MTB Skills Instruction

Mountain Biking Skills Coaching

Gift Vouchers

We offer loads of options from 1:1 or group day courses to weekend stays with a skills and guiding mix. See below for some examples of what we offer..

Day Courses 

Group booking from £79pp (weekday) £89pp (weekend) based on a minimum of two booking together on a weekday course. Maximum 4 riders. 
1:1 skills days are £125 (weekday) to £149 (weekend) 

Short Stays

You can combine it with a stay at Eleven Westgate, our four star bikers B and B. It has all the facilities you'll need and a few home comforts on top. Day courses are discounted if combined with a stay. Our short stay offers start at £160pp for a midweek two night group stay (four riders sharing two rooms) or £199pp (for two riders sharing one room) with two days of skills coaching or guided rides. Call us on 01751 475111 or email us or read below for more information.

Special Offer for Winter 2015-16

1:1 skills days 

£99 (weekday) 

£125 (weekend). 

**Only 6 remaining** 

Voucher must be redeemed by 31st March 2016 or additional payment up to full price is needed to extend the voucher to 30th November 2016.

If you've never considered skills instruction before then you probably fall into one of two groups. Either you don't really see the benefit (yet) as you manage to get by as you are, or you're an MTB god (and there are some out there!). For those of you who have considered it, you probably already understand the benefits of coaching and how it will improve your technique, your confidence and your enjoyment in any sport from snowboarding to badminton. When you dig a little deeper, you'll also realise it fundamentally changes the way you think about sport and how it integrates with your everyday life.

At Gone Mountain Biking we are part of the CTC Skills Instructor program and we're now excited to be part of the new B1KE network which is further developing an industry leading MTB instruction methodology. 

We don't just look at your technique and teach you 'how' to ride like your tutor. We teach you 'why' and to ride like 'you' by learning about your needs, what makes you tick, and how you learn best. We'll work using tried and tested development methodologies used to coach beginners and pro riders, We'll not just improve the physical parts of your riding, we'll change the way you think about your riding and we'll change what you think whilst you're riding.

 

In almost 10 years of delivering skills development, we've worked with and improved riders of all levels from beginners wanting to start off in the right way through to XC or Enduro racers looking to break bad habits, to tackle 'that drop' or to improve that elusive speed and flow.

We only ever work with small groups to maximise results 

 

All female groups

Dads n Lads, Mums n Sons, Mums n Daughters and all other permutations!

We offer day stand alone day courses from £79pp (based on two booking) one to ones from £125 you can have a short stay at Eleven Westgate, our four star biker B&B. It has all the facilities you'll need and a few home comforts on top. Our short stay offers start at £160pp for a midweek two night group stay (four riders sharing two rooms) with two days of skills development or guided rides. Call us on 01751 475111 or email us for more information!

 

Like the idea of stumping up £40 to bleed your brakes?

We don't and neither did Epic Bleed Solutions so back in 2010 they decided to do something about it. Ever since then they've been on a mission to help cyclists all over the world bleed their hydraulic brakes for less.

At GMTB we're always on the lookout for great kit to help you, our guests, during your stay. So you can now bleed your brakes in our fully kitted out workshop without needing to wait around and see if the local bike shop can fit you in (or we can help if you like!). Or why not click the image, take a look and get a kit for yourself.

Officer Hawtin reporting for duty!

"CTC & Pace Cycles are very pleased to announce that Mike Hawtin will be joining the off-road team in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire as Cycling Development Officer from the 1st October. Mike will be working out of Dalby Bike Barn, growing the established Partnership with the Forestry Commission. Mike brings with him a wealth of experience in the off-road sector, and will take the lead in delivering, developing and marketing the training and education offers available at Dalby Bike Barn as well as supporting the cycle sales and service aspects of the business. Mike will also be engaging with local and regional community groups to ensure that Dalby Bike Barn becomes the centre of choice for all-ability and inclusive cycling, promoting all the benefits that riding brings."

 

Just in case you didn't catch this little snippet earlier. It doesn't mean that GMTB are no more. Oh no no no. Far far from it... :o)

It means that you've still got a great place to stay with all of the top MTB facilities you need, great places to eat and drink close by and it just so happens you'll be staying with somebody who has the inside skinny on anything that's worth knowing about cycling in this great area of ours especially local knowledge for some great places to ride. 

