Clinics for Noobs

[Graphics]

So i finally got myself my first REAL new mtn bike:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/melamani/MyNewBike.jpg

i have been working on my endurance for the time but would love to know if there are any clinics in the local trails. I'm in branford and very surprised there are no group rides/clinics at Lake Saltonstall.

L

[Jisch]

Congrats on the new bike!

I'm sure someone local to you will chime in with more options, but if you're interested, Manchester Community College (in Manchester, CT) is running a two day mountain bike class in May - I think its $35 or something. My wife is signed up, I'm interested to hear what they have to say.

I've tried to help my wife along with skills, but I've found that I am a terrible teacher. I can feel what to do, but I have a really hard time explaining what she needs to do - which leads to frustration on her part and mine.

John

[skiprjim]

I would take a look at Pedal Power in Middletown, It is about 20minutes from Branford, and they offer organized rides behind Middlesex community college throughout the week. I also think they have some basic clinics as well, maintenance and things like that. Check with the local shops as they often offer different outings/classes. I believe Cheshire cycle does one, and maybe North haven bike. I have done the Pedal Power one and the group I went out with was awesome, I would recomend that group to anyone. I will go anytime once the trails are dry, I am not that good but I love to ride.

[CTMBRer]

I'm sure someone local to you will chime in with more options, but if you're interested, Manchester Community College (in Manchester, CT) is running a two day mountain bike class in May - I think its $35 or something. My wife is signed up, I'm interested to hear what they have to say.

Any links on this for more information?

[errollthin]

So i finally got myself my first REAL new mtn bike:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c366/melamani/MyNewBike.jpg

i have been working on my endurance for the time but would love to know if there are any clinics in the local trails. I'm in branford and very surprised there are no group rides/clinics at Lake Saltonstall.

L

Nice ride! Have fun. Hardtails are the way to go

[Jisch]

Find the course I mentioned here:
http://www.mcc.commnet.edu/students/resources/pdf/MCCSpring2008CFcatalog.pdf

Page 34:

Essential Mountain Bike Skills
This informative and instructive course is for both beginning and
advanced mountain bike riders. Learn new riding techniques and unlearn
bad habits that are holding you back. For beginners, learn correctly the
first time, and for advanced riders, continue with your development. This
course will cover bicycle and mechanical basics, but the focus will be on
bike skills needed to expertly negotiate rocks, logs, corners, and uphills
and descents of trails. Students need to bring their own bike and helmet.
Please note the rain dates listed below.
CRN #11799 2 Saturdays, 5/3-5/10 (two Sundays, 5/4 & 5/11, will serve
as rain dates, if necessary), 9 a.m.-noon MCC Bldg. LRC A108 Fee: $40
Instructor: Salem Mazzawy is a professional cross-country and downhill
racer with 10 New England championship titles and an equal number of
years of instructional experience, including coaching the USA Cycling
Junior Olympic Camp. His awards include three Nutmeg Games State
Championships and two Connecticut Point Series Championships.

[MMcG]

Salem would be one helluva good guy to learn from that's for sure!

[Graphics]

looks really cool. i'm also checking out Pedal Power's schedule. looks like they were doing something tomorrow...but i'm not sure if it is still on...and i'm finding out about it too late. but it looks like it's a regular sunday thing.

it amazes me that we have this good lbs here in branford...Zane's Cycles...that most be doing well to be building a newer bigger building to open in Oct...and yet they have no rides organized...in a location that has 2 trails availabe within a mile or so from the store. go figure.