Boulder Mountain Bike Skills Clinic
SKILL LEVEL : ALL
Join VNTRbirds for Pushing Pedals mountain bike courses at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, Colorado. The Valmont Bike Park progressions have a variety of terrain to encourage, yet challenge riders of all abilities.
This clinic is great for those who want to learn the foundations of mountain biking technique, learn new progressions on your bike, or brush up on specific skills like cornering, rollovers or drops. Those new to mountain biking are also welcome and will learn all the fundamentals needed to grow your confidence and begin your mountain biking journey - all with the best coaches and the encouraging support of other women.
This is a women specific mountain bike skills clinic. We welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a women-centered space.
This clinic is great for those who want to learn the foundations of mountain biking technique, learn new progressions on your bike, or brush up on specific skills like cornering, rollovers or drops. Those new to mountain biking are also welcome and will learn all the fundamentals needed to grow your confidence and begin your mountain biking journey - all with the best coaches and the encouraging support of other women.
This is a women specific mountain bike skills clinic. We welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a women-centered space.
Take Flight with VNTRbirds!
During the skills clinic we are also offering a very unique course: MTB AIR CLINIC! We're here to help you get your tires off the dirt with confidence. With professional and experienced mountain bike instructors, come out to Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, Colorado and learn how to elevate your jumping. The Valmont Bike Park is known for its incredible progression set up, and you'll have the opportunity to start small and grow from there.
This clinic is for experienced riders who already have the fundamentals to "air skills". You should already be comfortable on your bike, have been on jumps + drops before and know the basic skills of bike handling before taking this course. If you're looking for a beginner air clinic clinic, we'll have dates released soon for sessions in Frisco, Colorado.
What will you learn:
Fundamentals + Etiquette:
Learn the movements of taking your bike from the ground to the air in a low consequence environment. Get in touch with proper foot positioning and body positioning before dropping into the bike park. Bunny hops, wheel lifts, etc... Gain the understanding of bike park, proper etiquette and how to keep yourself safe in this environment.
Jumps:
Also called "tabletops". Get the knowledge and encouragement to ride into a jump line and gain air after the take off and bring it down smoothly into the landing. Starting smaller will build your confidence to continue to progress your skills with the wide variety of jump levels available at the Valmont Bike Park. Again, this is an intermediate to advanced jump clinic.
Drops:
A trail feature that usually has a flat entrance and unlike a rollover, you do need to bring both of your bike tires up off the ground to get back to the landing. If a rollover is too steep to actually connect back to the trail without scraping the frame of your bike or if the feature drops away suddenly, this is a sure tell sign you need to “drop”.
Get the skills, practice and progression to hit drops with confidence and even take it from the bike park to the trail with your new fundamentals!
Mental Barriers:
Learn from professional rider and coach, Brooke Trine the trials of working through the mental barriers that are created around mountain biking and bigger features. From small drops to big air time, Brooke will guide you through positive self-talk and help build your confidence.
*Flat pedals required (no clips) + full face helmet recommended.
This clinic is for experienced riders who already have the fundamentals to "air skills". You should already be comfortable on your bike, have been on jumps + drops before and know the basic skills of bike handling before taking this course. If you're looking for a beginner air clinic clinic, we'll have dates released soon for sessions in Frisco, Colorado.
What will you learn:
Fundamentals + Etiquette:
Learn the movements of taking your bike from the ground to the air in a low consequence environment. Get in touch with proper foot positioning and body positioning before dropping into the bike park. Bunny hops, wheel lifts, etc... Gain the understanding of bike park, proper etiquette and how to keep yourself safe in this environment.
Jumps:
Also called "tabletops". Get the knowledge and encouragement to ride into a jump line and gain air after the take off and bring it down smoothly into the landing. Starting smaller will build your confidence to continue to progress your skills with the wide variety of jump levels available at the Valmont Bike Park. Again, this is an intermediate to advanced jump clinic.
Drops:
A trail feature that usually has a flat entrance and unlike a rollover, you do need to bring both of your bike tires up off the ground to get back to the landing. If a rollover is too steep to actually connect back to the trail without scraping the frame of your bike or if the feature drops away suddenly, this is a sure tell sign you need to “drop”.
Get the skills, practice and progression to hit drops with confidence and even take it from the bike park to the trail with your new fundamentals!
Mental Barriers:
Learn from professional rider and coach, Brooke Trine the trials of working through the mental barriers that are created around mountain biking and bigger features. From small drops to big air time, Brooke will guide you through positive self-talk and help build your confidence.
*Flat pedals required (no clips) + full face helmet recommended.
NOT YOUR TYPICAL CLINIC!
ALL THE EXTRAS:
ALL THE EXTRAS:
· GOOD VIBES · LEGENDARY GOODIE BAGS · FEMALE LED · AND MORE!
What Level Rider Are You?
Building Foundations (Beginner): You’re new to mountain biking or maybe you’ve been a few times but are looking for guidance on the foundations of positioning, technique, and maneuvering. You may be wanting to feel more comfortable with all the different elements of your bike and how they work. You often feel timid when hitting descents and want to ride with more confidence and reduce your time walking or white knuckling your brakes. You’re growing in your endurance on your bike while also balancing learning new skills! This level will focus on the foundations of bike and body positioning, efficient pedaling and braking techniques, and introductory work on cornering.
