DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS
Check out RIPAs selection of coaching sessions!
Are you always trying to keep up with your mates?
Getting ready for Race season or upcoming events?
Do you want to master a new skill or have the confidence to ride a new trails?
First try a Tastier session where we break your riding down into your control, confidence levels with your riding consistency, then we decide which techniques to concentrate on using some simple and fun bike skills.
Already know what you want to learn or focus on, then choose from 1 of the 8 sessions below.


After the first session we can create a Rider Development Course of 6 custom sessions aimed directly at your individual requirements and ability. This course takes place over a number of weeks/months and are based at convenient trail centres or over prearranged locations. The results will improve your performance not just by teaching new skills or techniques, but by structured practice and coaching so that you continuously refine and improve them.
Courses are 1:1 or for groups up to 4 participants, they will be based on the Cycling Scotland Go MTB award and British Cycling level 2 coaching session plans, adapted to the participants age, ability, fitness and conditions.
Tastier
Getting to know your Bike
Contents
This first sessions is a tastier of everything from bike parts and biking basics – mounting/dismounting, positioning, pedalling, braking, gears, cornering and terrain. Really get to know your bike and your access your ability.
Goals
To gain a greater understanding of biking , to understand how riding can be broken down into sections, to improve confidence and basic techniques, to begin to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses (Course Goals)
Movements & Positions
Bike / Body movements and positions
Contents
Basic position, track stands and slow speed balance, seat position, cone of Movement, pumping
Goals
To improve bike handling and balance, to increase bike/body position and movement
Braking
Speed Control
Contents
Basic braking (front & rear), braking position, surface types, braking zones
Goals
To improve control of speed, to improve bike/ body positioning, to understand acceleration/ deceleration, to increase confidence
Cornering
Cornering Continuum
Contents
Cornering basics, steering, leaning, banked turns, cornering spectrum, bike/ body positioning.
Goals
To improve cornering, to understand of different techniques and corner types, to improve coordination, balance and speed control, to increase confidence.
Pedaling & Gears
Pedalling techniques & gearing
Contents
Basic gearing, pedalling motion and timing, low vs high cadence , endurance vs power
Goals
To improve efficient pedalling position and technique, to increase physical fitness – Power & Endurance, awareness of proactive thinking
Steeps
Ascending & Descending
Contents
Basic position and techniques, weight to wheels distribution, gearing, braking/cornering, front & rear wheel lifts
Goals
To improve bike handling and bike/body movement, to improve ascent and descent techniques, to increase confidence, to gain a clear understanding of overall riding techniques and on trail uses
Jumps & Drops
Jumps and drops
Contents
Looking at position, techniques and movements needed for jumps and drops.
Goals
To improve jumps and drops, to increase confidence, to gain a clear understanding of overall riding techniques on jumps and drops.
Race Practise
Race training & Course sneak peeks
Contents
Getting Race Ready! get a sneak peek of potential trails used in coming events and races. Have a Look at line choice, features, keeping the flow throughout the race.
Goals
To let riders have sneak peek of trails, features and lines for upcoming events and races in Aberdeenshire. To increase rider confidence to participate in races and events.