OK, the interest has been surprisingly overwhelming for another installment of the Spring "No Chick Left Behind" mtn bike skills training series. So, let's do it!! While I'd like to think we might be able to start riding consistently in late March (at least at Sylvan Island thanks to its well-draining, resilient soil), that is probably a pipe dream. And, while we normally rode last year on Thursday nights, it didn't work for everyone. So, this year, in an effort to better accommodate people, we will be riding on BOTH Wednesday and Thursday nights for the entire month of April!!

Likely, the first couple weeks of riding will be at Sylvan Island because none of our other trails will be dry enough to ride. We will change locations each week trail-conditions-permitting. Keep in mind that FORC has been very active and is proud to unveil our newest park -- Illiniwek Park. I promise you that the riding experience is well worth the drive to Hampton! We will also be riding at Sunderbruch Park and Scott County Park provided the trails are open.

So, the official NCLB Week #1 will start off on Wednesday, April 6 at 5:30 at Sylvan Island and we will have a repeat session there on Thursday, April 7th at 5:30 for those unavailable on Wednesday or who just want more riding exposure early in the season. Make one or both! Check this thread for updates about our NCLB rides especially with treatening inclimate weather and concerns about cancellations.

The first few weeks, we will be covering the basics the first 15 minutes of each session... week one will be shifting, braking, positioning, etc. Then, we will get on the trails to start getting reacquainted with the feel of the bike. Lots of this is nothing more than saddle time, getting used to riding and developing a level of comfort with your bike and how it handles. We will ride some easier trails and then approach a few basic obstacles such as small logs to hop over, tight switch backs, etc. Then as people's skill and confidence levels increase, we will start adding in more and more fun stuff.

What you need to bring:
  • Your own mountain bike (a hybrid bicycle will NOT work)
  • A helmet
  • Hydration (water bottle, Camelbak, etc.)
  • Maybe a gel shot or Cliff bar or something, and
  • ENTHUSIASM!!!