Mountain Bike Action Magazine
We’re thrilled and honored to be featured in the February issue of Mountain Bike Action Magazine. We had a blast teaching at Mulberry Gap — and can’t wait to go back! Read the article here.
Check out our updated schedule to sign up for a clinic or camp near you!
“I’m so glad I made the decision to be part of the Ninja Mulberry Gap three-day camp. Richard and Randy are really skilled at breaking things down — very patient and kind. They were very attentive to what each of us needed individually while maintaining a no-pressure, fun vibe … ” — Susan Tully
Please browse some of our recent testimonials below … and lots more on Yelp!, Meetup.com and Facebook.
I highly recommend their skills camps, and plan on attending more …
Even though I have been riding single track for a few years, I quickly found out that I have been doing many things if not everything wrong, which means the people I ride with are doing it wrong too. Richard, Randy and Daniel are very patient and professional encouraging every student no matter what the age or gender (our class had males and females from late 20s to late 50s).
They went over everything from bike set up, basic position, turning, high speed cornering, wheels lifts to you name it. If you have a desire to improve your skill then Ninja Mountain Bike Performance are the team to go to! I highly recommend their skills camps, and plan on attending more of their camps in the future.
~Kyle Kimm
I was so happy I could transfer what I learned in Sedona to my own trails.
~Patty Elliott
My speed and confidence going down steep descents have been SIGNIFICANTLY improved!
For reference, I participate in amateur XC endurance races (with no hope of ever coming close to winning anything) and have been riding for about two years. I was worried before taking the class that I would not be skilled enough, but the int/adv was appropriate for my skill level. If you're worried, just go for it anyway. There is a good mix of people and everyone was very friendly!
~Alana Bencivengo
Probably the best money I’ve spent on mountain biking …
Aaron was knowledgeable, patient, and progressed through skills in steps so there wasn't too much to digest at any one time. As the day progressed, he rolled them all together as we moved through different trail features, so I really got a good sense of how to put things into practice. He was also very familiar with the venue, Village Greens Park, so he knew exactly which sections to hit to practice particular skills - it was a great combination of drills and very watchful instruction, then honing those skills on real trail features.
And, as we talked about with him during lunch, even experienced riders should consider the "fundamentals" course - I really had no idea that I needed work on some of the basics, like braking. I'm heavy on the rear brake just as a long-established habit - who knew? (Well, apparently Aaron did...)
~Jon Gotow
Well worth your time if you want to improve!
~Russ Anderson
It was very professional and at the same time really fun!
~ Karen B.
Don’t hesitate, sign up for the next skills clinic in your area!
~Dan Mitchell
You don’t know what you don’t know …
If you have never taken a class then the old adage "you don't know what you don't know" probably holds true; it did with me. While it the clinic started off simple, the skills taught build on one-another to ensure you have solid foundation basics needed to safely leverage the higher skill stuff taught at the back end of the class.
Richard and Aaron brought two great perspectives as one is a XC/Edurance/Enduro rider and the other is dedicated to gravity downhill. The teaching style was simple and actionable. All the Ninja instructors are very knowledgeable and very passionate about MTB which is infectious and make the class fun.
I would highly recommend to any level riders who have never had any instruction in MTB skills. Plus if you take the class at a place like Snow Summit Big Bear, you get to ride amazing trails!!
~Greg A.
Can’t wait for the next one!
~ Greg M.
I definitely recommend and will do again!
More drops please! ha! ha! Had fun at the same time and a great workout! I definitely recommend and will do again!
~Robbyn E.
G2 Bike looks forward to many more of these clinics in this area.
The biggest bang for many was meeting new area riders at their skill level, gaining confidence, and getting the bike set up and fit properly. G2 Bike looks forward to many more of these clinics in this area. Thanks Richard for all you do for the MTB community!
~ AJ S.
The preparation and lesson planning is great!
~Peter O.
It was well worth it!
~Vic D.
The coaches were awesome!
~Bill S.
The Ninja team (Richard & Aaron) were great instructors!
~Carlo F.
This will not be our last Ninja training clinic!
Richard has a way of breaking down all the information to make it very understandable and usable. My son and I have been to other skills classes before and knew what to expect, mostly. Richard was able to coach us to better form riding high speed flat corners! We brushed up on and cleaned up some less helpful habits.
