Over the past four years, the Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic has grown from 9 participants to a sold-out 50. The clinic is held at Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN and attracts riders from all over the Midwest. Mountain-bike-specific trails make this park an ideal place to hold the clinic, and riders are able to camp on-site to get the most riding out of their weekend.
The clinic utilizes trained instructors, professional mechanics, and trail advocacy professionals to cover everything from why trail maintenance is important, to how to change a flat, to how to negotiate technical sections of trail.
While the skills and educational portions of the clinic take place on Saturday, there is a social on Friday night, and plenty of trail riding to practice new skills on Sunday. If you weren't able to sign up for the clinic this year, definitely keep it on your radar for next season, when it promises to be even bigger!
For more information, visit MidwestWomensClinic.com.
Showing posts with label women's mountain bike camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women's mountain bike camp. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Like Riding a Bike, but Better: Gene Hamilton's BetterRide Clinic
I learned to ski when I was 12. Most of my friends were already cruising the intermediate slopes while I struggled to stand up long enough to get pulled to my doom by the bunny hill tow rope. Nonetheless, some saint of an instructor with endless patience managed to mold me into an eventual powder-junkie.
Not taking ski lessons was not an option. There is really no way to decipher the endless amount of subtleties that add up to a safe and proficient skier. Of course, there are examples of people picking up skiing as if they’re riding a bike, but those intuitive folks are few and far between. But when it comes to actually riding a bike, taking lessons is still a new and strange concept. Perhaps because we learn enough skills as kids on cruisers to get us through the initial stages of singletrack mastery, we assume that the way to get better at riding bikes is to keep riding bikes.
That’s what I thought, anyway. If I spend more time on my bike, I’ll get so comfortable that I’ll naturally be able to tackle even the tech-iest of terrain. As my yearly emergency room visits can attest, my method is flawed. So, when Gene Hamilton agreed to hold his first-ever all-women’s downhill clinic at the end of February, I was excited to see what I’d been missing out on for the past 12 years of my riding career.
It turns out that I’ve been missing a lot. I’m actually amazed that I have even made it this far with my riding the way it was. We met Gene in the parking lot at Bootleg Canyon, NV on a Friday morning, the first of three full days of riding and learning. There were 10 of us girls, ranging from pro racers to intermediate riders, and we were all making the same mistakes.
We began the clinic a bike check, to make sure all of our rides were set up properly. Most of us needed to make a few tweaks, like moving our brake levers closer to our bars for easier grip and less arm pump. While assessing suspension on one rig, Gene’s assistant Andy Winohradsky discovered a completely blown fork. Luckily, a quick switch-out with the rider’s (who will remain anonymous to protect the innocent) boyfriend’s bike allowed her to ride successfully for the entirety of the clinic.
From there, we worked on mind-blowing exercises like looking ahead, learning to manual, cornering properly, pumping terrain, and braking correctly. You may think I’m being sarcastic, but the truth is that each exercise opened up new doors to confidence and speed on the trail. For instance, actually looking ahead like I’m supposed to proved to be the most challenging task of the weekend. Apparently I like to look about 10 feet ahead when it’s clear, and follow tricky sections with my eyes until my wheel’s made positive contact with the offending part of the trail. I had to try, work, and think non-stop about keeping my peepers on track. But when we combined the importance of really, truly looking ahead with riding some tight, rocky, exposed switchbacks on Sunday, it all came together. Each of us made the intimidating turns with ease when we kept our sights focused.
Riding with Gene was great. When we rode singletrack, we rotated through following right behind him, so everyone—even the shyest riders—got a chance to follow someone with proper form and technique. In addition, Gene and Andy gave feedback to every rider as we worked on tasks in the parking lot and on the trail. Even better was the incredible camaraderie that developed between everyone taking the clinic. It was great to see riders improve while practicing each task, and gain confidence throughout the weekend. And, it was inspiring to hear everyone cheering as we each rode down a steep, loose, twisty section of singletrack while applying just the front brake.
