Everything to help you ride stronger and better.

Rocking the skills in Fruita

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Hey Lee,

I just got back from a weekend in Fruita. I tried to use all the tricks and tips you gave us at the public skills clinic at Valmont Bike Park. I had been to Valmont a couple of times after our clinic. Working the pump track, etc.

Let me tell you, all of that came in so handy in Fruita. I had been there a couple times before, but this time, I really rode it hard. We did 22 miles of singletrack both at Bookcliffs and Loma. My quads and ass are still hurting from being in attack position all day. I completely ate up Kessel Run and Rustlers Loop. Pumping like a mad man. Attacking the corners with a bike lean. Always in attack position. Popping, dropping, and ripping it all day. It was a complete blast.

Thanks much. I look forward to continuing working on my skills.

Thanks
Stephen

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Best warmup ever

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I’ve been coaching at Valmont Bike Park a lot, and I’m becoming compulsive about my pump-track warmup routine.

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MMBSii in one run

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Lee

Not sure if you saw this video, but Danny Hart puts on a clinic at Val di Sole

http://youtu.be/mavQYlzR8DA

heavy feet light hands supple on pedals corners like he’s on rails and check out the wild berm smashing madness at 1:38

Daniel

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Minimizing hardtail twitch

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Lee!

I love your site and great advice you give! I recently bought an Ibis Tranny and love it! I switched from road to mountain biking about 4 years ago and have always used full suspension up until now. I wanted something that suits our trails that include short steep climbs, descents and tight twisty single track, thus the Tranny. So far I love it, however, I do not feel very secure on faster descents. The back end feels very twitchy. How do I get the back end to skip around less? More weight over the back? As well, with all the hype surrounding 29ers, can I get my Tranny to corner as well as a 29er with a proper technique or will the bigger wheels always have an advantage in this area?

Thanks,

Mike

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How to pedal with flats

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Hi Lee,

I’ve been inspired by your comments about flat pedals and so just put some Eclat Surge alloy flatties on my singlespeed. I’ve ridden flats at dirt jumps & BMX tracks so I’m not coming to them cold, but riding them on trails brings a different set of questions! I’ve looked through your books and most of your comments on pedaling style are based around clipless pedals. So …

Do you have any suggestions on pedal stroke style for flat pedals? I’m mashing the pedals and spinning out on loose stuff more than with clipless, so I’m trying to wipe dog dirt from the sole of my shoe at the end of the stroke. Any other hints?

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Slowing it down

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On Monday I was doing homework on Valmont Bike Park’s dual slalom course, and I re-learned a lesson I keep forgetting.

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Public skills clinics at Valmont Bike park in August

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I’m offering six public clinics at Valmont Bike Park in August. This is an awesome, cost effective way to dial in your skills.

Classes are limited to six riders each. Cost is $90 and includes the opportunity to purchase the book Mastering Mountain Bike Skills or Pro BMX Skills for a discounted $20.

We will cover the core skills, then we’ll focus on whatever the group wants (and is ready for). Expect to dial in position, braking, cornering and pumping. If all goes well, we’ll do some dropping and jumping too.

Valmont is an amazing place to ride and learn. Come on out. Let’s rip it!

ALL CLASSES ARE SOLD OUT.

I’ll post when September dates are set. Email me to get on the mailing list.

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Pre-Olympic rippage

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I’m showing this singletrack.competitor.com photo from last week’s test race on the Olympic XC course because it is so rad.

Let’s discuss:

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Off-camber turns for a BMXer

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Hey Lee,

Although I have been racing BMX for about 6 years and consider myself competent at the downhill aspect of mountain biking, I have trouble pulling G’s out of off-camber turns. I think my lean angle is pretty good, but I am unsure as to how my pedals should be positioned. In berms, I like to keep my pedals level for a nice, uniform pump, but I’m not sure that this is the best for off-cambers. Should I drop the outside pedal instead to get more weight to the other side of the bike? Thanks. -Rex

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Learn to rip at Valmont Bike Park in July

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UPDATE JULY 13: All spots for the July 27 and 30 clinics are taken. I’m working on scheduling more clinics. Braaap!

It’s time to get your pump and jump on!

I’m holding two public skills clinics at Valmont Bike Park, July 27 and 30. Classes are limited to six riders each. Cost is $100 and includes your choice of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 2nd Edition or Pro BMX Skills.

We will cover the core skills, but we’ll focus on pumping … and, if you’re ready, jumping. Pumping is the key to truly ripping trail. Once you learn to work the terrain — ride the wave — mountain biking is way safer, smoother and radder.

Valmont is an amazing place to ride and learn. Come on out. Let’s rip it!

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Stumpjumper EVO the ultimate trail weapon?

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I’ve been bouncing between my 140mm Stumpjumper and 160mm Enduro. The 150mm 2012 Stumpjumper EVO might be the ticket. Slack, low, light. Braaap!

Watch Curtis Keene and Brad Benedict wring ’em out.

Plus: Interview with Keene.

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Absorb the face and save 6 minutes at Downieville

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Our man Chris in Marin asked Is my stem stiff enough?, then he asked about accidently catching air at Downieville.

It’s amazing what a quick email — and a simple skill — can do for your riding.

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