We really worked to understand the how and why behind some skills that we already had but didn't know we that we did. All in all we had a blast! Richard was fun and informative. Taylor was helping Richard out for the day. It was fun to watch her demo some skills at speed. Her input throughout the day was informative and light hearted.
It was a fun day on the bike with some great people and coaching. This will not be our last Ninja training clinic! Thanks for everything Richard and Taylor!
~Eric Zubick
They’ve helped build my confidence and competence!
I started by attending the free Tuesday night mountain bike workouts at Balboa Park, led by Coach Richard. While these are primarily geared toward building fitness, we learned some skills tips and I met some cool folks.
Since then I've taken the intermediate and advanced skills clinics, as well as raced a couple times. Coaches Richard and Kris are great at instruction, which is not easy. Most great riders cannot teach others to do the same, but these two are exceptional at it. They've helped build my confidence and competence. In fact they have taken time during weekday and weekend rides to help give me pointers!
I joined Team Ninja to train and race with this fun crew and would highly advise you check them out!
~Henry H.
As good as it gets is appropriate!
Spend the money on lessons instead, and I know you will be happier (and safer) in the long run. I can't say enough positive things about the Bike Skills clinics.
~ Chris G.
Enrolling in the Intermediate/Advanced clinic was the best thing I’ve ever done to improve my speed and ability on the bike.
You could buy a $5,000 carbon bike and do 10,000 ft rides every day, but you will get the best return on any investment you make in your riding by attending a Ninja Skills Clinic.
~ Regina J.
I’m so glad I made the decision to be part of the Mulberry Gap 3-day clinic.
It's the seemingly little things that make a big difference in your riding, and I feel like I gained some useful insight about not only being on the bike, but set-up and nutrition as well.
~Susan Tully
All in all, you couldn’t get more for your money than this clinic.
All in all, you couldn’t get more for your money than this clinic.
~ Mike Sofen
Aaron Lucy ran an AMAZING training camp!
~Bruce Barnes
I was actually surprised to learn so many little tricks!
I'm a professional drum instructor and I really enjoyed Richard's teaching methods. He not only showed us how to do something, but WHY we should do it. It really makes the information stick! Kris was great too, super motivating!
I was actually surprised to learn so many little tricks and can't wait to practice them on my own! I'd love to go to another clinic or do a one on one session soon.
~Andrew T.
I would highly recommend it to individuals at a wide range of skill levels.
~Armand A.
I love love love Ninja mountain bike clinics.
I felt safely challenged and completely encouraged by Patrick and his assistants for the weekend.
This was the second Ninja event for our family this summer, the first was a half-day for my son. I’ll tell you what, if the Ninja’s are in your town or close enough to access, sign up! My cheeks still hurt from smiling so much
Thanks Ninjas and Patrick
💕
Maggie Hooker
Vermont
Team Eastlake Cycling Team thank you for your time, energy and expertise…
~Ron G.
My riding improved instantly!
My muscle memory takes a while to kick in and Coach Richard and his crew of master Ninjas were really patient with me. I even got some bonus education on climbing faster during one of our warm-up laps!
Even though I have been riding for years I learned something new with every skill taught. The clinic was worth every penny and I will be signing up for an advanced one this summer.
~Michael W.
This was awesome!
~ Michael A.
Everything you need to learn to fully enjoy mountain biking.
Mountain biking is a relatively new sport compared to road biking. So the opportunities to find a good mountain biking skill clinic are quite scarce. Richard La China and his team offer such clinic! Richard has the training as a Coach from USA Cycling and the experience as an expert racer to develop in you the skills and therefore the confidence to negotiate the treacherous obstacles on your path as a mountain biker.
His clinic has several levels from beginner to expert and is organized incrementally to facilitate the learning of more and more difficult skills. In addition to his and his expert team's demonstrations, I also like his verbal explanations about the why of a specific position or skill to have.
Richard and his team have the dedication and patience to teach you anything you need to learn to fully enjoy mountain biking.
~ Anne-Catherine
I feel more confident and safe …
~Eric R.
Bottom line: I am more efficient & safer rider.
I was absolutely blown away …
I was able to participate in the Sedona 2 day skills camp this past weekend run by Richard and his team and I was absolutely blown away with the outstanding quality and attention given to me to help improve my riding and skills.
