🎄NINJA HOLIDAY SALE 🎅 60% OFF CLINICS / 25% OFF RAMPS | LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR

Days
Hrs
Mins
Secs

Let’s turn that frustrated frown upside down!

A lot more goes into technical climbing than just “pedal and pray”!  Getting your bike up and over technical terrain requires you to use multiple tools in your riding toolbox usually in quick succession, at low speed and with precision.  Let’s break down the art of technical climbing and see if we can get you clearing those daunting climbs with less frustration and more success.

1. Set up for success

Set your speed prior to starting the climb. When you first start technical climbing you may come to the conclusion that momentum improves your odds of success. And to some degree, you’d be right. However, the “right” amount of momentum is going to be relative to the length, technical features and grade of the climb in front of you. If it’s a relatively short technical section, you may be able to use momentum to blast up and over any obstacles by relaxing and letting your suspension do the work. However, if it’s a long(er) technical climb where momentum will diminish before the top, you must have the skills to tackle the terrain at low(er) speeds. 

Next, choose a gear that doesn’t have you spinning out of control or that isn’t so hard you can’t turn the pedals over.

Get off your…saddle! If you are seated, you can’t move your weight around to stay centered over the bike as you climb.  So, up you go!

Spot your line by using your route finding skills to spot the path of least resistance and go in with a plan of attack.

2. Stay centered

Climbing is a delicate balance and involves constant movement between the front and back of the bike. Keep your center of mass over the pedals by subtly moving forward and back to maintain even weight control on both tires. If your front tire starts to lift off the ground, you’ll quickly lose directional control (and that’s when you get off balance and topple over). No one likes toppling over. Instead,  quickly bring your weight forward to counteract. On the opposite end, if you back tire starts to spin out, bring your weight back to counteract. Sometimes you might need a big (not-so-subtle) shift of weight to help propel your bike up and over a larger obstacle.

3. Eyes on the prize

Look where you want to go!  If you’re staring straight at a rock in your way, guess what?  You are going to ride straight into said rock! Really. Instead of resorting to “deer in headlights”, see the obstacles in your path, figure out what skill you will utilize to get over or around the obstacle, and then look past it at your exit.  Use your vision to constantly be working out the puzzle in front of you and don’t get caught staring at one spot!

4. Dig into your toolbox

Depending on what you encounter on your climb, here are a few skills you might put to work:

Pedal Assisted Wheel Lift

Sometimes unweighting your front wheel isn’t enough and it gets hung up on an obstacle.  In this case, it’s time to pull out the pedal-assisted wheel lift from your toolbox. This is done by timing the your pedal stroke so that the power stroke assists you in getting your front wheel up and over the obstacle.  The pedal assisted wheel lift is just like the start of a wheelie. 

Ratchet

If you find yourself clipping a pedal, put your ratcheting skills to work! A quick adjustment of your pedal positioning can be the different between cleaning the climb, or not.

Rock Dodge

It is critically important to be aware of the path of both your front-wheel and rear-wheel on technical trail.  Each wheel is likely following its own line, especially as you’re traversing through rocks or roots.  Being aware of your wheel tracking takes time and practice. Practicing the rock dodge skill on a flat area will help you be more aware of this wheel tracking so you can better set up for a successful line choice when technical climbing.

Track Stand

The track stand will give you the upper hand in technical climbing! Having the ability to stop, think and potentially change directions or adjust your line can be highly valuable.  Mastering a track stand takes consistent practice, you’ll find yourself using this skill regularly and your technical climbing will improve dramatically. You’re welcome.

5. Troubleshooting

Still struggling on a technical climb? Not sure what you’re missing?

First, check yo-self. Where are your thoughts?  Are you thinking, “I’m never going to make this climb”. Or, are you saying, “I can do this.  I’ve got my toolbox of skills and I’m making it to the top today!”. You should never underestimate the power of positive thinking.

Try to figure out what is happening right before you put your foot down. Is your back tire getting hung up on a root? Is your front wheel starting to pull up and off the ground? Once you determine the problem, pick the skill best suited the help you fix the mistake.

