Intro Natural Trails
Discover LEVEL | 2 day(s) | Ratio 1:6
Overview
This fun training course is for either the new or lapsed mountain biker looking to discover or get a taste for riding natural trails. We’ll help you get started on your bike and learn the fundamental techniques of controlling your bike with the key goal of gaining flow when out riding.
E-bikes also welcome!
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
The aim is that you will go away with all the skills to confidently ride on trails and single tracks at green to blue grade (red if confidence allows!). We’ll use as many types of terrain as possible to develop and bed in new skills. There are many world class natural trails and single tracks easily accessible from Glenmore Lodge, such as Glenmore, Carrbridge, Glen Feshie, High Burnside, and more.
PRE-REQUISITES
Just the desire to build confidence, have fun, and enjoy riding natural trails in the Cairngorms.
IS IT FOR ME?
Gain core skills and lay the foundation for a lifetime of biking. We do this through a mixture of personalised coaching sessions and riding some of Scotland’s finest trails. This is suitable for anyone looking to ride off-road trails, in style and with confidence! It’s also a perfect follow-on training from our 2-day Trail Centre course.
CONTENT
Under the watchful eyes of our experienced and enthusiastic coaches, you’ll learn how to ride on a variety of natural trails. Fundamental elements we’ll look at include:
- The ready position – purposeful, poised positioning for dealing with whatever’s ahead on the trail
- Cornering – eliminate that feeling of being dragged towards the edge
- Braking – the how, why, and when. Learn how to add control with your brakes, not take it away
- Flow – learn to deal with common features that threaten your flow
- Gearing – anticipating when to change gear to maximise efficiency
- Manuals – un-weighting your front wheel to aid with rolling features (and getting up a kerb!)
- Climbing – how to arrive at the top having enjoyed the process!
Included for e-bikes:
- Gearing – anticipating when to change gear to maximise the use of your e-bike motor
- Functions – choosing the right function for the trail to help maintain or maximise battery life
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Instruction
- Use of kit where requested – please note bike hire not included
- Packed lunch and afternoon tea and cake
- In-course transportation
NEED TO KNOW
WHAT WILL I NEED
If you do not have your own bike or are unable to bring it with you to the Lodge, we have a limited fleet of Trek bikes available for use. Please get in touch to arrange this prior to your course. E-bikes can also be ridden on any of our skills courses.
- Bike
- Small bike lights front and rear – always a good idea to carry just in case!
- Small Biking Day pack – 25L max
- Helmet
- Eye wear
- Thin woolly hat or buff for under helmet
- Gloves – thin, full finger cycling gloves are perfect
- Warmer Cycle friendly Full finger Gloves – just in case its cold
- Water proof jacket & trousers – Suitable for cycling
- Padded cycling Shorts – there really are worth it for comfort!
- Outer Baggy Cycling Shorts
- Thin fleece or similar
- Full leg covering – for cold days e.g. cycle tights or cycling leg warmers
- Warm outdoor wear
- Insulating layers – a variety of base layers are useful to control your temperature
- Small personal first aid kit
- Drink system – hydration pack / water bottle
- Spare inner tube x2 for your bike
- Spare Brake pads x2 for your bike
- Spare Rear Gear Mechanism hanger for your bike – Call your local bike shop for help with this
- Small Trail Toolkit – Pump, multi tool and chain breaker at least
- Suncream – you just never know!
We have Laundry facilities here and a fantastic drying room so there is always the option to wash stuff as you go. Glenmore Lodge also has a pool and climbing wall – so don’t forget your swimming/climbing kit!