I wish that a lot of these good habits had been ingrained in my brain from my first day on a bike, like proper ski form and technique were drilled in my head on the bunny hill. However, I’m so glad that I was able to make my downhilling discoveries with such a fun and supportive coaching staff and group of riders. I can’t wait for it to stop snowing in Salt Lake so I can put my new skills to practice on the trail.
For more information about Gene Hamilton's BetterRide Clinics, and to sign up for upcoming events, visit BetterRide.net.
Captions from top to bottom: The crew minus yours truly; Allie asks a question; Learning to corner (aka leaning to corner); Christine cornering the cones.
Not taking ski lessons was not an option. There is really no way to decipher the endless amount of subtleties that add up to a safe and proficient skier. Of course, there are examples of people picking up skiing as if they’re riding a bike, but those intuitive folks are few and far between. But when it comes to actually riding a bike, taking lessons is still a new and strange concept. Perhaps because we learn enough skills as kids on cruisers to get us through the initial stages of singletrack mastery, we assume that the way to get better at riding bikes is to keep riding bikes.
That’s what I thought, anyway. If I spend more time on my bike, I’ll get so comfortable that I’ll naturally be able to tackle even the tech-iest of terrain. As my yearly emergency room visits can attest, my method is flawed. So, when Gene Hamilton agreed to hold his first-ever all-women’s downhill clinic at the end of February, I was excited to see what I’d been missing out on for the past 12 years of my riding career.
It turns out that I’ve been missing a lot. I’m actually amazed that I have even made it this far with my riding the way it was. We met Gene in the parking lot at Bootleg Canyon, NV on a Friday morning, the first of three full days of riding and learning. There were 10 of us girls, ranging from pro racers to intermediate riders, and we were all making the same mistakes.
We began the clinic a bike check, to make sure all of our rides were set up properly. Most of us needed to make a few tweaks, like moving our brake levers closer to our bars for easier grip and less arm pump. While assessing suspension on one rig, Gene’s assistant Andy Winohradsky discovered a completely blown fork. Luckily, a quick switch-out with the rider’s (who will remain anonymous to protect the innocent) boyfriend’s bike allowed her to ride successfully for the entirety of the clinic.
From there, we worked on mind-blowing exercises like looking ahead, learning to manual, cornering properly, pumping terrain, and braking correctly. You may think I’m being sarcastic, but the truth is that each exercise opened up new doors to confidence and speed on the trail. For instance, actually looking ahead like I’m supposed to proved to be the most challenging task of the weekend. Apparently I like to look about 10 feet ahead when it’s clear, and follow tricky sections with my eyes until my wheel’s made positive contact with the offending part of the trail. I had to try, work, and think non-stop about keeping my peepers on track. But when we combined the importance of really, truly looking ahead with riding some tight, rocky, exposed switchbacks on Sunday, it all came together. Each of us made the intimidating turns with ease when we kept our sights focused.
Riding with Gene was great. When we rode singletrack, we rotated through following right behind him, so everyone—even the shyest riders—got a chance to follow someone with proper form and technique. In addition, Gene and Andy gave feedback to every rider as we worked on tasks in the parking lot and on the trail. Even better was the incredible camaraderie that developed between everyone taking the clinic. It was great to see riders improve while practicing each task, and gain confidence throughout the weekend. And, it was inspiring to hear everyone cheering as we each rode down a steep, loose, twisty section of singletrack while applying just the front brake.
I wish that a lot of these good habits had been ingrained in my brain from my first day on a bike, like proper ski form and technique were drilled in my head on the bunny hill. However, I’m so glad that I was able to make my downhilling discoveries with such a fun and supportive coaching staff and group of riders. I can’t wait for it to stop snowing in Salt Lake so I can put my new skills to practice on the trail.For more information about Gene Hamilton's BetterRide Clinics, and to sign up for upcoming events, visit BetterRide.net.
