Why ride on dirt? It's a great escape to nature, often in areas where motor vehicles are not allowed. And, it's TOTALLY FUN!!!!
This clinic is an introduction to gravel biking & mountain biking basic bike handling skills. The goal is to begin familiarizing yourself with how to control your bike over varying terrain and conditions on dirt, gravel and uneven constantly changing surfaces.
Basic bike handling drills will be practiced. You will learn how some principles of physics play in balance and control over constantly changing surface conditions. Many road handling skills translate well to this clinic; but, gravel and mountain bike handling skills go beyond road bike handling skills. Roadies are encouraged to participate, as becoming proficient with gravel and mountain bike skills translate very well to road bike handling and confidence building.
Recommended are gravel bikes and mountain bikes (hardtail or full suspension) with tubeless tires, but is not required. Minimum 35mm wide tires are recommended for gravel bikes, 2.1" wide tires for mountain bikes.
What is absolutely required are bikes in safe working order - shifting, braking, etc - and properly sized to you. It is dangerous to ride on dirt on bikes that are sized too small or too big for the rider. It is also recommended new riders not use clip or clipless pedals. Flat pedals are recommended.
Helmets required. Full finger gloves recommended.
We will meet at the corner of Delaware Ave and Natural Bridges Ave in Santa Cruz. From there, we will ride to the Ohlone Bluff Trail in Wilder Ranch where we will practice various skills drills.
Arrive by 9:30AM. Ready to roll at 10:00AM
Sorry, no e-bikes allowed for this clinic. Rain or muddy conditions cancels.