 

All of our guests on MTB stays will get free entry into Dalby Forest (prior arrangement needed) and we're just working on the detail of offering CTC guided rides and skills instruction based out of Dalby Bike Barn which will mean you can still book a riding package with us and get to see some hidden tresures that you won't normally find!

If you're in the area, why not come along and say hello at Dalby 13... our very own mini Northern cycle expo. See you all there for a brew and a chat!

Osprey Escapist 30

A technical leader's best friend...

Typical isn't it. You wait 6 months for a blog from Gone Mountain Biking and then two come along at once. Actually there might be three but we shouldn't get carried away. After our blog yesterday about the contents of a guide's pack we thought we should say a bit more about the packs we use.

We've been mountain biking since back in the day and have used dozens of packs over the years. Now we ride for a living though, the stakes are a little higher. We need a reliable pack designed to carry lots of gear and emergency kit comfortably and safely during long days in the saddle. If you've followed us or stayed on one of our MTB holidays you'll know we've long been fans of Wingnut packs for their innovative design and low centre of gravity. Sadly though, for bigger rides with loads of kit, we felt that the Wingnut Enduro was a bit unstable and straining under the load so we looked around and using some of our industry contacts we got hold of some Osprey packs. Read on to find out why...

We have a few packs in that our guests can demo (including the Talon and Verve) but the guide's pack of choice for us on big rides is the Osprey Escapist 30. For such a substantial pack it's fairly light and ours came in a little under the claimed weight of 0.9kg. Don't be too bothered about the pack weight though, super light packs don't carry lots of kit comfortably so it's about how it feels when it's on and how the weight is distributed.

Before we get to the fit, we should talk about using some of the features. Firstly, this pack is like a tardis! It doesn't look that big when empty but once you start to fill the compartments you'll be amazed. The main compartment is separated by a zipped divider about 1/2 way down allowing you easy front access to the lower section without having to unpack the whole thing and access all your kit from the top.

We use the lower section for an emergency shelter and first aid kit to allow quick access if we need it (hopefully never!). In the main section (top access) we put spare clothing, spare kit, food (lots of it!), map, compass etc (see our last blog for more about what we carry).

There's then a tool compartment which easily fits a pump, shock pump and tubes in mesh sections with space to spare for all manner of other emergency spare parts. It also has the obligatory key loop.

At the top there's also a large soft lined pocket for things like glasses or MP3 player (with access port). We keep keep glasses with coated lenses in their own case though as this pocket is also great for phone, torch, and energy bars.

On the outside of the pack there are three mesh stuff pockets which have straps and are great for stashing those excess layers as the pace hots up! The 'Lidlock' helmet clip is quite simply pure genius and the simplest way of carrying a non-full face helmet we've ever seen. If you ride in a full face lid you'll probably need to look at one of the other Osprey packs such as the Zealot. There's also a built in bright yellow rain cover which we use all the time for visibility as well as protection.

The waist straps have two great zip pockets that are perfect for multi-tools or quick access items so you don't have to take the pack off. They are occasionally a bit fiddly to open and close but you soon get used to them. On the shoulder straps there are loads of attachment points for add-ons such as camera pouches, compass etc. The phone pocket on the shoulder strap is a bit of a squeeze for an iPhone sized device (we keep ours in a waterproof case in the top compartment) but handy for other stuff non the less.

Finally, the fit has loads of adjustment including torso length (two pack sizes are also available) and the quick pull waist adjusters are very easy to use. The pack panel is firm but keeps its shape, helps distribute weight perfectly and lasts well without becoming floppy and unsupportive.

Fully loaded with guiding kit and a 3l bladder (not included but is the easily the simplest bladder on the market to insert when full, into a full pack) our pack weighs in at nineteen (yes 19!) pounds in old money and remains as stable on 'backside over the back wheel' drops and flat out rocky descents as it does on cheeky climbs!

Check one out, you won't be disappointed. Or better still, book on one of our MTB hols and we'll let you try one! Over and out....              

Sort out your pack 'cause it's a long hike back...

What happens when an Osprey Escapist pack throws up...

It's time for our regular blog post (yeah right, that'll be once or twice a year then!) so after running through a regular guiding pack check earlier today and offering advice recently to some local bikers we thought we'd post a pic and a list of what we carry so that it might inspire you to sort out your pack and prevent that long hike back...

