Intermediate course, 13th Feb 2100

Simon, Jez and Rob came for some intermediate training after admitting their normal approach to tricky bits was to either get off and walk or hit it hard and hope! After initial work on body position for ups and downs on some steps we headed to the hills and worked on cornering at speed and getting the 'slingshot' effect out of corners for more efficient riding.  Efficient climbing position and tactics for overcoming uphill obstacles came next before lunch was snatched in a short dry spell. Serious descending followed with ridges, twists, rocks, roots and drops - all at the same time near the bottom. Once again the emphasis was on efficient riding and, after the section had been ridden once, we recovered the same ground a lot faster, carrying speed through/over the obstacles. We finished off with some short but very tough climbing and some rolling drops with vertical bits. It was well and truly raining when we returned to Hebden - drenched and tired but all buzzing with the things they had never expected to be able to do 7 hours before.

Not great photos but did I mention there was a bit of rain about?

Intermediate course 6th Feb 2011

Craig, steven and Dave had all been riding for a number of years but all felt that there were gaps in their skills that limited what they could ride, the speed they could carry through obstacles and even how to bail safely should it ever come to that. Despite the horrible forecast the rain held off for most of the course and we left the strong winds to blow accross the tops while we got to work on the technical tracks in the shelter of the wooded valley sides.  The big themes of the day were body position for coping with all manner of trail obstacles, looking ahead - to plan lines, preparing for the obstacles and being able to carry as much speed as is possible through them. "I wouldn't have even considered riding something like that before today" was a comment that cropped up several times during the day and some of the obstacles we finished on were really top end so all three can be pretty pleased with themselves and the progress they made.

Dave does steep, greasy and fast with the help of his "determined" expression.

Steven cruises down the steep steps at the end of the day.

2nd Feb 2011. A timely question

Just recieved this letter from Karl who took the beginners course on the 23rd January.

Hi Stephen

Thank you very much for getting in touch and forwarding photos. I really enjoyed the day,  learned loads and would like to do more. You are an excellent teacher, now I need to practice what you have taught me. I am a long way off coming on intermediate course but would like to do some more stuff maybe around Lee quarry In Bacup.  Please let me know if you are running a beginner type course there. I would like to buy the guide book but forgot the name!

Courses should soon be bookable for Lee Quarry. You can book for one to one or group sessions now by going to the group and individual tuition box on the main website.
Following a number of requests I now hold copies of the South Pennines Guidebook for purchase on course days.