Overview
Build the foundations for an exciting future on a mountain bike. You will learn the fundamental elements of controlling your bike with the key goal of gaining flow when out riding. The aim is that you will go away with all the skills to confidently ride on natural and man-made trails up to around red grade. We’ll use as many types of terrain as possible to develop and bed in new skills.
We’ll make use of the incredible local trails, both natural and manmade to give you a stunning playground to develop your riding.
E-bikes welcome!
Check out this video to hear more about this course from our Instructors
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
The aim is that you’ll go away with all the skills to confidently ride on purpose-built and natural trails at green to blue grade, and maybe red if you feel ready for it!
PRE-REQUISITES
Just the desire to build confidence, have fun and enjoy riding in the Cairngorms.
IS IT FOR ME?
Perfect if you’re looking to gain core skills and lay the foundation for a lifetime of mountain 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 trails off-road, in style and with confidence.
CONTENT
Under the watchful eyes of our experienced and enthusiastic coaches you will learn how to ride on a variety of trails. Fundamental elements include:
- The ready position – purposeful poised positioning to deal with whatever’s ahead.
- Cornering – eliminate that feeling of being dragged towards the edge.
- Braking – the how’s, why’s and when’s. Learn how to add control with your brakes, not take it away.
- Flow – Learn to deal with common features that threaten your flow.
- Manuals – getting your front wheel airborne can unlock so many trails and can also get you up a kerb!
- Climbing – how to arrive at the top having enjoyed the process!
Including 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
DATES & PRICES
| 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date03/05/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£300.00 | Places | ||
| Date05/06/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£300.00 | Places | ||
| Date17/07/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£300.00 | Places | ||
| Date09/08/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£300.00 | Places | ||
| Date13/09/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£300.00 | Places | ||
| Date20/10/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£300.00 | Places | ||
| Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] | ||||
Media Gallery
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Instruction
- Use of kit where requested – please contact us in advance if you wish to enquire about fleet bike availability
- 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
- 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
- Suncream – you just never know!
The below items can be borrowed from our well-equipped Stores:
- Small Biking Day pack – 25L max
- Helmet
- Eyewear
- Gloves
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Outer baggy cycling shorts
- Warm insulated jacket
Every Guide will be suitably equipped with safety equipment and tools for trailside repairs.
We have laundry facilities here and a fantastic drying room so there is always the option to wash stuff as you go.
