MTB 102 Skills Progressions

Welcome to Lawrence Mountain Bike Club's first beginners clinic series *exclusively for members! If you are mountain bike curious, this is the perfect opportunity to learn and practice foundational skills in a welcoming environment. Laura Wagner is a BICP Level 1 and NICA Level II-certified coach passionate about bringing more mountain bikers into the fold. We'll learn body position, timing, balance, technique, and decision-making in a low-stakes environment. By methodically layering in complexity and challenge, you'll develop trust in yourself, your skills, and your ability to adapt.What to expect:We'll work in a small group in a grassy field at the Lawrence River Trails (LRT) Trailhead [at 8th & Oak in North Lawrence] to demo and practice skills in a predictable space. Following the skills portion, we'll hit some of the smoothest single track around to practice what we've learned "in the field". Each clinic will have a slight progression with a quick review of foundational skills at the beginning. Expect patience, low-consequences, and zero pressure. Attend all the clinics or jump right into the one that most interests you.

MTB 102 covers:

- Intro to cornering

- wheel awareness

- intro to wheel lifts

- intro to climbing & descending

*followed by a half loop of LRT, green, flowy single track, at an easy pace.

*Skills clinics are for LMBC members only. Memberships are $15 annually for an individual or $20 for a family. Fees help cover the cost of insurance to host educational events like these as well as supporting maintenance of our local trails! It's a win-win. These clinics are recommended for ages 14 and older and intended for adults. Keep an eye out for future clinics for kids!

What to bring / required:

- your mountain bike (flat bars, fat tires, varying levels of squish!)

- helmet- closed

-toed shoes, mtb footwear preferred

- flat pedals preferred (flat pedals help when learning technique; clipless will work if that's your preference)

- water & snacks- glasses / eye protection

Recommended:

- gloves

- sunscreen

- bug spray / permethrin -- ticks are nasty this year... it helps to be on a bike, but long socks, maybe pants and bug spray helps!