Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums

Hi...laura here...i just wanted to clear a few things up.  i am giving a class starting in march on the first and third sundays of each month.  this is an introduction for beginners to mountain biking.  the class will progress with each new session.
if you know anyone that might be interested, please let me know.

Hi Laura! I would be interested in the class. I have been MTB riding for about a year with Chris B. but could def. use some more pratice and time riding with those closer to my skill level. I'll pass the word around...

so, if anyone is interested.  the first one will be march 4 @ 11 am at belmont.  see you there!

See you there Laura!
Whoo Hoo, where do we meet in Belmont?
Mariana

How basic is this class?  I was trained extensively for police patrol back in the 90s by an IPMBA-certified instructor when I was in the Air Force, and more recently went through a 4-day course for my current job.  But, I have little to no experience off-roading, downhilling, or any kind of group riding, and I'm kind of getting back into the whole riding thing overall.  I'd like to participate in some informative classes when I can, but I'm just wondering if I should wait until later, if these classes are starting with very basic stuff like cone courses, which I have done extensively throughout my career.

Basically, I'm asking for a syllabus, if at all possible, so I know whether or not I should participate.  If the classes progress, is it possible to join in at a particular point later on?

Bravo: you might not want to attend the first course.  however, as we get into the more extensive trail riding techniques, you are more than welcome to join in.  i will let you know when that happens.

also, i'm thinking that the trail conditions might not be so hot this weekend.  so, i'm making an executive decision to postpone the first mtb 101 course until the third sunday in march.

Thanks for responding so quickly.  Hopefully, I can make a few classes later on.  I have to be at work by 3pm on Sundays, though, so depending on the length of the classes, it might be tight for me.

Laura, if your plan is to lead a ride though the Belmont trails, and highlight various skills as you encounter a need for them, I'll join in next Sunday. I ride fairly slow when I'm out on my own, so this might be the right pace for me.

Is this class, meeting, get together still happening on 3/18?  If so when and where, is this a basic class or you will be doing some easy riding?  I am interested?  I have been a few yrs off my mtb, and just got a new fork this yr so hoping to get back into mtb biking.

the first class is extremely introductory.  it will mainly focus on maintenance/control of different aspects of the bike as well as a couple of drills outside of the trails with a short ride.  if you are familiar with riding, the first class might not  be the best place to start.  however, with each session we will progress so joining later in the spring might be optimal.

Ok thanks for the reply.  I will check back to see when other classes are? or riding is planned. Also I guess this weekend might be too wet with the current snow/sleet/rain .

Ok, see you later in the spring!

I am going to have to cancel the class tomorrow.  belmont will probably be a mess and not much fun to ride (even on the field).  i will repost the new start date later.
sorry!

for those interested in attending the first MTB101 class, i am rescheduling it for this sunday, april 1.

forgot to add the details  :)
11am, belmont plat

Hope this isn't April Fools Day joke...  ;D

dz

Hey Laura, I already told you through real e-mail, but I thought it would be fun to post...I'm coming.

I'll be there too!

Dan,

During last night's ride I was painfully and forcefully reminded once again that you have DA LOG HOPPING SKILLZ and I DO NOT...
Would you be willing to hold a Log Hoping 101 this Sunday while Laura does the MTB 101?

dz

ya i think we could do that!  bring a backup chainring in case one gets hurt!  ;D

Sweet! Always have one in my tool box.

Laura,

I am interested. 11:00 AM, Belmont Plateau, where the photo was taken? Rain or shine? I will do my best to be there.

Thanks

Dave

i guess it will depend on how bad the rain is.  maybe if it is too much to ride in, we can help with the trail maintenance.

you guys wont get any rain... it is predicted for sunday evening.

Great Job Laura! It was a lot of fun and much better than trying to keep up with Chris!

A huge thanks goes out to Laura. You did a fantastic job coaching all of us. You made the whole experience fun and exciting.
Im looking forward to your next class ;D My wife is eager to join in also.
 
It was cool to meet and ride with Dan, Dimitri chris and others (sorry I have forgotten your names). cant wait to do it all again.

cheers,

Josef

Yay Laura! You did a great job! I'll see you when I get back--and to everyone who was there, it was nice to meet some more riders!

The next class will take place this sunday...april 15 @ 11am.  Hope everyone can make it!

What skills are you going to be teaching at this session??

we will do a few drills on body english while going downhill or off something.

the weather is looking a little crappy for sunday. Will the class go on rain or shine?


cheers

josef

shine only, for the sake of the trails

Hey Laura,

Ive seen you blow past me like the wind along kelly drive. Anyways, whats the deal with these classes, will there a class scheduled for this sunday since it will be such a nice day?
Will there be enough time to warn people about this class or will you schedule it following rally in the valley.

Let us know, I have another couple that want to come down for your class.

cheers,

Josef

Laura,

Rain date for the last cancelled class, or just wait till next month?

dz

Durnit! Now that you're getting to the good stuff, I have to go to GA for two weeks of training.   :(

I'll be taking my bicycle, though, to get around during the day instead of fighting for parking at lunchtime.  There's no training on the weekend, so I might drive down to Jacksonville, FL and go riding near the beach.  Anyone familiar with the Brunswick, GA area?

I'd be interested in checking this out too.  Keep us updated on the next class. ;)

i plan on scheduling the next 101 after the rally, hopefully will be able to promote it there also.  i've been pretty crazy with school so i haven't had time to take  a look at a calendar yet.  hope to have the next date soon, sorry everybody! will post as soon as i can.  :)

So what happened? No more 101  :'(

Yeah, I've got a friend who might be interested...

Hello Laura, Earth to Laura!?!?!? Where is she?

Maybe we just need to start a newbie/returning-rider get-together on a regular basis.  Perhaps some veteran/advanced riders could take turns showing up and teaching a thing or two?  I've been through several police training programs, but they are mostly urban riding (like slow maneuvering through crowds, going down steps, etc), and I'd like some pointers on off-road and downhill riding since that's what I like to do now on my own time.

Laura was doing an outstanding job for couple of 101s, but it seems real life got the better of her.

So I'll bite. Although, I'm probably the last person who should be teaching anything, but how not to ride!  :o

Finding time is usually pretty difficult, so I just had an idea. Most of us do come out to the TMDs every 4th Saturday anyway. We all talk about going riding afterwards, but in reality, after we are done working, hardly anyone is in condition to have a full blown ride. So how about we hold a 101 sessions afterwards. Kills two birds, or even three with one stone. TMD, get on the bike, but not suffer thru a ride completely tired.

Lets see if there is any interest and we can start the next TMD, on the 22nd

dz