Taking someone MTBing for the first time
Discussion
So somehow as a second date I'm taking a luckless girl to ashton court to do some mtbing after I was telling her about a recent series of trips to afan / brecon / fod. She's never been mtbing before and only has some form of apollo mtb. I offered to loan the use of my hardtail but she seems keen on using hers this time. At least that leaves me with my cheap hardtail to ride rather than rocking up on the full bouncer which would be massive overkill and look a bit intimidating to a beginner.
I've never ridden ashton court before, but having run quite a bit in the area I'm confident its not going to be beyond a beginners capability.
My question is - should I treat it as a lesson (I'm no expert by the way, but I can ride most things),and go over basic technique to try and avoid unplanned departures from the bike before we set off, or should I just give it a cheery 'see you at the bottom of this section', zoom aka bimble off and let her figure it out herself, giving pointers if she asks?
one for the match thread perhaps
I've never ridden ashton court before, but having run quite a bit in the area I'm confident its not going to be beyond a beginners capability.
My question is - should I treat it as a lesson (I'm no expert by the way, but I can ride most things),and go over basic technique to try and avoid unplanned departures from the bike before we set off, or should I just give it a cheery 'see you at the bottom of this section', zoom aka bimble off and let her figure it out herself, giving pointers if she asks?
one for the match thread perhaps
Just basic stuff on introducing folks to sport really - I'd not zoom off, nor would I teach the whole time - just watch her ride for a bit on some really simple stuff, make a judgement call on doing more interesting stuff. Offer 'tips' for major things. Not too much, even if she's horrible. Ride with, boost confidence, help, but don't instruct the whole time either (I'm assuming that the aim isn't to turn her into an excellent mountainbiker).
I wouldn't go for the "see you at the bottom" approach. I'd guess she's asked to come as she wants to spend time with you and is having a go at something she knows you're interested in.
I'm also guessing she's reasonably fit, as in healthy
or she wouldn't have suggested it. In which case, if she's anything like my wife, she probably won't want instruction as she'll just want to have a go. However if she says she's nervous just give her a few pointers on how to crash well
I'm also guessing she's reasonably fit, as in healthy
or she wouldn't have suggested it. In which case, if she's anything like my wife, she probably won't want instruction as she'll just want to have a go. However if she says she's nervous just give her a few pointers on how to crash well Perfect for beginners!
You can start off with the bottom part (Quarry loop - is that what it's called now?) and see how it goes. Probably skip the red 'downhill' section which means you have to repeat the short and steep-ish gravel road climb back up to the top.
You can then carry on and do the top part of the trail (name of which I can't remember) which takes you along the side of the road and finishes by the gate-house if you get on OK.
If not, just take one of the gravel access roads back to the tarmac and up to the car-park, or go down the hill and have a coffee at Ashton Court and look at the deer on the way past.
Hope it goes well for you!
You can start off with the bottom part (Quarry loop - is that what it's called now?) and see how it goes. Probably skip the red 'downhill' section which means you have to repeat the short and steep-ish gravel road climb back up to the top.
You can then carry on and do the top part of the trail (name of which I can't remember) which takes you along the side of the road and finishes by the gate-house if you get on OK.
If not, just take one of the gravel access roads back to the tarmac and up to the car-park, or go down the hill and have a coffee at Ashton Court and look at the deer on the way past.
Hope it goes well for you!
upsidedownmark said:
Just basic stuff on introducing folks to sport really - I'd not zoom off, nor would I teach the whole time - just watch her ride for a bit on some really simple stuff, make a judgement call on doing more interesting stuff. Offer 'tips' for major things. Not too much, even if she's horrible. Ride with, boost confidence, help, but don't instruct the whole time either (I'm assuming that the aim isn't to turn her into an excellent mountainbiker).
Get her in some lycra shorts and enjoy the view... With a group of lads from work we've had new riders doing the red runs on Cannock chase the issue is though we know the route so know when to give any warnings or have a break so you can either brief on the next bit or point out any chicken runs.
Ok, it's road bikes and you needn't dose yourself up on EPO but on the first climb make sure you do this (18 seconds on for the slo mo); she's bound to be very impressed. Also be sure to do loads of skids, girls are always very impressed by skids.
http://youtu.be/MdMdJAdzpYQ
http://youtu.be/MdMdJAdzpYQ
shouldbworking said:
Mr E said:
Ideally, do a lap yourself first so you know what's coming and can advise appropriately.
How long does a lap take for an averagely fit rider? I think it took me about 45 minutes to do the FoD blue route first time out.
h of a climb).
It's good for a beginner, but I don't know about a date? If you are on the singletrack it will be difficult to be sociable and she might think she is holding you and everyone else up - it'll only take on pillock on 160mm of total Stava-Gnar to ruin the ride. I'd find a nice bridleway ride with views and see if she is confident on a bike.
Ashton Court is really easy, I have seen kids riding it (normal kids not that super kids on full sus bikes). She will be fine, it is all 'rollable' but as others have said probably best to skip the red Super Nova route and just stick to the blue Nova trail. Just go and enjoy it, I would recommend letting her go first and following her, that way you will be there to help her up if she falls and you can cop a feel at the same time.
I'd suggest the best thing to do is follow her and keep on about the importance of weight distribution which is where newbies often come unstuck. If you ride ahead, you cant see when and if she is likely to make a mistake and what caused it.
Then its over the bridge, pint in the garden outside Channings afterwards and its a done deal!....
Then its over the bridge, pint in the garden outside Channings afterwards and its a done deal!....
It was good.. comedy gold with the various lapierres and intenses coming ripping by with a double take at the pink halfords bike on semi slicks.
She went from being pretty scared and having to stop on every little rolling incline to anticipating them and getting the right gear in advance, getting some sensible linked turns in on the berms and a couple of drop offs. Target fixation on the larger berms was the only biggie left after just one lap.
Thank goodness she didn't turn out to be fast, I don't think my legs would have liked that after the week so far. A pleasant recovery ride in the end.
She went from being pretty scared and having to stop on every little rolling incline to anticipating them and getting the right gear in advance, getting some sensible linked turns in on the berms and a couple of drop offs. Target fixation on the larger berms was the only biggie left after just one lap.
Thank goodness she didn't turn out to be fast, I don't think my legs would have liked that after the week so far. A pleasant recovery ride in the end.
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