In Depth

Skills Training with Escape Mountain Biking

Following a number of minor crashes over the years, my confidence had slipped badly - so badly that I no longer feel capable of going down technical descents. This all came to a head in May 2006, when I opted (wrongly) to walk my bike down The Beast. As you all know I ended up in plaster for 6 weeks with a dislocated ankle & broken fibula. Back on the bike from the autumn onwards, my confidence has never recovered, so it was suggested that I look into some skills training.

A number of companies were recommended by various North Leeds riders, and one of these, Escape Mountain Biking, just happens to be based within the North Leeds MTB catchment area. Run by Nigel Ezard, the company specialises in guided rides around the Yorkshire Dales, and also in skills training courses, which can be tailored to your own needs.

I got in touch with Nigel and we arranged to do the course on the route of the well known local ride, The Bingley Bash. We met up at the St Ives car park at 10am on a nice, crisp November Friday, and after a quick once-over of my bike, we started the climb up to Altar Lane. Part way up through the estate we found an area suitable for the basics - bike setup and "the attack position". I'm sure we're all familiar with the attack position, but I'd never really put it into practice. After about 20 minutes I was doing it instinctively - well, almost!

After a long slog up Altar Lane, we then crossed onto Harden Moor, where the first technical session took place. Starting with the first rocky section, Nigel covered each set of rocks in turn, demonstrating - and exaggerating - the use of the attack position and the use of body weight in getting the front wheel lofted over trail obstacles. Then it was my turn. After about 15 minutes I had that section under my belt and we then moved onto line choice through the next rocky section. Another 15 minutes and I was doing the whole section over and over with some confidence.

Then came the big drop. We looked over the next section, looking for the 'chicken runs' that I would have normally taken - and mentally blocked them off - followed by the smooth lines. The smoothest line happened to also take the biggest step-down, which at first I worried about. After a few partially successful attempts, I went for it. And promptly went over the bars! Nothing hurt but my pride, I then tried one of the alternate, but still big, step-downs, and made that one cleanly.

Onwards and downwards, Catstones Moor was next. I used to be able to ride this with confidence, but that had all gone. We rode some sections, then at points where I would normally now get off and walk the bike down, we got off to walk down the section and check out the obvious riding line. That done, I was back on the bike and, bar one loud twang of a distraction, I rode the whole thing through the switchback down to the bottom. Confidence building now, sadly our half day session was almost up, so we set off on the road back to St Ives.

Back at the car park, Nigel then produced a wooden ramp from his van, on which I then practiced the attack position, step ups & step downs, over and over again.

All in all, a very worthwhile exercise, and thanks to Nigel's coaching, all I need now is some practice and I'll be challenging Boris on Ilkley Mo'Tek.

Well, ok, maybe not!