How can you tell if you are properly centered over the bike? When climbing, if your bike were to magically disappear from beneath you, you should land balanced on your feet.  You shouldn’t go tumbling forward and you shouldn’t go somersaulting backyard. Landing means you’ve properly adjusted your body position to the angle of the climb so you are not too far forward, not too far back. 

What are you waiting for? Get out there and get climbing!

2 Responses

  1. Lots of good stuff. I’d add track stand and hopping sideways for the really tough sections. Can ride forward on your saddle too to avoid spinning out or the extra energy standing takes.

  2. I’ve been working at getting more proficient at shifting down 2 gears at a time, do that right before the steepest and or most technical part and you can focus better at having the proper balance and pedal position for that hard part.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

YOU LEFT THIS

IN YOUR BASKET

Checkout now and get Free Shipping

on your order.

keep me in the loop

NOTIFY ME!

I’d like to be notified when new events are added.

Your Privacy is Protected. We will never sell or share your information.

Fundamentals Trail Application - Women's Only

Here’s What We’ll Cover

The specific skills taught in this clinic will depend on available trail features and will vary between locations. Skills covered may include:

  • Rock / Log Step-Ups 
  • Pedal Assisted Front Wheel Lifts
  • Steep Transitions, Roll-Downs
  • Reading trail and line choice
  • Using trail features for maximum flow
  • Turning (Low Speed)
  • Navigating Trail Obstacles
  • Switchbacks – Optimal Line Choice
  • Ratcheting application – how & when 
  • Track stands
  • Braking for Speed 
  • Shifting – Timing + Technique on Technical Terrain
  • Skinnies
  • Off-Camber Trails 
  • Berms 
  • Water crossings 
  • Roots 

The Schedule*

  • 1:15-1:30pm Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 1:30 – 1:45pm Fundamentals Skills | Rapid Review 
  • 1:45 – 3:45pm Coached Trail Ride | Sessioning & Skills Application
  • 3:45-4:00pm Review, questions & next steps | #Ridelikeaninja

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

Fundamentals Trail Application

Here’s What We’ll Cover

The specific skills taught in this clinic will depend on available trail features and will vary between locations. Skills covered may include:

  • Rock / Log Step-Ups 
  • Pedal Assisted Front Wheel Lifts
  • Steep Transitions, Roll-Downs
  • Reading trail and line choice
  • Using trail features for maximum flow
  • Turning (Low Speed)
  • Navigating Trail Obstacles
  • Switchbacks – Optimal Line Choice
  • Ratcheting application – how & when 
  • Track stands
  • Braking for Speed 
  • Shifting – Timing + Technique on Technical Terrain
  • Skinnies
  • Off-Camber Trails 
  • Berms 
  • Water crossings 
  • Roots 

The Schedule*

  • 1:15-1:30pm Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 1:30 – 1:45pm Fundamentals Skills | Rapid Review 
  • 1:45 – 3:45pm Coached Trail Ride | Sessioning & Skills Application
  • 3:45-4:00pm Review, questions & next steps | #Ridelikeaninja

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

Ninja Kids clinics

Here’s What We’ll Cover

Some of the skills taught and practiced in the Kids Fundamentals Clinic may include:

  • Ninja (Ready) Position
  • The Riding Rainbow: Body Position
  • How to use your gears
  • Front + Rear Wheel Lifts
  • Safely getting on/off your bike
  • Getting over trail obstacles
  • Turning + Switchbacks
  • Reading the trail: Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light
  • When and how to brake
  • The 4 Climbing Positions
  • Descending in control
  • How to have fun and be safe!
  • Safety check, bike care

Clinic schedule, time and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

2-Day CAMPS

Sample Camp Schedule*

Day 1 (Saturday)

  • 8:45-9:00 Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 9:00-9:15 Let’s get started | Introductions, camp overview, bike safety check, bike set-up review
  • 9:15-9:30 Warm-up ride | Head to skills area
  • 9:30-12:15 Mornings skills session | Ready position, bike-body separation, effective braking, fluid shifting, body positioning, wheel lifts
  • 12:15-1:30 Lunch break | BYO
  • 1:30 – 4:00 Intro to jumping | Manuals, bunny hops + how to safely jumping (and land) your mountain bike

Day 2 (Sunday)

  • 8:45-9:00 Meet at trailhead | Gear up for day 2!
  • 9:00-9:15 Review | Brief review of Day 1 skills
  • 9:15-12:00 Morning skills session | High-speed cornering, switchbacks, drops, rock dodge, technical climbing & descending
  • 12:00-1:00  Lunch break | BYO
  • 1:00-3:45 Trail ride + skills application | Put those skills to work!
  • 3:45-4:00 Review, questions & next steps | #Ridelikeaninja

 

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

After camp, you will see an immediate improvement in your riding and a boost in confidence on technical trails. You will be able to tackle rougher terrain and corners with greater control and flow through singletrack, switchbacks, and berms with more speed and efficiency.

Jumping Mini-Clinics

Here’s What We’ll Cover

Some of the skills taught and practiced in the Jumping Mini-Clinic may include:

  • Wheel lift Review
  • Bunny hops
  • Jumping body positioning
  • Anatomy of a jump
  • Speed vs. compression | How and when?
  • Landing with precision
  • Let’s get jumping! | Jump progressions

The Schedule*

Please note, clinics may vary according to location and terrain.

  • 1:30-1:45  Meet your instructor | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 1:45-2:00 Let’s get started | Introductions
  • 2:00 – 2:30  Intro to jumping | Wheel lifts, manual, bunny hop
  • 2:30 – 3:00 Reading the jump | Anatomy of a jump, speed vs compression, landings
  • 3:00 – 3:45 Let’s jump! | Jumping progressions on table tops
  • 3:45-4:00 Review and next steps | #ridelikeaninja

 

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

Intermediate / advanced clincs

Here’s What We’ll Cover

Some of the skills taught and practiced in the Intermediate/Advanced clinic may include:

  • Negotiating trail obstacles (i.e. rock gardens, roots, logs)
  • Steep transitions
  • Drops
  • High speed cornering
  • Technical climbing
  • Technical descending
  • Advanced braking
  • Reading the trail
  • Introduction to energy management & flow
  • Pumping for speed & air
  • Technical Switchbacks (where available)
  • Ratcheting & Trackstands
  • Visualization

The Schedule*

  • 8:45-9:00 Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 9:00-9:15 Let’s get started | Introductions
  • 9:15-9:45 Accelerated review of Fundamentals | With intermediate+advanced progressions
  • 9:45-12:00 Morning skills session | High-speed cornering, Switchbacks, drops, rock dodge, technical climbing & descending
  • 12:00-1:00  Lunch break | BYO
  • 1:00-3:45 Trail ride + skills application | Put those skills to work!
  • 3:45-4:00 Review, questions & next steps | #Ridelikeaninja

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

WOMEN'S ONLY Fundamentals Combo

Here’s What We’ll Cover

The specific skills taught in this clinic will depend on available trail features and will vary between locations. Skills covered may include:

  • The Ready Position
  • Bike/Body Separation
  • Intro to Steep Transitions
  • Effective Braking
  • Braking for speed
  • Wheels lifts – Step-Ups
  • Shifting, Timing & Cadence
  • Negotiating trail obstacles
  • Turning / Switchbacks
  • Climbing + Descending
  • Dismounting
  • Mind skills
  • Steep Transitions, Roll-Downs
  • Reading trail and line choice
  • Using trail features for flow
  • Turning (Low Speed)
  • Ratcheting – how & when 
  • Track stands
  • Skinnies
  • Off-Camber Trails
  • Berms
  • Water crossings
  • Roots

The Schedule*

  • 8:45-9:00  Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 9:00-9:15 Let’s get started | Introductions
  • 9:15am – 11:15 Skills & drills | Learn, learn, learn
  • 11:15am – 12:15 Take it to the trail | Apply what you’ve learned
  • 12:15 – 1:30pm Lunch Break | Rest & Refuel
  • 1:30 – 1:45pm Fundamentals Skills | Rapid Review 
  • 1:45 – 3:45pm Coached Trail Ride | Sessioning & Skills Application
  • 3:45-4:00pm Review, questions & next steps | #Ridelikeaninja

