Mountain bike skills require more than bicycle balance and pedaling. Learn about equipment, gears, body placement, bike control and more. The more you know the more fun you have.
Our classes are sure to give you the basics you need to get started ... and more.
Introduction to Mountain Biking Training Class
(Beginner)A Basic Mountain Bike Training Session will be held on the first Sunday of each month, at Tampa's Trout Creek Park. Class will be limited to 10 cyclists with a minimum of 5 needed to hold the class. Anyone can take this class. Click here for more information.
Reservations must be made by the Wednesday preceding the Class.
Contact Wes Eubank at Wes at SWAMPClub dot org, or call 813-988-6435.
Mountain Bike Intermediate Technical Skills Training Class
(Advanced)Want to take your mountain bike riding skills to the next level? Climb and descend with confidence? Cruise through technical sections? We have your solution: Attend our Technical Skills class and receive tips and on-the-bike instruction to help you tackle the more technical sections. Topics include proper bike fit, balance, weight distribution, gearing, cadence and braking, and how they are applied to technical riding. During the ride you will learn to apply these concepts on technical trails that include steep climbs and downhill's, rocks, roots and tight turns. Many trails will have one or all of these elements in rapid succession. The ride portion of the class will be held on the more difficult sections of the Bridges, Rock Garden and Roller coaster trails at Alafia. Time permitting, those who want to experience Moonscape will have the opportunity to do so at the end of the class.
This course is targeted at the intermediate mountain biker. The ideal candidate has a good knowledge of shifting and braking techniques, and proper body position during climbs and descents. You can handle sand, mud, roots, rocks, climbs and downhill's, but have trouble when faced with many of these obstacles thrown into one section.
In terms of a trail, you can confidently ride the intermediate trails at Alafia, such as Rock Garden and Bridges (the easier parts) and North Creek. You can even ride most of Roller coaster. You have problems with Moonscape, and Gator back is completely out of the question.
If not at this minimum level, you are a candidate for the Introduction to Mountain Biking Class taught on the first Sunday of each month. To ensure you are at the minimum level to benefit from the class, we will ride an intermediate section of Bridges at the start of the class. If you have problems with this section, I'll refund your money and ask that you not continue with the class. I do this for two reasons: 1) So you don't get hurt riding trails that are way over your ability level, and 2) to ensure a quality learning environment for everybody in the class.
Classes will be held at Alafia River State Park, starting at 9:00 AM on selected weekends. Cost is $10 (members), and we need 6 people to hold a class. Class size is limited to 10 people maximum. See the Events Schedule or Calendar for scheduled dates.
Requirements: It is suggested that you are comfortable riding Moonscape and Roller Coaster (both advanced) trails at Alafia River State Park before taking this course.
Contact Art North at Art (at) SWAMPClub (dot) org, for more information.
Ride Guide Program / Ride Guide Training Class
You've been riding with the club for a while and you're getting to know the trails pretty well. What's next, you ask? Become a ride guide! It's just as fun as riding (maybe more so since you get to be in front) and a great way to help your fellow Swampers learn the trails.
Contact Lou Whyte at RideGuide (at) SWAMPclub (dot) org, she will help get you started.
