Mastering Pumping & Flow Workshop
Save energy, find extra free speed and link sections to find your flow
So you're a competent mountain biker or XC racer and can ride most technical terrain with confidence. So why can't you go as fast as your friends? The answer is that you probably haven't yet found your flow.
Our Mastering Pumping & Flow Workshop looks at the key elements to finding your flow and builds upon your existing skills to improve your trail speed and energy management.
After the workshop you will gain a boost in speed and commitment on fast flowing singletrack, switchbacks, berms; all of which achieved with far less pedalling by using the topography of the trail to retain and even increase speed.
It was very enlightening to see how the coach could read my riding and translate the shortcomings into understandable words for me
Casper - Richmond upon Thames, London
Course outline
The skills taught and practiced on the Mastering Speed & Flow course include:
- Bike Set-up
Pre-ride checks
- Mind Skills
Relaxing on the bike and staying loose
Riding within yourself to stay in control
Positive thinking and visualisation
Dismissing distractions to maintain concentration and commitment
Developing confidence through fundamentals instead of luck
- Body Position & Movement
Moving around the bike in three dimensions
Weighting & unweighting the bike
- Speed Control
When and where to brake
Carrying speed on the trail
- Cornering
Attacking flat corners for speed
Riding berms; high vs. low lines
Pumping corners for speed and grip
- Trail Flow
Reading and breaking down the trail into sections
Pumping for free speed
Linking sections for flow
Pump assisted braking
Pumping for air vs. keeping wheels on the ground
Manual pickups to maintain speed through rollers
Is this course right for me?
Please read the following description. If this sounds like you, then you're perfect for this course:
This course is aimed at riders who can already tackle blue and red trails with some confidence, who have probably had some formal coaching before, but perhaps recognise that their skills may be somewhat lacking in some areas.
If you are prone to crashing frequently, do not ride regularly and are not a frequent trail centre visitor, we strongly suggest that you join a Level 2 Singletrack Fundamentals course and practice regularly for at least a month to consolidate the learnings before booking this course.
- You will have already attended a Level 2 - Singletrack Fundamentals course and/or be confident and competent in all aspects of the syllabus
- You regularly (on average at least once per week) ride off road on blue and red graded singletrack trails at a trail centres or similar venues
- You have your own mountain bike (we have bikes available to hire if your bike is not available)
- You can already ride confidently on narrow singletrack trails with rocks, roots, steps and short steep sections
- You participant in formal exercise at least twice a week and at least one of these sessions is technical mountain biking
- You can ride moderately steep terrain at a steady pace
- You can ride for at least three hours comfortably
- You are aged 18 and over unless accompanied by an adult also participating on the course
If this sounds beyond your current skill level, please choose our Singletrack Fundamentals course instead or have a look at our choosing the right course FAQ page.
Typical programme
Morning or afternoon sessions are available usually keeping to the following programmes:
Morning programme
- 09:15-09:30 Arrival at course venue
- 09:30-09:45 Course commences, introductions and equipment check
- 09:45-13:00 Singletrack skills coaching and practice
- 13:00 Course ends
Afternoon programme
- 13:45-14:00 Arrival at course venue
- 14:00-14:15 Course commences, introductions and equipment check
- 14:15-17:30 Singletrack skills coaching and practice
- 17:30 Course ends