Captions from top to bottom: The crew minus yours truly; Allie asks a question; Learning to corner (aka leaning to corner); Christine cornering the cones.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Marla Streb's Costa Rican Mountain Bike Camps
Marla Streb's mountain bike skills camps in Costa Rica are finally starting up! The 3 day, 4 night camp is all-inclusive, so you get personalized skills clinics, lodging, meals, zip-lines, surfing, yoga, wild animal parks, jungle epics, waterfalls, and more! Improve your confidence and skill under the instruction of Marla, who is a 2-time Singlespeed World Champion, 2-time US National Downhill Champion, and the 2003 World Cup Downhill Finals Champion.
There are women's only camps on the schedule as well. And, when you get to Costa Rica, you'll be riding a sweet Orbea Occam freeride rig, so you don't have to stress about shipping your own ride.
Just bring your helmet, sunblock, and sense of adventure! Check out Marla's website, StrebMountainbikeCostaRica.com for more details.
Oh, and check out this photo--believe it or not, she's 8 months pregnant here!
There are women's only camps on the schedule as well. And, when you get to Costa Rica, you'll be riding a sweet Orbea Occam freeride rig, so you don't have to stress about shipping your own ride.
Just bring your helmet, sunblock, and sense of adventure! Check out Marla's website, StrebMountainbikeCostaRica.com for more details.
Oh, and check out this photo--believe it or not, she's 8 months pregnant here!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Dirt Series Mountain Bike Camps
Here's a press release from the Dirt Series mountain bike camps and clinics. With multiple dates and locations, these camps are an ideal way to improve your skills while riding in world-class mountain bike destinations:
April 25-26
New cross-country mountain bikers tired of just-go-for-it advice and downhillers itching to give their skills a jump are invited to sign up for North America’s premier traveling mountain bike program, the Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles.
The Dirt Series is geared to riders of all motivations and levels with women’s-only and co-ed camps in California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Alberta, and British Columbia.
“Every year we work to refine and progress what the Dirt Series offers,” says camp founder Candace Shadley. “For 2009, we've added advanced level programming, so that even more experienced riders can learn to be smoother, faster and more confident all around. I guess new programming like this is what you need when you've been helping beginner and intermediate riders improve in leaps and bounds every year.”
The Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles is famous for its high return rate of repeat offenders. Getting your tire over a log on an up-hill climb or nailing that drop that stared you down last summer is too big a pay off not to come back for more.
This year the Whistler-based program broke a registration record: the May camp in Santa Cruz filled up within 48 hours. With more than 5,000 riders pedaling through the program over the past nine years, word is getting around just as fast as the sign ups, and sometimes the wait lists as well.
The secret to camp sell outs is found in the same balance it takes for a rider to successfully navigate a plank bridge – technique and attitude. The weekend camp includes small-group skill sessions, instructional rides and social time led by motivational coaches who seek to both inform and empower. As national and world champions, as well as health and wellness professionals, coaches bring plenty of tire time and dedication to the camps.
The Dirt Series delivers world-class instruction with the goal of developing skills in a supportive step-by-step process that gets past the fears and into the fun of what mountain biking is all about. Whether that means clocking in air miles or meeting new riding buddies, the Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles will make your 2009 mountain biking season one that counts.
Register at www.dirtseries.com.
2009 Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles Camp Calendar
April 25-26
Santa Cruz, CA
The Bicycle Trip
May 2-3
Laguna Hills, CA
Jenson USA
May 16-17
Calgary, AB
The Bike Shop
May 18
Calgary, AB
The Bike Shop
Co-ed.
May 23-24
North Vancouver, BC
Different Bikes
May 30-31
Whistler, BC
Summit Sports
June 13-14
Park City, UT
Cole Sports
June 20-21
Sun Valley, ID
Sturtos
June 27-28
Whistler, BC
Garbanzo Bike and Bean
July 11-12
Bend, OR
Pine Mountain Sports
July 18-19
Hood River, OR
Discover Bicycles
July 25-26
Whistler, BC
Garbanzo Bike and Bean
Co-ed.
