Just had a fantastic day doing some MTB skills training with Tony from [url=http://www.ukbikeskills.co.uk/]UK Bike Skills[/url] in Hertford.
I was hoping to pick up the correct techniques for drops and jumps, to look at cornering and to have a general check of my bike positioning. Tony quickly picked up what was missing from my skill set and we set to work on his specially created skills trail. After learning the drop technique and progressing through bigger drops, we worked on my cornering body language, foot work, vision and relaxation along with many other techniques, both physical and mental.
Tony is a very acute teacher, slowing the session when things were getting a little heavy, so that the techniques had time to settle. Tony quickly picked up that I was a visual learner but also a kinetic one, using his camera to film each section as I rode through, and reviewing the section with me through a moving sequence of images rather than one still at the crucial moment, clever stuff! This was great as it really helped me visualise each step prior to applying it during each run. [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashdownparkes/sets/72157624971855821/]You can see some of the photos here![/url]
We finished with steep alpine style switchbacks and jumps, top fun, especially progressing to a gap jump of quite some size, to finish. The pause in time whilst floating through the air is quite something.
If you are thinking on some training then I fully recommend Tony, It was a great, un-rushed, fun experience. Top Stuff!
Jamie
