I started riding MTB back in 2000, after being introduced to it by Jimbo of Sussex-MTB. As such I’m a slightly ‘older-skool’ rider and recognise that there are some areas of my riding with room for improvement. You know when you hit something just right, hook it up, and it feels ‘right’? I’d like that more consistently, not just by a happy circumstance of events. With the arrival of IMB, I’ve been enjoying reading the Technique section and watching the videos, trying to apply it to my riding. A lot of it makes sense, but putting it into practice is another thing, especially when you have developed so many ingrained bad habits. All of this lead me to thinking about having some proper instruction. Of course I knew that Jimbo offered skills courses, but I was worried how well that would work, receiving training from a close friend. A quick chat on a normal ride put my mind at ease, and Jimbo casually looked at my riding and could see some areas he could work on, and so a date was set.
Jim and I arrived at Starveal Car Park at Leith Hill, we had selected this area as this reflected the areas I was having difficulty with rather well. Jim set about swapping my pedals to flats so that I could really concentrate on proper technique.
We climbed up from the car park nattering and made our way as quickly as possible to Summer Lightning, with Jimbo keeping a careful eye on my technique to spot areas that needed attention. I won’t go into detail too much as that would be giving away trade secrets, pay for you own session 
But we started with the top of Summer Lightning with Jim stood by the trail to confirm his suspicions about my riding. We then headed back up to the slightly sloping double track at the head of the trail to focus on specific techniques. It became clear quite quickly that I was going to really struggle with making the necessary changes, something Jim recognised from his training – too many years of doing things a certain way. He had already been aware that I have a tendancy to over analyse (The engineer in me). With time and a good dollop of patience Jim was able to find a way to push me in the right direction, demonstrating first, then getting me to have a go. Leaning me against a tree to find the right approach, before doing it rolling. One area that quickly showed was tensing up as I tried things, once Jim got me to relax a little, an immediate improvement was seen – and I could feel it straight away. The technique then started to follow. It was surprising how long we had spent on what seemed very basic steps, but it was also clear just how much difference they would make. Jim had even got me attempting to bunnyhop properly (Early stages, but it’s something I’m going to work on now), something I’ve always been fearful of.
Skills session
From here we progressed down Summer Lightning trying the skill that I found hardest to conquer, looking. Who would of thought using your eyes would be so difficult! There was a lot to think about, and some bits were slipping, but already I could feel when certain aspects were working, and how much better that felt, and how the trail begain to flow with less effort. Having said that I was starting to feel the exertion from making so many changes. We agreed it was time to stuff our faces at the Tower.
Dosed up on double helpings of cake we went in search of a suitable section to practice ‘pumping’ the trail for better flow. What would noramlly be a good section was too wet, but we soon found a suitable alternative. Jim described the technique to me, and then demonstrated a couple of times, before my turn. A few duff runs, and then it started to come, with that distinctive buzz from the tyres as they push into the ground and work that bit harder. Nice. We stumbled on a new trail at this time and went for a little explore too, and found a lovely section with a slope to a drop back onto the trail, the sort of thing I’d like the look of normally but struggle to ride. First time without thinking, straight down and nicely off – oh yes!
To round things off we found a nice roll in with a step at the top, something I tend to struggle with poor footwork and body position on. Jim explained what was required and let me at it, this time taking photos to show me what I was doing wrong. This proved to be another painful experience with so much ingrained, but with careful instruction and reminding me to relax, little by little Jim was able to coax me in the right direction. There’s still work required but the seeds are sown.
After that we had time for a little bit of playing and just riding, with Jim commenting that he could see improvement when I remembered what I was doing. Finally, with both of us tired, we headed back to the car, just as the heavens opened, perfect timing.
In summary I had a great day covering a lot of ground, with a lot learnt. It’s now all down to applying it whilst out on the trails – thanks Jimbo.
Bobster
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