Level I Skills Clinics

Skill Level: Beginner

These clinics are designed for the person that rode a mountain bike years ago or rides on a regular basis, but lacks the confidence and technique to feel comfortable on single track. If you’re completely new to the sport and don’t know the first thing about mountain biking, then this clinic is also for you.


Prices:

2-day weekend clinic: $389

Saturday only: $219

Early bird registration: $370 (Closes 30 days before the clinic)


 

Our Level I clinics are designed for the person that rode a mountain bike years ago or rides on a regular basis, but lacks the confidence and technique to feel comfortable on single track. If you’re completely new to the sport and don’t know the first thing about mountain biking, then this clinic is also for you. In the Level I clinic, riders learn the basic fundamentals of riding a mountain bike:

  • Basic bike set-up
  • Positioning, balance, maneuvering, braking and shifting
  • Mounting/dismounting your bike on steep terrain
  • Cornering
  • Riding up and down curbs
  • Climbing and descending
  • Switchbacks
  • Riding varied trail conditions

You'll also learn about vision; how to read a trail and make quick, split-second decisions on what you can and cannot ride. We'll also spend time on trail etiquette, safety, and basic on-trail bike repairs. You’ll leave your clinic with an arsenal of new skills, a razor sharp eye for technique, and confidence that will stay with you for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s for lunch?

What if I’ve never ridden a mountain bike?

What if I can’t keep up with the group?

What if the weather turns bad?

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?

What kind of bike should I bring?

Do I need pads?

What’s for lunch?

You won't be disappointed with the yummy box lunches from our local Picnic Basket and Einstein's catering departments. They prepare delicious energy packed meals with lots of variety to satisfy all tastes. We can accommodate any special diet including vegetarian and gluten-free diets. We will also provide water and Gatorade. We do not provide alcoholic beverages.

What if I’ve never ridden a mountain bike?

Not to worry. Our Level I clinic is designed for the first time mountain biker or riders that have been on a mountain bike but may not be comfortable riding on trails.

What if I can’t keep up with the group?

All of our clinics are designed to accommodate each individual rider. We’ll have a minimum of three guides with the group which allows us to split the group based on ability. We will stop often to work on technical sections, making it easy for the slower riders to stay connected and not feel left behind.

What if the weather turns bad?

The weather in Colorado is unpredictable and there is a chance that we may have to deal with rain or even snow. Our goal is to ride unless the weather is absolutely horrible, so plan on riding in the snow or rain, within reason of course. If the weather is such that we need to postpone the clinic, we will reschedule at a later date. If you are not able to attend, you will receive a full refund of your registration fee. The safety of the group and preservation of the trails is our number one priority, and if the conditions are too dangerous we will come up with alternative plans.

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?

Unfortunately we do not offer any refunds for cancellations once the clinic has started. If you cancel before the clinic, your $50 deposit is retained and the rest of your money is refunded. If you are travelling from out of state we recommend trip insurance to protect you in case something unforeseen should cause you to have to cancel your adventure. www.csatravelprotection.com .

What kind of bike should I bring?

The terrain in the Colorado Front Range is technical and rough. We highly recommend a full suspension mountain bike with 2.2 - 2.4 sized tires with aggressive treads. Make sure your bike has a tune-up and is in tip top shape before you come. There’s nothing worse than having your bike break in the middle of your clinic.

Do I need pads?

Pads are a great confidence booster and offer lots of protection. If you have your own, bring them. If you don’t, we have knee/shin guards and elbow pads you can borrow.

Colorado Springs Clinics: The weather in Colorado Springs can be a little unstable. Be prepared for sun or snow. We’ll ride in anything unless the trails are too muddy. Bring lots of layers with you in your car and we’ll see what the weather is doing when we get to the trailhead.

  • warm clothes for hanging out while we eat lunch
  • tennis shoes for certain drills we are going to do
  • cycling shoes (If you don’t use them, please use comfortable tennis shoes or lightweight hiking boots
  • helmet
  • sunglasses
  • cycling gloves
  • warm gloves (the weather can change very quickly)
  • cycling shorts
  • comfortable jerseys or polypro top (avoid cotton)
  • a warmer riding shirt or jacket
  • wind jacket
  • rain jacket
  • rain pants
  • long tights or pants to ride in (not jeans or slacks)
  • a small daypack, hydra pak or camelbak to carry water, extra clothes, and lunch during the ride
  • water bottles
  • plenty of water/energy drink
  • snack food
  • sunscreen

What we provide

  • Energy drink and water
  • Clif and LUNA Bars
  • Gourmet box lunch
ADAC 2017 Website Level 1 Clinics








Alison, you are the best thing that happened to mountain biking since Doug Bradbury invented Manitou shocks decades ago. By making the sport accessible to more folks, you may be saving lives by getting die hard roadies off the road.

Graeme Cloutte June 2016





These clinics are designed for the person that rode a mountain bike years ago or rides on a regular basis, but lacks the confidence and technique to feel comfortable on single track. If you’re completely new to the sport and don’t know the first thing about mountain biking, then this clinic is also for you.