Richard is a class act and not only has a wonderful ability to teach and instill you with confidence but also keep you humble so you stay safe and don't tackle a skill your not yet ready to conquer. I will no doubt soon be looking to attend my next Ninja camp so I can continue to take my riding to the Ninja level !!!
~Chance Bex
Within one hour we we clearing a 5 foot jump easily!
~John U.
They took time to explain the reasons behind what they were teaching …
However, the instructors are allowing us to continue at another clinic anywhere they teach. How awesome is that! Rarely will you get another chance to continue something once you start it. Just another kudo to this company. Professional, kind, knowledgeable and one of a kind. Just the key elements you want from a mountain bike clinic. Be sure and check them out, you will not be disappointed!
~Emily Davenport
I’ve immediately seen an improvement in my riding …
I’ve immediately seen an improvement in my riding, am a lot less timid and am looking forward to taking another camp soon!
~Quan Campbell
I look forward to an intermediate level class!
~ Sally A.
….and I thought I already knew how to corner (ha, ha!)!
~James Crawford
Best investment ever.
Also I've taken one-on-one lessons (with Richard La China) and it really speeds up the learning (in my case it was basic jumping) in any area where you deem to be weak in or just need improvement.
~ Thad G.
Knowledgeable, thorough, patient, and helpful!
~Kamala S.
Mission accomplished!
I highly recommend Richard LaChina and the ninja skills clinics for any level. I bought my wife a clinic gift card for Christmas which she will use to take the intermediate clinic. I plan on taking an advanced course to improve my cornering skills.
~ Mark T.
They made things fun and easy going.
~Linda Peterson
Overall, the camp exceeded my expectations.
The condensed review:
It took only a few hours of trail riding with Richard and Daniel to drastically change my riding for the better.
The long review:
The camp was broken into morning and afternoon sessions, separated by an amazing lunch on each day. The morning sessions were, in general, based on technique and riding isolated technical features. The afternoon sessions functioned more like a capstone; we rode incredible trails, like Fall Line and Skyline, and put our newly-learned skills into action.
Richard and Daniel were attentive to both the class as a whole as well as each individual. The pacing of each individual lesson (I'm a teacher, so I viewed each piece as a lesson) was wonderful. There were constant checks for understanding as well as incremental assessments of our skills on the bike. We were never once, all weekend, bogged down in repetition, nor were we rushed through a skill or concept. I was blown away by the sheer volume of skills that were taught in such an easy-to-grasp manner.
Of course, we were not standing by our bikes the whole time listening to a lecture: we were actively riding while Daniel and Richard looked on with critical eyes. Richard was clear in his introduction that the coaching would be critical.
It was, but in the best way possible.
On a personal level, I truly felt that every aspect of my riding was under constant observation. My struggles on steeper features and transitions, a definite area of weakness, led to a small get-off. Richard and Daniel, after ensuring that I was okay, quickly and accurately pointed out issues in my body positioning. Voila! Never would I have been able to assess that on my own. For the rest of the weekend, I felt like my control and balance when riding steeper features was noticeably greater, to say nothing of my confidence.
At one point, Daniel pulled me aside and gave me a pep-talk about my mental mindset (I botched a section of trail and proceeded to berate myself). Daniel set me straight and, sure enough, I cleaned the remaining technical features during our session. I also re-learned a valuable lesson about positive self-talk. As a rider, it means a lot to have constant and specific feedback. Even though I fancy myself a decently-sort-of-okay Category 2 XC racer, I was forced to examine all of my fundamentals, both physical and mental. That's how you teach.
Richard and Daniel continued to be attentive during our afternoon sessions and walked us through how they would approach the technical features that we encountered when riding trails in their entirety. Daniel and Richard provided smooth, clear demos on the trail features for us to try and replicate. Being able to watch them was incredible learning opportunity, not to mention the conversations between the coaches and the riders before, during, and after each feature. Cheers to Daniel who, with the full-attention of his students, had to demo sections of trail even though it was his first time riding it too. With the pressure on, he came through and gave us a great model to follow.
Overall, the camp exceeded my expectations. I trail features that I can honestly say I never would've ridden by myself or with a group of friends. I met fantastic people. I laughed a lot. I learned a lot. Best of all, I got to do all of this while on my bike in Big Bear. In terms of technical riding skills, I improved more in two days than I have in the past two years of riding. Richard has put together and incredible mountain bike curriculum that is both challenging, yet accessible. His positive presence over the weekend, as well as his commitment to scouting trials and ensuring organizational success, cannot be overlooked.