August 8-9
North Vancouver, BC
Different Bikes
August 22-23
Canmore, AB
Rebound Cycle
August 29-30
Fernie, BC
Rebound Cycle
Co-ed specialty.
September 12-13
Whistler, BC
Summit Sports
Co-ed.
The Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles is run in partnership with Fox Racing Shox, Sugoi, Dakine, and Race Face.
It is also supported by Luna, Yakima, Bell, crankbrothers, Maxxis, Kicking Horse Coffee, Sleeman Beer, Mikes Hard, and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Week-Long Women's DH Camp in BC!
Sacred Rides has put a week-long women's-only downhill camp together. The camp will be held July 31-August 7, 2009 in Fernie, BC. For $1295CDN, you get a week of lodging, shuttles, instruction, lift tickets, breakfasts, lunches, and more! If you're looking to improve your skills and take a super-fun vacation, click here to learn more about the camp and Sacred Rides.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
BetterRide Women's Camp Is Coming Up!
There are still a few spots available in the BetterRide Women's Downhill Clinic at Bootleg Canyon, NV on February 27-March 1! We've already rounded up a super fun crew, and would love to have a few more ladies on board. Gene Hamilton is a talented coach and we're really excited to learn some new skills and improve our old ones! Come ride with us!
Click here for more details and to sign up.
Click here for more details and to sign up.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
DirtRag Women's Weekend at Ray's
Mmmm...Chipotle, PBR, Red Bull, and loads of indoor riding. This weekend (Feb. 20-22) is not to be missed!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Sweet Deal: BetterRide and Freeride Foundation
Freeride Foundation has teamed up with Gene Hamilton's BetterRide mountain bike camps to offer special pricing for the Women's Downhill Camp, February 27-March 1, 2009 at Bootleg Canyon, NV.
The 3-day camp normally costs $599, but if you sign up by November 30 and mention you're with us, you'll get a 15% discount ($90). If you can't make it work by the 30th, sign up by January 5th and get a 10% discount. Click here to sign up!
The El Rancho Motel is the recommended lodging, and we'd like to help everyone attending to share rooms to save even more cash! If you'd like to bring a friend or three along, don't worry--you can all get the discounted Freeride Foundation clinic rate!
The 3-day camp normally costs $599, but if you sign up by November 30 and mention you're with us, you'll get a 15% discount ($90). If you can't make it work by the 30th, sign up by January 5th and get a 10% discount. Click here to sign up!
The El Rancho Motel is the recommended lodging, and we'd like to help everyone attending to share rooms to save even more cash! If you'd like to bring a friend or three along, don't worry--you can all get the discounted Freeride Foundation clinic rate!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Muddbunnies Women's Clinics
The Canadian women's cycling club, Muddbunnies, is holding several women's-only skills clinics throughout the spring in British Columbia. On May 17, the Muddbunnies host a beginner's downhill clinic at Roberts Creek, BC. This clinic is perfect for any female rider (19 or over) who's ever considered racing downhill, or who would like to work on her descending skills. Also, on May 3 and May 31, Muddbunnies will host its "Let's Ride" clinics for beginning riders. These clinics focus on basic riding skills. Check out www.muddbunnies.com for more clinic and event dates.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Registration Is Open for the Rocky Mountain Women's Dirt Series
The 2008 Rocky Mountain Dirt Series is a collection of mountain bike camps starting in April and ending in September. Most of the camps are women's camps, with four co-ed camps available. Choose from locales like Calgary, AB, Park City, UT, and Bend, OR to learn skills that will take your riding to new levels. Dirt Series coaches include pro riders like April Lawyer, Marla Streb, Emily Johnston, and Katrina Strand.
Registration for the camps opens today, Feb. 1, 2008 and word on the street is that camps fill up quickly.
Visit the Rocky Mountain Dirt Series to sign up.
Registration for the camps opens today, Feb. 1, 2008 and word on the street is that camps fill up quickly.
Visit the Rocky Mountain Dirt Series to sign up.
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