I want to be a bike coach: Should I go to college?

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Hi Lee,

I am a big fan of yours, you’re one of my role models within the World of Mountain Biking.

I write this email as a 17 year old from the UK trying to decide on a career path, I currently work as a lifeguard and I am in full time education. I love Sport and especially riding bikes with knobbly tyres on dirt.

Becoming a Mountain Biking coach interests me greatly as I would love to turn my passion into a career and help share my passion with other riders. I was hoping for some insight into the industry and advice as to how to break into it and become a coach.

Is it better to start part-time and go to University/ College as well, if so would a degree relating to Psychology and Sports coaching be beneficial? or completely commit and become fully qualified straight away? How does someone come about working for your coaching team? What qualifications or experience do you look for?

Any advice you can offer would be a huge help.

Kind regards

Alex

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Hamstring stretches for people who don’t want to stretch

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Lee,

I attended the Level 1 class at Valmont Bike Park with Kevin this weekend, it was awesome. We learned so much!

One of the key things I learned is that I need more flexibility. Kevin mentioned F6 and it looks like a great way to reinforce key movements and strengthen your riding body. I was wondering if you have any specific recommendations for improving flexibility, especially in hamstrings.

Thanks Lee, looking forward to the Level 2 clinic in a couple of weeks!

Chad

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Chloe Woodruff shreds the 2015 Whiskey Off-Road criterium

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NinerBikes posted some beautiful photos on Pinkbike yesterday, and they show Chloe Woodruff shredding!

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Gearing: how looowww can you go?

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Lee, I was just catching up on my email and noticed your newsletter article on the 1×11 drivetrain. I ride a 1×11 with a 30t chainring. I feel like I am working my ass off compared to my buddies with their 2×10 setups. What do you suggest? I ride a Santa Cruz Tallboy carbon, I am 60 years old, currently I am in early-season shape but a strong upper-intermediate rider in-season. Your article seems to suggest that a smaller chainring or a switch to a 2×10 might help.
Help!
“Mr. Fatigued” Marc

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One spot left for Moab 2015!

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Our April 23-26 Moab camp is going to be awesome — and there’s only one spot left.

If you want to learn a lot, get some great photos and ride world class trails with some of the best instructors in the world, check out the LLB 4-day camp in Moab, UT >>>

Pump Up the Base made me stronger. What next?

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Lee,

Howdy, I just finished a functional threshold power test (20 minutes flat out). Brutal. Over 10 weeks of Pump Up the Base, my FTP went up 8% to 271. I have no idea if that’s what I should be expecting. Stand up pedaling really improved, that’s for sure. Let me know what you think so I can figure out how to continue my training. Thanks,I hope you’re doing well.

Marc

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Specialized Enduro EVO vs Status vs Demo 8?

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Lee,

Hope your new season is goin well. 2 things…

1st, much thnx on the Butcher SX tire recommendation. I love it and confidence is very high to play with different approaches in different type corners gives many sh_t eatin grins!

2nd, any insight/opinion on Specialized Enduro EVO vs Status vs Demo 8 bikes? No racing, just playing on natural dh tracks a few times a year. Haven’t been able to ride an evo or status but heard great things. If it matters, my ride style is all bmx influenced as I still play on my 20s. Really respect your approach to things and any insight would be great!

Much thnx
Rey

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Sweet Little Track : ready-to-build pump track plan

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Hi all, we just added another track to our ready-to-build pump track plans.

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Stop the injury cycle!

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When bike parks, long-travel bikes and technique errors mix, the results can be gruesome.

If you’re getting hurt a lot, please address the underlying issues. If your friends are getting hurt, try to intervene, but don’t be surprised if your friends don’t want help.

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Three days on a Pivot Mach 4 Carbon

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Last weekend in Arizona I trained 38 high school coaches and worked with 11 shredders like you.

The coach training was held at Pivot Cycles headquarters and … you know … when in Rome … so I rocked the new Pivot Mach 4 Carbon all weekend.

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Week 10 of Pump Up the Base — Can I stop now?

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Hi Lee
I’m on week 10 of Pump Up the Base but its now nice enough to ride outside and I don’t know if I can mentally handle riding the trainer when the trails are money. Don’t you think it’d make more sense training-wise to get out for trail rides now even though I’m not all the way done with the program?
Mark

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Pump Track Nation goes to South Africa

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I know I’m preaching to the choir, but pump tracks are so great. They build fitness and skill. They serve as community hubs. And they can be built just about anywhere at low cost. Check out these new Pumptopia tracks:

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