Friday 16 December 2011

Alan, Rob , Aaron and Gary from cyclone mtb club








Alan, Rob , Aaron and Gary ride with Cyclone mtb club around woburn and came to me for an all round skills session. The skills check revealed body positioning, looking and footwork faults so after a change of set up I set to work.
First, I showed why the skill set, both mental and physical applies to the drop technique and in no time at all the boys were flying into the air and landing perfectly. They commented on the ease of this and that it was counter to advice they have read elsewhere. After a good few runs each we moved onto the skills trail itself and began working on linking the fourteen sections that are contained within it together.
We began with pumping and used the energy generated to link the following berm and flat corner. After a while I added a rock garden, berm and switchback corner to the mix and they all began showing me correct footwork, looking and body position in a conscious reaction, this was later to become an unconscious action. I showed why the skill set applied to getting airtime on a fly out and linked that to a corner with a step on the exit. Once again they began to fly and smiles all round was the order of the day. Lastly I worked on linking their drop and corner techniques together and the effect of line choice before it was time for them to ride the entire trail end to end. They began riding the trail one by one and the riding was noticeably smoother and faster too. each run was getting more confident and the wet conditions reinforced their skill set as they gained grip and control. Finally, they began riding the trail together and although there were errors, on each run the errors were corrected where they occurred as they were recognised by the rider themselves! The fading light and mental tiredness brought our session to and end and I can't wait to hear their riding updates in the future. Awesome session and the first snowy one of the winter.

2 comments:

  1. A fantastic day Tony, many thanks. I would never have thouht that I would be doing three foot drops and without drifting off to one side too! All because I now understand the techniques. It was astounding to learn how I could carry so much speed through a wet muddy corner without loosing traction at all. I cant wait to get out on the trails to consolidate (make sure I dont forget) what Ive learned. I almost wish Christmas wasnt there to get in the way of next weekends ride! Thanks again, Alan

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  2. Alan, don't worry about forgetting! We went to Tony back in August this year and the way Tony teaches, it stays with you. I find myself doing what I learned that day every time I go out, it's become second nature and I am progressively getting better! Cannot wait to go back to take it up a notch!

    chivas

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