Adult Rider Levels

Definitions of ability levels in mountain biking can be ambiguous at times, we acknowledge that they can vary depending on location of the terrain. We have outlined examples of the levels that relate to our programs. Please contact us to discuss your individual riding experience. Regarding group sessions, it is at the discretion of the coaches as to which group you are placed in, this will be based on our assessment of riding along with what you have informed us regarding your experience.

Riding experience includes: 

• New to riding, have ridden on wide gravel trails or roads but possibly not single track.
• Have ridden single track but do not feel confident riding off road.
• May be confident riding green trails, but generally sit down on the saddle most of the time.
• May not be confident riding up and down hills and over terrain with rocks and roots.
• First time attempting aspects of skill development, using a lot of bandwidth and mental energy to cognitively process what they are doing.

For beginner riders our programs provide opportunities to build confidence through the application of fundamental skills.

Riding experience includes: 

• Confident riding green and blue trails but still very much focused on skill acquisition. 
• Can generally ride up and down hills comfortably and is confident on variety of terrain types.
• Bad habits can be used by default to problem solve on more challenging terrain.
• Can consistently apply technique and skill on basic terrain, but still has to process cognitively to improve or when challenged on trickier terrain.

For intermediate riders our programs provide opportunities to consolidate the fundamentals, undo bad habits and build a solid base from which more advanced skills can be acquired.

Riding experience includes:

• Riders who have had some exposure to the fundamentals and are comfortably riding blue and some black trails.
• Skill is refined but can still be developed further
• Can blend skills together and can develop multiple skills at once.
• Shows creativity in movements even when challenged.
• Movements and skill application is autonomous – can be executed without cognitively processing.

For advanced riders our programs provide opportunities for those looking to improve performance, confidence and efficiency on steeper terrain and challenging trail features. 

Riding experience includes:

• Consistent and refined in all situations demonstrating skill mastery 
• Proficient riding blue and black trails
• Can think about movements without reducing performance
• Autonomous and creative even when challenged
• Movements can be adjusted as/when needed

For expert riders our coaching can encourage riders to develop their own unique style while maintaining technically sound movements relative to application of skill. Our teaching method at this level is collaborative and experimental.