Learn to Mountain Bike - Intro course

We'll take you through the woods and into the park, practicing all the skills needed to make you comfortable riding a mountain bike in rough terrain. You'll be riding like a pro in no time!

This is a short 4 hour course - we also do more advanced 8 hour courses leading to the MBS1 Blue or MBS2 Red qualifications.

Who is this for?

Our mountain bike training is open to cyclists of all abilities, from novices, to those who cycle regularly. We guarantee you'll learn some new skills and leave with a smile on your face!

Children over 14 are welcome if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Is it safe?

Yes - we build the skills up slowly, starting with balance and body position, before moving on to braking and dealing with obstacles. You'll never have to do anything you don't want to, and we don't ride on any steep terrain.

Course Syllabus

1. Bike set up to include bars, lever position, seat height and angle, suspension set up
2. Riding position to include Ready position, cone of movement, weight shift,
3. Gear selection – correct use of gears for appropriate terrain
4. Use of brakes Feathering
5. Climbing/Descending
6. Cornering
7. Small drops
8. Track stands
9. Front Wheel lifts
10. Line choice
11. Rear wheel lifts
12. Jumps
13. Drop-offs
14. Off Camber sections
15. Roots and rocks

What if it's just me?

This tour is for a minimum of 2 people, but we can take you on your own if you are able to pay a £50 supplement - sorry, but otherwise we lose money on this!

Can I cancel or reschedule after I've booked?

Please see our cancellation policy. You have the option to add day before Flexi Rescheduling as an add-on when you book.

https://www.paddlerichmond.co.uk/cancellation-policy

You need a reasonable level of fitness and be able to ride a bike!

Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to cycle in as we have only rudimentary changing facilities.

We have a safe lockable storage space for your bags and valuables.

No specialist clothing is required, but bring a waterproof jacket in case it rains.

You will need to wear a cycle helmet, which we will provide.

And we'll provide Trek mountain bikes!

After an intro and safety briefing we will head off along the towpath towards Kingston, and then head into Ham Common, Richmond Park and Sheen Woods. We will have a short break half way through the trip, and then return to the start point.