Richard and Daniel provided expert instruction and effective coaching cues that allowed me to understand what I needed to do ride better, faster, and smoother. I can't wait to attend another camp.
~Matthew S.
Special thanks to Santa Fe Fat Tire Society for bringing you in!
~Bruce Hamby
I would recommend this to riders of all skill levels and ages.
As an 59 year old ex-MX racer and 28 year Mt bike rider, found the personal instruction and group demonstrations were instrumental in my growth as a rider. You can teach an old dog new tricks.
The seeing "new" lines, different jumping techniques and cornering skills all helped me open my eyes to a world of riding I had not experienced on my own.
I want to all of the attendees for a great experience.
I would recommend this to riders of all skill levels and ages.
~Joel Palmer
I highly recommend these clinics.
After all, it couldn't be THAT hard, could it? I mean, I knew how to ride/race a bike, I had great fitness, and I had a totally sweet custom-built race mountain bike (courtesy of said boyfriend). So I signed up for a local race series.
Well, several races and countless crashes later (and, allegedly even some tears--although I will deny it to my grave), I wanted to put the kibosh on my mountain bike race career. I had so many cuts, scrapes, gashes, and bruises that you'd have thought I was trying to bring the "mummy" look back into style with all my bandages. (Honestly, I should have bought stock in Band-aids and Advil.) And those were just the external wounds.... My pride/ego and my psyche took a big hit, too, and not even my beautiful series overall winner trophy could take that pain away (yes, I did win, but it wasn't pretty). I just couldn't understand how I could be so terrible at something (ie, how I completely lacked the bike handling skills to navigate around a course crash-free).
However, instead of heeding my calls to sell/destroy/part-out my mountain bike--which at that point I had taken to calling "That Stupid Bike"-- my boyfriend suggested that I take a mountain bike skills class with Ninja Mountain Bike Skills. (My boyfriend....he is so full of suggestions).
So, in March 2013 I took the Beginner Level 1 class and, wow! Boyfriend's idea was great (for once)! What an amazing and transformative experience. I had so many light-bulb moments that I must have looked like a Christmas tree! Coach Richard patiently and thoroughly taught all the important skills that I was completely lacking, from weight distribution, to cornering, to proper braking, to mounting and dismounting, etc. And he doesn't just go through the "how", he teaches the "why"--which for someone like me with a super analytical and critical brain is a HUGE plus. Furthermore, both Richard and his helper Jeff (a former pro rider) gave great race-situation examples for all the skills.
I liked the class so much that I took another one soon after. This time a Women's Only class. I love the fact that this is offered, by the way. It was the kind of totally supportive, stress-free, pressure-free environment that only someone with two x-chromosomes would understand and appreciate. And Coach Richard had two great female helpers there too (Kris and Jessica) that were able to translate some of the concepts into "woman-speak."
Ok, to wrap it up: I highly recommend these clinics. Great instructors. Great content. Bargain price. I saw such immediate gains in my skill level and confidence level that I signed up for yet another race series...This time the US Cup series. Go big, or go home, right?
~ Heidi A.
My riding has definitely improved!
~Yana Brown
The clinic with Aaron was great!
~Jill M.
Richard and Kristen were awesome!
Went to the beginner Ninja clinic at Alison. Richard and Kristen were awesome! We all got the opportunity to work on improving our skills with their feedback. Next time I would definitely do the intermediate clinic or do a one-on-one session.
Richard is super patient and provides great feedback and riding tips.
~ Lisa D.
Very fun and informative!
~Greg E.
Within one hour we we clearing a 5 foot jump easily and with confidence!
~John U.
That was time well spent – thanks Coach Richard!
~ Patrick K.
I swallowed my pride and signed up.
I swallowed my pride and signed up.
To date I have done everything I was taught. I made every adjustment to my bike that was recommended. I then had the bike fitted. The skills taught that day are priceless to me. For the first time I understand what position my body needs to be in for each type of terrain. I am not perfect by any means, but in my mind I am shouting the word NINJA to remind myself. I practice the techniques ever time I ride.
~ Hal N.
Great clinic, just what I needed!
~ Harper M.
The course was very fluid, engaging, and I would highly recommend it.
