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Back to Mountain Bike Basics for all Levels of Riders

Writer's picture: Vanessa HairVanessa Hair

Sometimes, even the most seasoned riders need to hit the reset button and revisit the fundamentals. The Fall season is recovery time to really understand and execute isolation movements. This isn't just for beginners—it's a crucial step for intermediate and advanced riders aiming to refine their skills and elevate their performance.


The Importance of Isolation Movements


Isolation movements are specific exercises that target individual components of a complex skill. In mountain biking, this could mean focusing on weight distribution, balance, or precise timing in a jump. By breaking down these elements, beginner riders can identify and strengthen their weak points, leading to more fluid and controlled riding.


For advanced riders, committing to these foundational skills can make a significant difference. It can transform a good jump into a great one, enhance quicker trail navigation, and increase overall confidence on the bike where aspects become second nature; each component of a skill is executed flawlessly when it all comes together.


The Solution to Enhance your Mountain Bike Riding 


Enter the 30-Day Mountain Bike Challenge—a program designed to reinforce the basics while progressively building advanced skills. While it's an excellent starting point for newcomers, the challenge is equally beneficial for seasoned riders looking to polish their technique.


The challenge offers skill based exercises focusing on different aspects of mountain biking, from balance drills to advanced maneuvers for bike handing. Each week, riders will receive an audio and visual recording of the skill with a digital copy to break down the steps even further. Plus, you will have a connect call each week with your mountain bike coach. This support call is to revisit your skills and to talk about your wins and challenges. Accountability and consistency is the gold ticket here. 


A Client’s Journey: Combining Isolation Movements for Smooth Jumps


One rider that I have been coaching who could already perform jumps but felt something was missing. The rider could get airborne, but the execution and landings were inconsistent, and desperately wanted to feel the smooth flow that defines an intermediate to advanced rider.

  • Timing: Understanding when to initiate the jump.

  • Body Position: Learning how posture affected the bike's movement.

  • Balance: Practicing weight distribution to control the riders trajectory.

Through isolation exercises, this rider honed each element individually. By practicing shifting the weight without jumping, timing the movements with the bike's suspension, and adjusting the speed each time to understand reactions points, created magic.


After integrating these isolated skills, the rider’s difference was remarkable. The rider executed a smooth movement that was consistent and felt how to separate both skills. The rider also knew how and when to execute each movement. Now, jumps will become smoother, landings more controlled, and confidence soars.


You are in control of your mountain bike performance and you have the choice on how you want to get there. Lean in, dig deep, and ride hard.

Photo credit: Christian Core


Ready to Join the 30-Day Mountain Bike Challenge?

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