An instructional mountain biking clinic, hosted by Lee Likes Bikes Mountain Bike School in conjunction with the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department, was held at Posse Grounds Park on Monday, Jan. 30.
Being that the three participants were of a novice level, the half-day clinic focused on balance and positioning on the bicycle as well as the fundamentals of braking and pumping.
“My goal is to make riders feel confident in the terrain they choose to ride,” Kevin Stiffler, instructor from Lee Likes Bikes, said. “If they [riders] want to a feel little more confident, safer and faster, instruction helps.”
Stiffler started with the fundamentals as a base, and as the clinic went on he built upon was what already taught.
When it came to going up and over small bumps and drop-offs, he talked a lot about the riders “rowing” through them — moving their elbows and focusing on their body position more.
“If the head doesn’t move, the bump isn’t there,” Stiffler, who has also taught successful riders at an international level, said.
Posse Grounds Park has two new areas purpose-built for mountain bikers: Pump Park, a small terrain park, as well as a trail below the skate park. Stiffler said that they were the first to use the park.
During the final phase of the clinic, Stiffler talked and demonstrated his way through a pair of features in Pump Park and the trail before Mike Ulissey, Karen Larson and Gretchen Van Tassel took them on.
“I think anybody of any skill level would get something out of it,” Van Tassel said. “Because he tailors it to your ability.”
The three riders had prior experience road biking, but had little to no experience on a trail.
“[It’s challenging] how much more left there is to learn,” Van Tassel said. “It seems like it should be so easy.”
Overall, the participants found the clinic helpful, with both Van Tassel and Ulissey mentioning they would sign up for the next one, which according to Stiffler, should happen in March.
“I think everything went well,” Larson said. “What surprised me was that I’ve been biking wrong this whole time.”
Stiffler, who said his clinics were sold out in Phoenix, said that the low turnout was likely due to poor weather in Sedona throughout the week prior. Areas of the trail and Pump Park were still muddy.
A half-day clinic costs $150 and $300 for a full day. Those interested in participating in upcoming clinics can visit llbmtb.com as well as check the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department calendar.
