Well on Saturday I had my Introductory Skills course at Thetford Forest and it went pretty well.
There were 5 other blokes on the course, and one (female) instructor.
First we were shown how to setup our bikes and make sure our saddles didn't get in the way of shifting our weight to the rear. Then we set off for Madgett's Pit, one of the black run bomb holes, and before long we were taking it in turns to speed down into the hole and even get a bit of air on the way out. We also learned how to ride out of the pit from a standing start.
Next we were introduced to three different techniques for lifting the front wheel, and also spent quite a while on cornering skills. These were then put to the test on a new-looking section of the red route that had lots of berms. That was good fun. My weakness was staying in the "attack position" - I much preferred to sit down and let my suspension soak up the bumps.
Then we went and had a crack at The Beast. Although just before that there was a chance to practice riding a drop-off at another bomb hole nearby. The Beast was really thrilling (it was the first time I've ever ridden anything like that) and I twice came close to hitting trees.
I had to dab after a pedal strike (my bike has a very low bottom bracket) and again I had to fight the urge to sit down but I reckon I was pretty quick for my first time. Thinking about it, I probably should have gone a little slower and concentrated more on the skills I'd just been taught but it was too much of a blast!
I got a lot out of the course but not sure how much of that was down to being in a group of riders with similar ability and how much was down to the instructor. Despite the small size of the group and plenty of time, there was very little individual feedback during the course - maybe we were all good?
Overall, a very enjoyable day and because I can pay with Clubcard vouchers I will consider using them again for an intermediate course at Woburn Sands.