Growing Your Skills (Intermediate): You’ve been riding your mountain bike, whether on downhilling or cross country trails, for a season or two or a couple, but are finding it hard to progress on your own. Can’t seem to get up and over that one rock? Find yourself struggling with one corner more than the other? Maybe you’ve hit a plateau and you’re wanting some helpful tips and tricks from professionals to further develop your skills. You’re looking for a guide and a crew of determined women to push you to the next level through skills practice and encouragement. This level will focus on developing skills like cornering at high speeds, maintaining proper speed through different features, and techniques for riding rock features.
Refining Your Ride (Advanced): You've been biking for a while and feel comfortable on most trails but want to refine your downhill and technical skills to handle obstacles with ease. You’re confident in your comfort zone but are looking for a coach to push and encourage you into the next level. Maybe you want to conquer intimidating steep rollers, wooden features, rock drops, technical and tight terrain, unruly rock gardens, or coming out of blind corners confidently with speed. If you are currently competing or interested in competing in mountain bike downhill or enduro races - this course is for you.
This clinic is open to all skill levels. You will take a rider survey for VNTRbirds to pair you with others who have similar skills and goals for the clinic and match you with a proper coach for your progression. If you feel that the group you have been placed in isn’t working, we’re always happy to discuss and adjust!
Growing Your Skills (Intermediate): You’ve been riding your mountain bike, whether on downhilling or cross country trails, for a season or two or a couple, but are finding it hard to progress on your own. Can’t seem to get up and over that one rock? Find yourself struggling with one corner more than the other? Maybe you’ve hit a plateau and you’re wanting some helpful tips and tricks from professionals to further develop your skills. You’re looking for a guide and a crew of determined women to push you to the next level through skills practice and encouragement. This level will focus on developing skills like cornering at high speeds, maintaining proper speed through different features, and techniques for riding rock features.
Refining Your Ride (Advanced): You've been biking for a while and feel comfortable on most trails but want to refine your downhill and technical skills to handle obstacles with ease. You’re confident in your comfort zone but are looking for a coach to push and encourage you into the next level. Maybe you want to conquer intimidating steep rollers, wooden features, rock drops, technical and tight terrain, unruly rock gardens, or coming out of blind corners confidently with speed. If you are currently competing or interested in competing in mountain bike downhill or enduro races - this course is for you.
This clinic is open to all skill levels. You will take a rider survey for VNTRbirds to pair you with others who have similar skills and goals for the clinic and match you with a proper coach for your progression. If you feel that the group you have been placed in isn’t working, we’re always happy to discuss and adjust!
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Tentative Schedule - see your confirmation email for more detail about your specific clinic:
8:00- 8:30 a.m. - Sign in
8:30 - 9:00 am - Introductions from VNTRBirds, Coaches, and Participants and Goodie Bags!
9:15 - 12:00 pm - Morning progression work
12:00 - 1:00 pm - We’ll have an hour long break back at the base for lunch before heading out for the afternoon. Feel free to do your own thing or bring a camp chair to hang out with the crew!
1:00 - 3:30 pm - Afternoon skills progressions
3:30 - 4:00 pm - Debrief
8:00- 8:30 a.m. - Sign in
8:30 - 9:00 am - Introductions from VNTRBirds, Coaches, and Participants and Goodie Bags!
9:15 - 12:00 pm - Morning progression work
12:00 - 1:00 pm - We’ll have an hour long break back at the base for lunch before heading out for the afternoon. Feel free to do your own thing or bring a camp chair to hang out with the crew!
1:00 - 3:30 pm - Afternoon skills progressions
3:30 - 4:00 pm - Debrief
WHY TAKE A COURSE WITH US?
I feel as though I have gained so much confidence, and I’m looking forward to utilizing what I’ve learned in future excursions. To top it all off, they actually made learning FUN!
- Kaily
- Kaily
They are bringing together women, inspiring them, creating friendships, teaching, and making them feel empowered. They have created an incredible culture for women to be part of!
- Jessie
- Jessie
Every event I have been to has been a great experience, so much to learn, and a very comfortable environment to do so! Guides are VERY knowledgeable!
- Carly
- Carly
We want to make mountain biking more accessible for everyone. Do you want to participate but need help paying for a VNTRbirds clinic? Apply for our scholarship to cover a portion or potentially all the cost of our clinics. Click on SCHOLARSHIPS on our webpage for more details.
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. We encourage individuals to bring extra water, snacks, sunscreen, and any other protective gear. We will have a first aid kit on site.
Cancelation policy:
· Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.
· Notice of cancellation less than 14 days in advance will receive no refund. Clients may have the option for a 1 time transfer to another course or clinic with a $50 transfer fee (if available).
There is a processing fee on credit card transactions that is not collected by VNTRbirds. Please note that because this fee is not collected by us, we are unable to refund this fee in the event that a refund is requested.
All participants will be required to fill out a waiver and a medical history form before the event.
• ALL AGES WELCOME* • LGBTQ+ WELCOME • BIPOC WELCOME •
*Must be 18 & older or accompanied by parent or guardian.
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. We encourage individuals to bring extra water, snacks, sunscreen, and any other protective gear. We will have a first aid kit on site.
Cancelation policy:
· Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.
· Notice of cancellation less than 14 days in advance will receive no refund. Clients may have the option for a 1 time transfer to another course or clinic with a $50 transfer fee (if available).
There is a processing fee on credit card transactions that is not collected by VNTRbirds. Please note that because this fee is not collected by us, we are unable to refund this fee in the event that a refund is requested.
All participants will be required to fill out a waiver and a medical history form before the event.
• ALL AGES WELCOME* • LGBTQ+ WELCOME • BIPOC WELCOME •
*Must be 18 & older or accompanied by parent or guardian.