2023 - June 25 - Beginners / Advanced @ Red Rocks

Beginners - Hangout Pace

This is the slower of our two beginner groups. If you are still working on improving your cardio endurance or just enjoy taking more breaks for socializing, this is the group for you. This group is for those who can operate their bikes, but are still learning the art of gear shifting, climbing, descending, cornering and balance on the bike. Riders are less comfortable with mountain bike handling techniques. Skills to work on include navigating small roots, rocks, and turns. Will be starting to work on climbing and descending techniques and appropriate braking with descending. Trails are wider, have more varied terrain with some elevation change and small obstacles (sand, small rocks).

Beginners

This is the faster of our two beginner groups. Note, we’re not racing, and it is still a no-drop ride. But we will take fewer breaks and will generally cover more miles. This group is for those who can operate their bikes, but are still learning the art of gear shifting, climbing, descending, cornering and balance on the bike. Riders are less comfortable with mountain bike handling techniques. Skills to work on include navigating small roots, rocks, and turns. Will be starting to work on climbing and descending techniques and appropriate braking with descending. Trails are wider, have more varied terrain with some elevation change and small obstacles (sand, small rocks).

BegIntermediate - Hangout Pace

This is the slower of our two BegIntermediate groups. If you are still working on improving your cardio endurance or just enjoy taking more breaks for socializing, this is the group for you. This group is for those who are ready to take a step beyond Beginner rides towards the Intermediate group. Riders can control bike speed / direction and shift gears quickly and efficiently. They are consistent with keeping level pedals, one finger on the brake and demonstrate good neutral and ready positions on the bike. Skills to work on are rocks/ step ups lower than curb height, more bike/body separation, cornering, rolling obstacles, consistently being out of the seat for descents, and mastering braking. Trails are progressing from typical “Green” to more “Blue” trails.

BegIntermediate

This is the faster of our two BegIntermediate groups. Note, we’re not racing, and it is still a no-drop ride. But we will take fewer breaks and will generally cover more miles. This group is for those who are ready to take a step beyond Beginner rides towards the Intermediate group. Riders can control bike speed / direction and shift gears quickly and efficiently. They are consistent with keeping level pedals, one finger on the brake and demonstrate good neutral and ready positions on the bike. Skills to work on are rocks/ step ups lower than curb height, more bike/body separation, cornering, rolling obstacles, consistently being out of the seat for descents, and mastering braking. Trails are progressing from typical “Green” to more “Blue” trails.

Advanced

Don’t be intimidated! Advanced doesn't mean you have to be a pro, just someone who is ready for more challenging trails. Advanced riders are skilled at shifting their weight to navigate technical climbs, descents and all trail features. Riders are comfortable with wheels leaving the ground for a little bit. Keep in mind even the best advanced riders still have to stop and walk something every now and then. Skills include working on technical climbs, sharp switchbacks. Trails include larger obstacles, possibly more exposure and farther distances. Note Advanced groups will note have separate pace groupings, but will stick together at a Hustle Pace.

Beginner - Trails Skills Session