking about trying downhill, this is a great way to learn a few basics and get the lay of the land on downhill terrain, but it will translate to your cross-country riding as well.
I started the day with the bike crew getting suited up and fitted for a bike. This gear made me feel pretty darned invincible --some would even say bad ass.
We met our coach for the day, Kristen, who took us through some basics on understanding the bike and how we want to be positioned on it, beginning with saddle position, which was much lower than I had been riding, and hand position, reinforcing a relaxed grip and one finger on the brake levers.
After a few drills to make sure that everyone in the group was comfortable with braking, we headed up the lift for some action.
We used some of the mellow natural terrain to learn some skills like rolling over obstacles (errrrr, opportunities) and cornering with balance.
These skills were immediately helpful when applied to the trails.
If you take advantage of the morning course, you can continue to put your skills into practice with your all-day lift ticket, which is a great way to enjoy the mountain on a summer day.
The best part of taking a lesson like this is that even if you don't consider yourself a serious freeride mountain biker, you'll get more out of your cross-country riding. I know I do.
*Northstar's Freeride 101 lesson offers several options. Some include the bike rental and lift ticket, others do not. This makes it a bit more affordable if you have a suitable bike and pass for the mountain. Both options include the gear and helmet that you'll need to take the course. Check with a resort near you to find their lesson options.
I started the day with the bike crew getting suited up and fitted for a bike. This gear made me feel pretty darned invincible --some would even say bad ass.
We met our coach for the day, Kristen, who took us through some basics on understanding the bike and how we want to be positioned on it, beginning with saddle position, which was much lower than I had been riding, and hand position, reinforcing a relaxed grip and one finger on the brake levers.
After a few drills to make sure that everyone in the group was comfortable with braking, we headed up the lift for some action.
We used some of the mellow natural terrain to learn some skills like rolling over obstacles (errrrr, opportunities) and cornering with balance.
These skills were immediately helpful when applied to the trails.
If you take advantage of the morning course, you can continue to put your skills into practice with your all-day lift ticket, which is a great way to enjoy the mountain on a summer day.
The best part of taking a lesson like this is that even if you don't consider yourself a serious freeride mountain biker, you'll get more out of your cross-country riding. I know I do.
*Northstar's Freeride 101 lesson offers several options. Some include the bike rental and lift ticket, others do not. This makes it a bit more affordable if you have a suitable bike and pass for the mountain. Both options include the gear and helmet that you'll need to take the course. Check with a resort near you to find their lesson options.
.. DH biking has a whole different set of skills that I would love to develop with my family.
