MNC Bikegang. A gang within the gang! Mountain biking is becoming big in our area, with Richmond quickly becoming a destination for riders looking for challenging and vast trails. Just look at the parking lots of Cochran’s, the Round Church, and Stone Corral on any given weekday night around 6pm and you’ll see a small army of shredders returning from rides.
In an article sometime last year, Gus Kaeding described differences between US and Norwegian training methods…and recently another article surfaced that referenced that concept. It seems like we’re more apt to choose varied ways to train over here in the states, with mountain biking becoming a popular go-to. You’ll see the SMS team competing all fall in the prep school MTB races, and Craftsbury has their own amazing network of singletrack to compliment their winter ski trails. So how exactly does this make you a better skier? Especially at the Junior level? I’ve been thinking of a list…
- It is FUN. Climbs can be technical and challenging, to the point where you don’t realize you’re working as hard as you are. Descents require finesse, focus, and confidence. This is especially true at the end of a long ride: there are consequences for taking a spill, so when you’re tired you’re focused to still give 100% focus. How many times have I repeated to skiers how important it is to maintain good technique at the END of a long rollerski or snow ski? On a mountain bike you have no choice; the sport demands your engagement. Plus, the downhills are a blast. Anything that makes hard work fun is a pretty good training mode as far as I’m concerned!
Got some support for balance occasionally…
- It is centered around balance and weight transfer. Much like skiing, immense balance and coordination are required. Do you remember your first time riding without training wheels? It took a lot of practice, most likely! Now add a narrow twisting path, ups and down, and obstacles. These obstacles require a rider to have a keen spacial awareness and body control. Small drops and rock gardens in particular require movement of body and bike both. Much like shifting weight from side to side while skating, or maintaining engaged hips when striding or double poling, you need to be connected with your machine…in some cases skis, in some cases a bike.
- Terrain varies, from sand and loose dirt to rocks and plank bridges. Not too different than ice, powder, slush, or corn. Add in mud and a mountain bike trail goes from “hardwax” to “klister” conditions in the blink of an eye. Knowing how to handle this mixed terrain reminds me of “snow feel” on skis. The subtle ways to change your body position or gliding/kicking style to adapt to what’s thrown at you.
- Mountain biking is centered around exploration and adventure. Finding new trails is exciting, and biking can take you from mountaintops to riverbeds, sometimes in the same day if you are having the right kind of adventure…
Top of a mountain in Pittsfield…
….all the way to down to the Tweed River
This Saturday we loaded up the MNC trailer, which conveniently fits 5+ bikes, and headed down to Pittsfield. This tiny down near Killington is right along Rt 100 and home to some really cool biking: the Green Mountain Trails! This is a funky network with a full mountain to play on, a cabin atop the open summit, and everything from machine-built berms to narrow harrowing riverbed descents.
After our morning ride, we grabbed lunch at the awesome Pittsfield General Store, where we lounged for a bit on the front porch in some rocking chairs while we took in some sun. Then it was back in the car for a short 10 minute drive south to the Sherburne Trails, a new machine-built network at Kent Pond near the base of Killington. These trails were perfect for an easy afternoons spin, with easy flow and minimal elevation. Lots of little jumps and rollers kept it fun and we were all 100% tired afterward.
Sandwiches and soda at the general store
Eli tearing up the Sherburne trails
Affirmative: we like to ride bikes
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