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

Co-ed Fundamentals Combo

Here’s What We’ll Cover

The specific skills taught in this clinic will depend on available trail features and will vary between locations. Skills covered may include:

  • The Ready Position
  • Bike/Body Separation
  • Intro to Steep Transitions
  • Effective Braking
  • Braking for speed
  • Wheels lifts – Step-Ups
  • Shifting, Timing & Cadence
  • Negotiating trail obstacles
  • Turning / Switchbacks
  • Climbing + Descending
  • Dismounting
  • Mind skills
  • Steep Transitions, Roll-Downs
  • Reading trail and line choice
  • Using trail features for flow
  • Turning (Low Speed)
  • Ratcheting – how & when 
  • Track stands
  • Skinnies
  • Off-Camber Trails
  • Berms
  • Water crossings
  • Roots

The Schedule*

  • 8:45-9:00  Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 9:00-9:15 Let’s get started | Introductions
  • 9:15am – 11:15 Skills & drills | Learn, learn, learn
  • 11:15am – 12:15 Take it to the trail | Apply what you’ve learned
  • 12:15 – 1:30pm Lunch Break | Rest & Refuel
  • 1:30 – 1:45pm Fundamentals Skills | Rapid Review 
  • 1:45 – 3:45pm Coached Trail Ride | Sessioning & Skills Application
  • 3:45-4:00pm Review, questions & next steps | #Ridelikeaninja

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

Ninja MTB Logo

Women's Only Fundamentals Clinics

Level 1 - Here’s What We’ll Cover

Some of the skills taught and practiced in the Women’s Only Fundamentals Clinic may include:

  • The Ready Position
  • Bike/Body separation
  • Intro to Steep Transitions
  • Effective braking
  • Wheels lifts
  • Shifting + cadence
  • Negotiating trail obstacles
  • Turning / Switchbacks
  • Climbing + Descending
  • Dismounting
  • Mind skills

The Schedule*

  • 8:45-9:00  Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 9:00-9:15 Let’s get started | Introductions
  • 9:15am – 11:15 Skills & drills | Learn, learn, learn
  • 11:15am – 12:00 Take it to the trail | Apply what you’ve learned
  • 12:00-12:15 Review and next steps | #ridelikeaninja
 

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

Ninja MTB Logo

Co-ed Fundamentals Clinics

Level 1 - Here’s What We’ll Cover

Some of the skills taught and practiced in the Fundamentals Clinic may include:

  • The Ready Position
  • Bike/Body separation
  • Intro to Steep Transitions
  • Effective braking
  • Wheels lifts
  • Shifting + cadence
  • Negotiating trail obstacles
  • Turning / Switchbacks
  • Climbing + Descending
  • Dismounting
  • Mind skills

The Schedule*

  • 8:45-9:00  Meet your instructor  | Arrival at course venue + equipment check
  • 9:00-9:15 Let’s get started | Introductions
  • 9:15am – 11:15 Skills & drills | Learn, learn, learn
  • 11:15am – 12:00 Take it to the trail | Apply what you’ve learned
  • 12:00-12:15 Review and next steps | #ridelikeaninja
 

*Clinic schedule and skills covered may vary according to location and terrain.

LEAVING SO SOON?

60% Off

IF YOU SIGN UP FOR A MTB SKILLS CLINIC TODAY!

Enter your email below to get your limited time coupon code (valid for 48 hours).

Valid on all Skills Camps and Clinics. Your Privacy is Protected.

unlock an additional

5% Off

ANY JUMP RAMP

unlock

60% Off

ANY MTB SKILLS CLINIC

unlock an additional

5% Off

ANY JUMP RAMP ..

Awesome sauce!

60% Off

USE THIS CODE TO SIGN UP TODAY!

CHECKOUT4XY2

*Limited time offer. Valid for 48 hours on any upcoming MTB skills clinic or camp.

unlock an additional

5% Off

ANY JUMP RAMP

unlock

60% Off

ANY MTB SKILLS CLINIC

unlock an additional

5% Off

ANY JUMP RAMP

Check your texts

Reply “Y” to confirm your subscription.

Check your texts

Reply “Y” to confirm your subscription.