Mountain Bike School For Cumbria

You might never forget how to ride a bike, but riding a mountain bike off road is slightly different and expert instruction is definitely a good thing when you're starting off, which is why it's good to see that Cumbria is getting its first dedicated mountain bike coaching trail and skills school.


The new Cyclewise trail is due to open at Whinlatter Forest near Kenda on Saturday 17 October, is 300 metres long and features specially constructed bumps, humps and drops, bermed corners, technical climbing and descending and rocky steps to ride off.

In other words, it's a compressed slice of all the stuff that makes mountain biking different from simply riding along on a flat trail or road.

The trail is for private coaching purposes only and will be used primarily by Cyclewise, who offer skills training, bike hire and shop, leadership training and maintenance courses from their base at Whinlatter.

Rich Martin Director & Senior coach at Cyclewise, said “We’re delighted to have finally achieved one of our long terms aims in providing the most professional and inspirational mountain bike coaching possible at Whinlatter. Our clients will now have their own unique trail to ride without other riders interfering with the learning process.
 
“A big thank you to Adrian Jones of the Forestry Commission for making this happen and also to trailbuilder, Hugh Clixby, who has created this world class coaching trail for us here in Keswick.”

Looks like an ideal way for beginners to learn the basics of off-road riding and for more experienced riders to develop their skills and rid themselves of bad habits. Cyclewise also offers Women's Skills courses for women who prefer to learn in a supportive, all-female environment.

More details at www.cyclewise.co.uk.