Mountain Biking Guiding/Instruction

MTB Progression Instruction

Jennie and Jenn have been working with riders of all ages and levels for several years. From teaching and their own riding, they have learned that progression is the best way to impart mountain biking skills. By teaching a rider a skill at an approachable and non-intimidating level, riders gain confidence and become more quickly adept at applying the skill to obstacles on the trail.

What does this mean? It means when you are learning level lifts, manuals, rollovers, or wheelie drops, you will start on flat ground. Instructors will explain and demonstrate skills and then students practice in an environment where there is little to no consequence. Once comfortably accomplished, riders move to a curb-sized platform and perform skills at an appropriately more difficult level. As the rider is ready, he or she will progress to a slightly bigger stunt. This ensures that students remain safe and within their skill level, and they can actually see their evolution as they incrementally master a skill.

After skills are taught in a clinic format, instructors take guests to trails that offer opportunities to incorporate these skills. This allows riders to directly apply what they’ve learned and ride stunts on the trails they may never have attempted before.

MTB Guiding

Why bother with a guide? Although some trails are well mapped, it is helpful to have a guide to link the best ones together instead of stopping at every intersection to check the map over and over again. Other Vermont trails are infamously circular with numerous options that can be overwhelming and tedious to navigate. STM ride leaders are locals and they know the ins and outs of all trails, including the best ways to link them, lunch spots with spectacular views, and even secret swimming holes to cool down after a hot day of riding. If you’re interested, we can share natural, historical and local lore about Vermont. We know where the best picture opportunities are and can help you capture your trip by taking pictures and video of you as you climb hills, rip down rock faces, and fly around berms. To help provide you with a safe and restful trip, all leaders are Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified.