BIKE SKILLS INSTRUCTION FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS AT THE YARD
LESSONS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS IN OTTAWA
The Yard’s indoor facility offers a unique opportunity to introduce, practice and develop mountain bike skills all year. By learning how to ride the pump track and jumps, students will improve at some of mountain biking’s most fun and fundamental skills in a controlled environment. Each lesson will be tailored to the group’s ability level as well as meet specific individual goals for the course.
- 4-week pump and jump skills course for mountain bikers starting at the beginning of the month – For intermediate level riders
- Intermediate means you can ride blue level trails comfortable with the odd black diamond
- Courses start with fundamentals, like body position and progress to pumping and finally jumping
- Note – while the focus of the course is on pumping and jumping, these skills translate to virtually every aspect of mountain biking making you a more balanced and skilled rider
- Course is offered October to April
- 2-hour sessions each week
- $330+tax
LEVEL UP AT OTTAWA MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP
The primary objectives for this course are to develop the following skills:
- Body position/balance
- Pumping
- Jumping
These skills will:
- Allow you to ride more safely, with more control and confidence
- Ride your favourite trails with more flow and speed
- Prepare you to take on more technical terrain
- Keep you safe (and even enjoy) when your wheels leave the ground!
WHAT TO BRING
In preparation for your course, we recommend the following:
Bike Ready to Ride
Make sure your bike is in good working order. Getting a tune-up from your local bike shop (in anticipation for your next summer of riding) is recommended.
Seal Your Tires
Check that your tubeless tires are properly sealed. Our maintenance crew will appreciate not having to clean up sealant from the park.
Pump Up Right
Add more air to your tires – no dirt, roots or rocks in the park, so no need for soft tires. Go with at least 30 psi if tubeless and consider switching to tubes for the winter and upping to 50psi and enjoy the free speed. Use the fastest rolling tires you have.
Proper Seat Position
Lower your seat – this course will be focussing on the more dynamic aspects of mountain biking. Keep the seat up when spinning on the trainer and seat down for the park!
Boost Your Suspension
Firm up your suspension. If you have lockouts, use them. If you have air shocks, add some air or dial up your compression.
Helmet's a Must
Bring a helmet – helmets are mandatory.
Bring the Right Gear
Wear your regular riding gear. A backpack or camel back isn’t necessary, but shoes, gloves, shorts and jersey as well as knee and elbow pads are recommended. Bring a water bottle though – practice can work up a good sweat!
Flat Pedals a Plus
Using flat pedals can actually help you learn some of these skills but they aren’t necessary. Evan McNeely will be using flat pedals while teaching.
Rent a Bike
You can rent a dirt jump bike from The Yard for $50 for the entire 4 week session.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS COURSE
Coach led practice is a great time to learn new skills and get direct and specific feedback on your riding. The volume of practice you put in outside of the lesson hours is just as important as the lesson itself. We recommend getting at least one extra practice session in each week to consolidate the skills you have learned. As a minimum, coming a bit early to practice the previous week’s skills and/or sticking around after your lesson to continue practicing is a great time investment.
Registration below.
JOIN US AT
THE YARD OTTAWA
Ottawa’s newest and best indoor bike and skate park, The Yard welcomes you! Below you’ll find our hours and days of operation, as well as our physical location. We look forward to seeing you soon at The Yard!
265 City Centre Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Monday – Friday: 4pm to 8pm
Saturday: 9am – 11am (family time), 11am – 7pm (everyone)
Sunday: 9am – 11am (family time), 11am – 7pm (everyone)
Canada Day – Closed
GIVE THE YARD A SHOUT!
If you have any questions about our facilities or our programs, drop us a line and we’ll be in touch ASAP.