One of the best parts of coaching is seeing the lightbulb moments riders have during skills coaching sessions. Whether someone’s brand new to mountain biking or already a confident trail rider, coaching often brings that “Ah, I get it now!” feeling—and that’s what keeps me coming back for more.
But here’s what I’ve noticed over the years: the riders who make the most progress, the ones who walk away from a session grinning and stoked, are usually the ones who show up with the right mindset and a few key habits. So I wanted to share some of the ways you can get the absolute most out of your mountain bike coaching—whether you’re coming to ride with me, one of our awesome coaches, or someone else entirely.
1. I Always Ask Riders to Set a Clear Goal
When you arrive for a session, one of the first things I’ll ask is, “What do you want to get out of today?” And the more specific your answer, the more effective the session can be.
Maybe you want to:
- Feel more stable on steep terrain
- Get your wheels off the ground for the first time
- Stop braking too much into corners
- Build confidence after a crash
Whatever it is, having a goal gives us direction—and gives you a clear marker for progress. That said, I also encourage riders to stay open. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come in areas you didn’t expect.
2. Preparation Starts Before the Ride
It might sound obvious, but turning up ready—both mentally and physically—makes a huge difference. That doesn’t mean you need to be super fit or have the latest bike. But here’s what helps:
- Bring water, snacks, and layers—especially if the weather’s unpredictable.
- Check your bike: brakes, gears, tyre pressure, and suspension. A well-tuned bike gives you one less thing to worry about.
- Come with a learning mindset. That’s probably the biggest one. Leave your ego at the trailhead, and be ready to try new things—even if they feel awkward at first.
- Bike setup: these are very common areas of bike setup which hold people back in coaching sessions (particularly smaller riders). Too wide bars, too high bars, too soft suspension. If you arent sure get in touch before the session for bike setup advice.
3. Trust Me When I Say: The Fundamentals Matter
I’ve coached people racing at a national-level and complete beginners, and here’s the truth: we all need to revisit the basics sometimes. Things like:
- Stance & pressure control
- Braking technique
- Trail scanning and vision
- Line choice
These are the building blocks of everything we do on the bike. I’ve seen riders improve their cornering, jumps, and even race times just by tweaking their neutral position or where they’re looking. So if we spend time on the “simple stuff,” know that it’s with good reason.
4. I Love When Riders Ask Questions
Coaching works best when it’s a conversation, not a lecture. If you’re unsure about something, or if a technique doesn’t quite make sense, please ask. I’d much rather take the time to explain or demonstrate again than have you fake it through a drill.
And remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question. I’m here to help you understand not just the how, but the why behind every skill.
5. Repetition Builds Confidence
We might do the same drill multiple times during a session—and that’s intentional. Building muscle memory takes time and repetition. I often tell riders: “Don’t worry about making it perfect. Focus on making it feel consistent.” That’s what leads to confidence out on the trail.
If I give you a practice drill to take away, it’s because I’ve seen how well it can reinforce what we worked on. Even 10–15 minutes of focused riding each week can make a massive difference.
6. I Give Feedback That You Can Actually Use
I aim to give clear, actionable feedback—things you can apply immediately. I’ll often break it down into one or two key focus points at a time so you’re not overwhelmed. If we’re using video analysis, I’ll walk you through it on the spot or send it to you later so you can revisit it at your own pace.
And just as important: I want you to feel the difference. Sometimes I’ll ask, “Did that feel different?” or “What did you notice?” because developing body awareness is just as valuable as external feedback.
7. Progress Doesn’t Mean Perfection
Not every session will be full of big, flashy breakthroughs. Sometimes, the real progress is subtle—like feeling more relaxed in corners or staying loose on rough terrain. I encourage riders to celebrate those smaller wins, because they’re often the start of much bigger changes.
And if something doesn’t click straight away? That’s okay too. I’ve been riding for years, and I’m still learning. Mountain biking is a lifelong progression—and that’s one of the reasons I love it so much.
8. Reflect, Practice, and Come Back
After your session, take a few minutes to think about what stood out. I provide riders with notes to help them remember. That reflection solidifies learning and gives you a clear path for practice.
And when you’re ready, book another session. Follow-ups help us build on your progress, refine technique, and introduce new challenges in a safe, fun environment.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Riding Better
It’s about riding with more confidence, more control, and more enjoyment.
Coaching is one of the best tools we have for unlocking that. Whether we’re working on steep descents, smoother corners, or simply helping you feel less anxious on the bike, I see every session as a chance to help you ride the way you want to ride.
So if you’re curious, ready to grow, or just looking for a new spark in your riding journey, come ride with us. Let’s make your next trail ride feel even better than the last.
Ready to ride smarter, stronger, and more confidently?
Book a skills session with us, and let’s get started.