All Upgrades Are Virtually Worthless Without This
By: Richard La China | USAC Certified Cycling Coach “Preparation” is a simple concept, yet one that is often forgotten by cyclists—either accidentally or on-purpose—and eschewed for something “easier”: a lighter frame, carbon wheels, a new supplement, time in a CVAC pod. Certainly, those things are helpful, but without a good, trained engine, they are […]
Why Getting Low Will Make You Faster
By: Aaron Lucy | Lead Skills Instructor One of my favorite components of a good Ready Position is riding with a low, flat torso. We humans (most of us anyway) have a natural tendency to protect ourselves from danger. For Mountain Bikers this often translates to pushing ourselves up into a high position on our bike, away […]
Science Shows Hugging Trees Is Good For Health
By: Alanna Ketler Originally Published at CE / December 12, 2014 I’m sure most people have heard of the term “tree-hugger,” often a nickname given to people who care about the environment and the planet. But did you know that hugging trees can actually improve your health? As a matter of fact, you don’t even […]
How To Stay Motivated With Your Training
We love cycling and we still have days when it’s a struggle to hoist ourselves out of that chair and saddle up for a ride. Motivation is the same for all of us: It waxes and wanes like the moon. You just need a few little tricks to keep yours shining bright when it would […]
How To Stay On The Pedals When Jumping
One of the frequently asked questions we get about jumping has do do with why riders struggle with keeping their feet in contact with the pedals once airborne. Below, is a email we received from Rich G., a recent Jumping Mini-clinic participant, and the response from one of our Lead Instructors, Aaron Lucy. Please comment […]
Rock Dodge
The Rock Dodge is a sharp, short turn used for avoiding a rock or other small obstacle you might encounter on the trail. The idea is to avoid a small obstacle with your front and back tire while tackling varied technical terrain. To accomplish this, allow your front wheel to pass the obstacle on one […]
Ninja Jr Development Program, NICA 2017
Ninja Mountain Bike Performance invites you to Ride Like A Ninja in the new Ninja Jr Development Program Are you looking for a way to stay fit and race ready through the summer season? Do you wish to challenge yourself, develop your skills and compete in the local XC racing events? Team Ninja is proud […]
How to do a Manual Front Wheel Lift
The manual is a useful skill for lofting your front wheel over an obstacle. Yes, lofting as opposed to lifting. Once you know how to manual you will start to see the trail completely differently. You’ll no longer have to ride over small trail obstacles, you’ll be able to effortlessly loft the front end at […]
Effective Braking Techniques
Much of a Pro mountain biker’s control, skill and speed lies in the way they use their brakes and the way they set-up their brake controls on the bars. Modern mountain bikes with hydraulic disc brakes, have brake levers that are specially designed to be used by one finger only in all situations.Moving your brake […]
Laguna Mountain Camp | Nobel Canyon
We’re headed back to one of SoCal’s best riding spots! Join us at the Laguna Mountain Camp! **Nobel Canyon Shuttle Included (details below)** Challenging for all levels and super fun! This 2-day camp in the Laguna Mountains just east of San Diego. This camp is designed for the enthusiast rider or avid racer that is […]