The environment of Balboa Park was perfect for learning and sessioning the skills covered. The instructors were friendly, fun, and attentive to all of the participants. They spent more or less time on certain skills based on how the entire group was grasping them. They also gave individualized attention to participants that required more help with technique. The course was very fluid, engaging, and I would highly recommend it.
~Heather B.
I felt so confident that I recently signed up for the Catalina MTB Gran Fondo!
The next day, as I was road biking (training for the Solvang Double Century), I dodged a bullet on the Snake/Mulholland by applying my learned mtb skills--a long towing truck went over almost half of our lane on a blind turn as we were descending. Instead of fixating on the truck, I remembered the importance of looking for a clear path and keeping my eyes on where I want to go....Now I understand what people meant when they said that mtb will help improve my road riding skills too!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn, and I look forward to the next clinic!
~ Uyen N.
The course was very fluid, engaging, and I would highly recommend it.
The environment of Balboa Park was perfect for learning and sessioning the skills covered. The instructors were friendly, fun, and attentive to all of the participants. They spent more or less time on certain skills based on how the entire group was grasping them. They also gave individualized attention to participants that required more help with technique. The course was very fluid, engaging, and I would highly recommend it.
~Alexandra Rose Brysiewicz
Highly recommend this class for all ages/skills. I will definitely be taking more classes!
As another review said, "best money spent on mountain biking." You can have an expensive bike, but if you don't know how to ride, what's the point?
Highly recommend this class for all ages/skills. I will definitely be taking more classes!
~Rean
I’ve ridden mountain bikes since 1988 …
I took only the morning first intro session at Phoenix and I learned a great deal in a short period of time. Richard is a very gifted cyclist and coach with excellent pedagogical skills. The class moved quickly, but covered all the appropriate details needed to handle a bike on technical trails. Richard had two local expert cyclists who demonstrated techniques while he provided a narrative and answered question.
We had one relatively new rider who was very wary of some of the steeper, technical descents. By the end of the class, you could actually see a significant increase in her confidence using the skills acquired in the class.
I'm looking forward to doing one of Ninja's camps and I hope they are able to expand their clinics to my area (Albuquerque, NM).
William J.
The Big Bear Mountain Bike Camp was AMAZING!
The instructor staff are all very experienced riders and it showed. They are all also very friendly and most importantly patient. They aren't afraid to share stories of their mistakes while trying to explain why not to do things a certain way.
You truly are part of the Team Ninja family when you are at the classes and I can't wait to go back to another class!
Thank you Richard and all of the other instructors.
~Jonathan R
Great clinic. I learned really useful skills.
~Beatrice D.
The best money I’ve ever spent on mountain biking!
~Mark Stewart
I would encourage anyone of any ability to take a class with these guys.
I would encourage anyone of any ability to take a class with these guys. The instructors are knowledgeable and easy to work with. There is a lot of one on one help and they will make sure you understand the skills being taught and are able to perform them successfully. Plus the clinic was lots of fun! I highly recommend and hope to work with these guys again soon.
~ Michelle A.
My brain is still swelling with knowledge one month later.
They begin with the fundamentals skills and reinforce those skills throughout the camp, which I found quite helpful. The skills progress quickly and we covered a lot of ground in three days. I was able to do a few skills I had never really tried before by the end of camp. I recommend highly and plan to attend another camp in the future.
~Joey W.
Coach Richard is fantastic!
~ Patricia H.
A must for all!
~Art L.
Highly recommended!
~ Tom T.
Aaron was a great instructor!
~Jody Hachenberger-Amend
Who doesn’t want to be a Ninja!?
He does a great job of "breaking things down" with the what and the why, and illustrates the information well with his demonstrations, all the while, delivering it with a sense of humor and enthusiasm. Richard's instruction helped me successfully get through a very technical course in Maui without major injury! Yea, thank you Richard!!. Whether a complete beginner or an advanced rider, I promise you can take a lot away from his classes.... and, let's be honest ...Who doesn't want to be a Ninja!
~ Ray S.
Great class! I wish I took this class seven yrs ago when I started mountain biking. Richard & his team was awesome. I learned how to approach uphill switchbacks, how to “pre-turn”, & most important, how to descend with confidence. Bottom line: I am more efficient & safer rider.
As another review said, “best money spent on mountain biking.” You can have an expensive bike, but if you don’t know how to ride, what’s the point?
Highly recommend this class for all ages/skills. I will definitely be taking more classes!
~Rean