Obviously a well prepared and qualified guide will take out a lot more than your average weekend trail shredder but it's worth having a good old think about the 'what if' scenarios so you can plan for those epic rides. 

If you have any questions you can contact us via our Gone Mountain Biking website here or like our Facebook page here and post other questions or even good ideas from your own personal experiences. So here's the list of the standard kit we carry...

• A quality pack - We use Osprey Escapist 30's - a big well built pack, reasonably light with loads of storage sections, great secure fit and handy waist pockets. We should do a blog on the pack alone!
• Rain cover - there's no use carrying spare kit if it gets soaking wet! 
• Plastic bags - reuse them and save the planet!  Pack your kit in bags just in case.
• 3 litre bladder - long rides mean lots of fluid. The average rider won't manage with just a water bottle. Fill it with more than water! At least squash or a good isotonic energy drink.
• Whistle - the ones built in to packs are ok but you can't beat a proper whistle for attracting attention and ruining your hearing!
• Emergency shelter - like a big parachute, big enough for the group you're with (the green one shown is a 10-12 person). Great for remote lunch stops too!
• First aid kit - keep it checked and stocked - 3 year old plasters don't work too well!
• First aid training! - ok so it's not in your pack but if you ride a lot, get some training!
• Spare buffs - great for first aid injury support - use the free ones given out by the mags. They keep your hear warm too!
• Spare layers - at least a base layer and shell for you or a friend if they need to keep warm.
• Space blanket - you'll be amazed how quickly you can cool if you're injured or in shock.
• Waterproof phone case - if you have a signal you need to be able to use it with no shelter in the rain!
• A working pump with presta and schraeder attachments.
• Spare tubes, quick patches and back up puncture repair kit.
• Tyre levers - if you know your stuff on tyre removal you shouldn't need these!
• Tyre boots - for emergency fixing of split tyres.
• A working shock pump.
• Multi tool - make sure it has all the tools for your bike with chain splitter and take a spare!
• Chainring bolts, chain/power link, spare cleat/bolts, crank bolts, rotor bolts, bar ends, cable ties, velcro straps, fabric tape, mech hanger, spare brake pads.
• Download one of the great phone apps that use GPS to give you a grid reference without a mobile signal.
• Map and compass back up (with emergency contacts and noddy guide for others taking a grid reference).
• Waterproof paper and pencil.
• Spare dry socks and gloves - it could feel like they are saving your life!
• Bug repellent - Avon blue Skin So Soft is great. No horrible chemicals and you smell real nice!
• Sunblock - it ain't no fun getting burnt!
• Torch - you never know how long you'll be out there. Helps you signal and get home!
• Snacks - take more than you think you'll need. Sharing helps you make friends!
• And a partridge in a pear tree.

For longer rides we'll take a few extra bits and make sure any special bikes are catered for, like a spanner for wheel bolts and split links for single speed chains etc. 

As mentioned above if you have some trail wisdom from a personal mishap then feel free to share it! Happy riding people and be prepared...

It's been a while...

It was such a busy spring and summer that social rides have taken a back seat, so after threatening to turn up on the Tuesday night ride for months I thought it was time to get the lights out and make good on my promise.

I think it's fair to say that after over a year of not riding with lights, I need to get my eye in again.

It was fun though and after a typically chilly and blustery start at Blakey we were straight into some techy singletrack and a long, long down.

Long downs can only mean one thing though and over the course of the ride there were some great steep and techy climbs. Conditions were incredibly dry and it was a great chilled out ride to ease me back into it! Thanks lots to Adrian for putting the ride together and it was great to catch up with some of the gang. In fact I got closer to some than others eh Phil!? Let's hope it's not another year before we catch up again although as we move into the darker nights I'm thinking I might just get back into this night riding lark. Unless it's raining! ;o)

A great scoot around Dalby and some time at Worry Gill.

Andy and Dave came back to stay for another scoot around Dalby. It was nice and dry, not too warm, so perfect conditions for riding the World Cup Loop...



^ Worry Gill is really nothing to worry about. Good technique, keep it rolling and don't hold your breath. Andy and Dave drop in...


One of the fast rock jumps on Vera Lynn is a big favourite of ours but remember... "what goes up..."



"Must come down..." It wouldnt be the same without a puncture or a pinch flat boys. Hope the bites have all healed Andy. Until next time fellas...