TAKE YOUR RIDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Are you looking to improve your bike handling abilities?
With the right riding skills, you’ll be able to control every move the bike makes, rather than simply being along for the ride. SLO MTB Skills Coaching can teach you all the mountian and gravel bike handling techniques you need to have more fun out on the trail and open new possibilities for your riding adventures!
Technique Focused Instruction
The right riding techniques make all the difference. Below is an example of the techniques we’ll work on together. But, instead of watching a video and then guessing if you are doing it right out on the bike, I’ll be there offering feedback and guidance to build your skills faster and safer.
What’s involved in mountain biking skills coaching?
It’s personal, one-on-one training to improve your riding form. This training can address whatever aspects of your riding you are struggling with. For example: Descending over rocks, climbing over rocks, cornering, braking, and jumping are some of the most common riding skills that clients want to improve. Much like a ski or snowboarding instructor, I can help to guide your positioning and movement on the bike and your bike’s setup to improve your ride.
Meet the Coach
Daniel Slusser started mountain biking in 1992. His career in the bike industry has spanned three decades and includes many instructional roles. Most people know him from his riding and mechanical how-to video work with ArtsCyclery.com, VeloNews.com, and VitalMTB.com. He’s also known as a national cycling TV personality for SRAM and NBC Sports during the last five years of the Amgen Tour of California broadcasts.
Coaching Philosophy
Riding faster isn’t about taking bigger risks. It’s the exact opposite. Going faster is all about using techniques that make bike handling easier while offering a larger margin for error. That means with the right technique, you’ll avoid getting yourself into trouble, and when you do, you’ll have more time to make the corrections required to ride out of it smoothly and safely. Best of all, these techniques are designed to make any required corrective moves feel instinctive and natural. Once you have these skills, that’s when the real magic of personal progression and fun begins out on the trail!
Training Approach
After a quick analysis of your riding style, we’ll identify which riding habits are holding you back. Then, we’ll shift our focus to a specific riding technique development path. This pathway includes step-by-step instructions and custom made drills to help you gain the ability to execute these movements automatically out on the trail.
To literally ‘bring it home’, I’ll send you related instructional videos or make a video with you showing exactly what to do when practicing these techniques at home. With this approach, you’ll see big improvements after just one hour of instruction! Moreover, you’ll have the tools you need to continue working on your riding skills outside of instruction time.
Why should you invest in riding skills coaching?
Cycling legend Eddy Merckx famously said, “Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades!” Of course he was talking about riding up literal grades (hills) but, this philosophy can also apply to ‘upgrading’ your riding skills. Whatever component upgrade you are considering buying to make you faster, with the right professional coaching you’ll see far greater gains per dollar than you will using ineffective riding techniques on an expensive bike. Besides, most riders’ bikes aren’t set up very well to begin with (suspension, bike fit, tire pressure, etc.). I can help you dial those things in for your specific needs and deliver big performance gains without you spending a dime on new parts.
Services and Rates
Bike Handling Skills Coaching
$70 per hour for individuals
$50 per person, per hour for groups (3 riders max)
Each session includes 45 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of bike setup, tuning, fitting, etc. to adjust out any technical issues holding you back.
Instructional topics are entirely up to the client. If you aren’t sure where to start, I highly recommend cornering and/or braking technique.
Mechanical Skills Instruction
$90 per class*
Classes Offered
Tire Changing/Flat Fixing (1 hour)
Derailleur Setup and Tuning (1 hour)
*Bring up to 4 friends with you for no extra charge! Limited to 5 students max per class.
Let’s meet up and get started taking your skills to the next level!
Email me to learn more and schedule a time for your first coaching session. I’d love to hear what skills you want to work on first!