I'm looking to do another skills course and wondered if anyone has some personal recommendations.
I've used Jedi and Tow Dowie a few times, both good. But I fancy someone new for a change. Someone who can build on what they taught me.
I'm looking to improve my "airtime" and fast cornering. Too often my ambition exceeds my ability 🙂
(not saying that's all I need to improve, I'm probably crap at everything)
I will once again chip in and say that I had a very good experience with Stuart at [url= http://forestfreeride.co.uk/ ]Forest Freeride[/url], erstwhile member of this forum.
There is much to be said about his instruction, but also his accommodation. He will teach one-on-one as well as in groups, and there is no extra cost for this. At the same time, if you want to go for a weekend, his provides accommodation on-site in a beautiful converted barn.
It is brilliant instruction, and an adventure.
Met this chap on a BC course last week. Coaches at Hadleigh. Knows his stuff..
http://www.atbcoaching.co.uk/coach.html
I'm happy to pay for one to one as I want specific feedback and coaching. What did you do on his course ?
I want to be able to consistently land on the downside of the table top, not the top or off the side. Or clear the gap jump on purpose rather than by a lucky combination speed and blind faith.
You will certainly cover those things with Stuart. Honestly, he will work with you on specifics that you want to cover, as well as evaluate everything from your general riding to bike fit to other, specific, skills, and work on those things you agree on as being weak.
You could always give him a call, and say that he got recommended on STW. He will be happy to talk to you and work out a course that best suits you.
I will give them both a call and see what they say.
If you've used Jedi and benefited from it, I'd not bother with atbcoaching. I did the hadleigh farm Olympic course thing a few years back and all three of us found the "coaching" lacking to say the least.
If you're in / can get to the South West, I'd recommend Tony Williams from Evolve MTB. Great guy.
I want to be able to consistently land on the downside of the table top, not the top or off the side. Or clear the gap jump on purpose rather than by a lucky combination speed and blind faith.
At the risk of being 'that guy', if you've already been on one skills course can't you just practise a bit more?
Don't get me wrong I'm sure things like improved cornering skills, being able to flow down a trail, spotting the best line, cleaning technical sections etc - those I can see being useful from a coaching session. Something like jumping (IMO) really benefits from a lot of practise once you've got the basics covered to both improve your confidence and your muscle memory.
I regularly go to Chicksands to practice jumping gaps and table-tops. I'm also always attempting any jumps I see out and about, trail centres, FoD off piste stuff, Surry Hills etc.
But I could do with someone who knows how to do it properly telling me where I can improve. I may be practicing, but probably with bad habits / technique.
Some I clear fine, some I cant seem to do at all. I'm not sure if its speed, pump, position, balls or what.
Also the jumps at say Chicksands are all properly made - Id like to be able to judge the pixie made ones in places like the FoD properly. The ones with no run up, or on the exit/entrance to a blind corner/drop/feature/rooty bit etc.
If I pay for it I'm more likely to concentrate. Sometimes practicing ends up as just messing about or crashing or chickening out.
This is why I quite like the way the Dirt School stuff is structured - very clear what they think you should be getting good at, and in what order, rather than leaving it to the student to try and work out what they need to work on.
Incidentally - downloading the Dirt School app might be a more cost effective way to reinforce stuff you've already been through previously with a coach.
I don't work for Dirt School, just a very happy customer.
Also the jumps at say Chicksands are all properly made - Id like to be able to judge the pixie made ones in places like the FoD properly. The ones with no run up, or on the exit/entrance to a blind corner/drop/feature/rooty bit etc.If I pay for it I'm more likely to concentrate. Sometimes practicing ends up as just messing about or crashing or chickening out.
Fair enough, but I'm not sure how coaching will teach you how to hit a variety of badly made jumps, only experience will teach you this?
Best way to learn, is to build your own jumps. Nothing like committing to launch your own gap jump for the first time to give you an understanding of how different set-ups work and to gauge how much speed you need to clear a jump.
Not everyone has the time to do this though I appreciate so if a coach can help you then great.
I've done a day with A Line at Revo which was good, I'd highly recommend them.
Stevet1 - I know what you mean, but I'm cash-rich and time-poor 🙂
Perhaps I really just want to shortcut the practice bit and pay someone to make me brilliant 🙂
In any case, I would argue that a skills course can increase confidence even while it identifies and works on areas for improvement.
So even if you have done one before, I don't think doing another would be a waste of time.
I've done 3 and they made a massive difference.
If you're in the Edinburgh/ Tweed Valley area (or willing to travel) , then Alex at Cairn MTB really helped me with some jumping technique.
That's a bit far. I'm near Oxford, don't mind a bit of travel but Scotland's a weekend away 🙂
Griff at bike park wales . I found him to be very good when I did a flow course with him a while back . Tempted to do a jump course too .
Why not book in with Nath instead of Tony? A very different style of coaching, and it sounds like you've got very specific coaching requirements?