Intro to Mountain Biking

Overview

Welcome to our comprehensive five-day mountain biking course, ideal for 12-17-year-olds looking to venture into mountain biking. Newcomers and novices alike will benefit from our enthusiastic and highly qualified instructors. You’ll master crucial mountain biking skills, including handling, braking, technical riding, and even bike maintenance. As you explore Snowdonia’s remarkable trails, you’ll not only enhance your riding but also learn how to look after your bike. This active getaway provides the perfect opportunity to elevate your biking abilities and potentially uncover a lifelong passion for the sport.

You can now hire a Mountain Bike – subject to availability at the time of enquiry for Plas y Brenin. The cost is £35 per day. Please contact us via e-mail to info@pyb.co.uk to make your enquiry.

The Objectives

Throughout this course, our primary objectives are to equip you with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in your new sport. You’ll learn in a friendly and supportive environment, guided by expert instructors who will share their wealth of expertise to set you on the right path in mountain biking. By the end of the week, you’ll be a more skilled and confident rider, ready to tackle the trails with enthusiasm.

Itinerary

Over the course of five days, we’ll cover a broad range of topics, including bike handling and trail riding skills, efficient and controlled braking, step downs, manual front wheel lifts, power-assisted front wheel lifts, technical climbing and descending, drop-offs, bunny hops, riding berms, practical navigation, bike setup, maintenance, and emergency repairs. You’ll have ample opportunities to put these skills into practice on mountain bike journeys, at local trail centres, and on our mountain bike skills course.

Experience Required

To get the most out of this week, you should have a good level of fitness and be capable of riding distances of approximately 20km, as you’ll be on your bike all day. If you have any questions or uncertainties about your fitness level, our team is here to assist you. This week is designed to help you boost your mountain biking skills, explore the fantastic trails of Snowdonia, and possibly ignite a lifelong passion for this thrilling sport.

How Should I Prepare/What to Bring?

We recommend that you bring your own mountain bike (in good condition and full working order). If you don’t have one, you can hire one from Plas y Brenin (subject to availability) for an additional charge or you can hire one of the local bike shops (we recommend Beics Betws – 01690 710766) and arrange with them for it to be delivered to Plas y Brenin in time for the start of your course.

You’ll also need;

• Cycle helmet and gloves (full and fingerless)
• Warm outdoor cycling specific clothing such as padded shorts and leggings
• Eye protection
• Backpack (plus liners – 3-4 small bin bags is fine)
• Drinks bottle – 1 litre (or hydration system)
• Tool kit, including pump and inner tubes
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Tracksuit or walking trousers (not jeans or heavy cotton)
• Tops – long and short-sleeved (ideally not cotton, poor insulation properties, thermal tops are ideal)
• Fleeces/warm tops (not cotton)
• Footwear to bike in (ones you don’t mind getting muddy/wet)
• Warm hat, gloves, sun hat/cap
• Trainers and a set of clothes for evening activities that can get wet
• Large Towel
• Lunch box/bag
• High factor sun cream (min factor 30)
• Midge repellent
• Sandals/flip flops or spare shoes for wearing around centre

Suggested Additional Items:

• Flask Torch (head torch is best, don’t forget the batteries!)
• Small amount of cash
• Notebook and pen
• Book, games etc. for the evenings when you’re not on activities

Plas y Brenin has an excellent drying room, where clothes should dry overnight if wrung out and hung carefully, but do bring a few changes.

If you are using this course for your Gold Residential for the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, don’t forget to bring your e-dofe number with you.

Note

Comfortable dormitory accommodation and home-cooked meals are part of the deal. Support is on hand from our friendly and exceptionally well-qualified staff to help develop your understanding and personal skills. They will also assist you in formulating an appropriate action plan to further your development.