Skill Levels
Key Points
Rather than just using size, aspirations, fitness level or trail grade, the best way we have found of determining ones suitability would be skill level.
Using grade as an example many kids could make it around an easier red trail, sitting down, and having quite a few near misses, however they would be out of their depth on an advanced session. (A Wetherby black line which is smooth, short and entirely rollable, isnt comparable to a prolonged, steep, rocky black trail such as at Stainburn).
Please “underbook” on your first session if unsure, it can impact everyones enjoyment and even knock your childs confidence if in a group which is too challenging. Get in touch if you want to talk about what level is best.
Skill levels continued in more detail on groups pages
Fundamentals prerequisites – 5km ride off road, can come to a controlled, quick stop on a grassy descent, can operate brakes well and keep feet on pedals.
Trail Skills prerequisites – 10km ride off road, Can do all fundamentals skills with ease (see full list on fundamentals page), typically rides most of a red trail.
Advanced prerequisites – 20mile ride on red+ grade terrain, can do all trail skills (see full list on page), can ride easier black grade features, being able to perform good front and rear wheel lifts, stop on 45 degree slopes in control and clear 6-10 foot tabletop jumps.
***Speed Kills*** I actively try to avoid coaching anything involving high speed! I prefer to coach technique and judgement, especially to kids, they should be learning skills when young, they can work on getting faster once older and more skillful. Its not a race during the sessions, its a opportunity to unlock a new skill, a new drop, a new feature, a new jump all of which can be done slower and safer than you think.
I have a very, very, very low accident rate on my sessions, due to coaching bike techniques in a progressive, structured way. That being said… I cannot pull the brakes for your child and crashes do happen (occasionally). Mountain Biking is an adventurous activity, as such an acceptance of risk is required in order to participate.
This is not a ‘learn to ride a bike’ course, these can be booked privately – Fundamentals are expected to be able to ride 5km without help on bridleway/towpath terrain and be able to stop safely on a gentle grass descent as a minimum.
Age ranges are for guidance only – if in doubt, please consult before booking… but its always best to go for a session which might be on the easier end (especially for first sessions), leaving them wanting more, opposed to too difficult, out of depth and knocking confidence.
Kids should be independent for the session,wearing a helmet and appropriate clothing for the weather. Gloves and additional protection are recommended but optional. Kids should carry water and snacks in a backpack/bumbag.
Advanced to carry basic bike repair tools and spares; a multi-tool, inner tube and/or puncture repair kit and a pump.
Higher quality mountain bikes will be needed as the kids move up the groups.
For the Fundamentals due to low relative rider weight, a lighter bike is best, either a rigid “frog” bike or similar (with offroad tyres fitted) or a hardtail with an air sprung fork if you are really keen. Avoid heavier full suspensions, its more weight, plus the extra suspension might prevent riders from being able to perform, or needing to perform proper technique.
For Trail Skills, its all relative to childs size, you will want some kind of front suspension, again air models are typically lighter, and often have better damping, if you did go down the full suspension route, try and keep the travel short, you wont need any more than 120mm travel for your 13 year old, not being “overbiked” will help them to understand how to absorb bumps using their bodies suspension.
Advanced, it becomes tricky at this stage, all of the skills we will work on can be done on any bike, from cross country hardtails, to big enduro bikes, it does depend on your own aspirations, discipline of mountain biking etc. Unless you go to the alps, scotland and wales every month, try to stay under 150mm of travel, with modern geometry and posh suspension these all-mountain bikes are more than capable of riding almost any downhill track in the UK and are far more capable than the downhill bikes of just a decade ago. The lighter weight will mean you can get more laps in… making you a better rider and have more fun…
Bikes should be in sound mechanical condition, including lubed chains and correct tyre pressures, please dont leave getting the bike out of the shed post winter until the morning of the session. Minor failures do happen and can be looked at on the day, however inadequately prepared bikes will not be repaired on the day, and if deemed unfit for use, we cannot offer refunds. The less time we spend fiddling with bikes the more riding we can do – please prepare bikes before coming to the session.
Parents typically do not accompany the ride except in pre-arranged circumstances, often keeping a distance behind the group, get in touch if you have any queries about more nervous kids.
Kids should be enthusiastic about participating, best not to book a session after they have just done a triathlon, then football club already that morning.