MTB Training Courses

Vélo

Has anyone here done the MTB training courses that are advertised here

http://www.madmtb.com/

I'm just wondering if they're worth doing.

I'll eventually have my Mountain bike this week.

Gavin

I went to the beginners session with MAD last year that started in Balinastoe with the National Trails Day. I'd gone to one or two others before that as well. Unfortunately, I missed the subsequent 'improvers' spins, but have been trying to head out a bit more regularly lately.

The beginners spins are very good, MAD seem to be fairly careful about letting well qualified, calm, folks run the spins, so there's no pressure to do stuff you'd rather not. I liked 'em so much, I went and joined the club ! The first beginner spin I went on, in Kindlestown, was terrifying, but also very good as our trail chap showed us how to go about various bits and pieces, take awkward turns etc. I don't think that's too common on the beginner spins though, that was the only time there was specific 'training' as such. The rest of the spins were about getting out there and just doing the trails and learning by error.

There is specific training offered by Niall Davis and Tarja Owens
http://www.madmtb.com/wordpress/2008/11/21/939/
which might be a good idea if starting from scratch as they'll teach you the right way to do things straight off. I haven't done that though.

If starting off, frankly mountainbiking is a shock to the system. It's fairly terrifying until you get at least a little bit used to it and learn to trust the bike. I find it's also a case of sometimes when you think you are in trouble, to let the bike ride its way out of it, rather than hit the brakes and bail out.

Balinastoe and Ballyhoura are nice trails to get a bit of an intro to it. There is nothing actually dangerous on either, no big drops, off-camber stuff, roots or steep slopes. (Well the boardwalk in Ballyhoura can be a bit scary) The other trails I've been on, 3Rock and Kindlestown are tough and Djouce is very tough. (Beginners perspective, they're probably easy to the more experienced folks!)

Having said all that, it really is great fun and the sense of accomplishment when you manage to do something you didn't think you could is great. I like climbing the really steep stuff, fighting to keep front and rear wheel on the ground, keep spinning, avoid/climb over obstacles. Great crack.

fenris

+1 on the MAD Beginners course, they even cover basic mechanicals like breaking a chain. There was a wide range of people in terms of fitness and also in bikes ranging from rigid supermarket to full sus, The MAD guys managed it very well and ensured that everyone got around in one piece with lots of giggles!

Even if you are only going to ride in Ballinastoe, you should get out on the next beginner course and see not only the trails but the techniques for doing them.

I joined up too after the beginners course!

Lumen

fenris wrote: »

There was a wide range of people in terms of fitness and also in bikes ranging from rigid supermarket to full sus

Do you reckon it's doable on a singlespeed cross bike?

Morgan

Lumen wrote: »

Do you reckon it's doable on a singlespeed cross bike?

It would depend on your gearing - you might end up walking a lot. And you might fall off a lot. But you wouldn't be turned away - in fact I'd like to see the attempt .

fenris

there was more than one of us walking up hills so the single speed should be entertaining, but for real kudos bring a fixie (and VHI)

bazzjazz

I can definitely recommend both the MAD beginner/improver spins and also the Niall Davis training sessions.

The MAD spins are great for beginners as there are plenty of stops to let you catch your breath (not enough for me though.. lot of ground to catch up), but they don't really focus on technical ability. They can't do everything I suppose and covering the ground to build up the fitness is great.

Niall Davis sessions focus purely on technical ability. You do slow control, tight turns, front and rear wheel lifts, bunny hops, trackstands etc. This all teaches good bike control.

Then do the MAD spins to put it all into practice!