National downhill champion Alex Willie and I have started our off-season training with Erin Carson at RallySport Health and Fitness in Boulder.
Today was challenging — and interesting — as usual. In this short video, Alex flips a 16KG ViPR after doing 12 of these at 12KG. It’s way harder than it looks.
Hey all you rippers, what bike skill(s) does this relate to?
Richard Cunningham over at Pinkbike wrote a fascinating piece about flat pedals in World Cup downhill racing. This is so good I need to weigh in.
Hey all, I’m stoked to announce a kung fu skills session in Temecula, CA on Oct. 20.
I’ll be in SoCal to train high school coaches, and I’m doing a public session on Saturday.
Hi Lee,
I bought Mastering Mountain Bike Skills several years ago and made it my bible for quite a while. A couple years later, I started getting cocky about my riding skills and forgot all about the book. I stacked it hard about a month ago, managing to knock myself out, separate and dislocate my shoulder and injure my lower back.
I was riding too fast for conditions on a trail I didn’t know well and completely deserved it. This blow to my ego (and head) gave me some time and the impetus to re-read your book. A friend also turned me onto your website which is full of awesome tips.
I had my first long trail ride yesterday since the wreck. I got back to the basics of pumping corners, attack position and flow. I forgot all about going stupid fast and had an absolute blast. I just wanted to thank you for all the info which I promise not to forget this time!
Thanks,
Zach
SOLD OUT!
Hey all, I’m stoked to announce a kung fu skills session in Austin, TX on Oct. 6, 2012.
I’ll be in Texas to train high school coaches, and I’m reserving Saturday to spread the word. Did I say stoked?
It’s been a big year with XTERRA triathletes. First a how-to-rip spread in Tri Magazine, then a weekend camp with pro Cody Waite and his EPC Multisport team, then two days with world champion Conrad Stoltz and, yesterday, a fun session with pros Branden Rakita, Renata Bucher and Jessi Stensland.
I love teaching beginners how to ride, and I love teaching experts how to ride better. Braaap!
Hey Lee
I’m a happy owner of Stumpjumper FSR 29 2012. As I read, you have the EVO version of the same bike. My question is regarding the wheelbase: Compared to my old Scott Genius 26er the wheelbase is rather long. The EVO has an even longer wheelbase. What do you think about steering through narrow corners with such a long bike? Is this much different with a 450mm chainstay, than with a 420mm? I’m interested what your thoughts are on this.
Thanks and regards.
Reto from Switzerland
Last week my wife and I took a private Pilates class, and it turns out I suck at sitting, standing, walking and pretty much everything else. Our teacher Jordan at Rally Sport Boulder gave me some homework, and I’ve been mixing it into my everyday activities.
Lee,
Super bummed you are not heading to NorCal, but I am hoping I can ask you one question though. My Kryptonite is switchbacks, I have the absolute worst time on them. I have read your book, taken a few skills clinics (other companies) just plain tried to ride them, and I have the hardest fricken time with them. I don’t know if it is a mental block or something either. Are there any tips and maybe a drill or two I can practice in my driveway or something? I am tired of dismounting when I know that is something my skill level should totally be able to ride with no problems. Thank you!!
Frustrated by switchbacks, -Brandy
This just in from our friend and skills pupil Judy Freeman. It’s all about the pony tail (and maybe a dropper post?).
hey sensei-
got this shot from the ProXCT in Wisconsin.
how’s the form look?
Steve and Michele came from Memphis, TN for a week of Big Colorado Adventures. This included three days with me.
Lee, in the 300+ hours I’ve been crafting a pump track this summer i’ve been doing a thought experiment on the “Swiss Army Knife” bike i want to buy in the spring.
I’m pretty much concrete on a Stumpy 29er but limited funds will probably = entry spec bike.
During the summer I tested an Epic and the Brain made me very, VERY happy (and shockingly fast). My question is at a later date when i’ve saved my “upgrade” pennies can one add a Brain to a lesser model Stumpy?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Alastair