Gravity Foundations is for younger or less experienced riders and will focus on introducing the fundamental techniques, tactics and mental skills for gravity disciplines.
Session 2 Wednesday mornings 8AM-10:30AM July 19- August 9
Program Summary
The GVYC Gravity Program will introduce and develop mountain bike skills focused on gravity-oriented disciplines of mountain biking (Downhill, Enduro). The program will focus on practicing and applying fundamental skills of mountain biking to gravity-based terrain and outcomes. Emphasis will be on body position, braking, descending and cornering on intermediate and advanced terrain. Additionally, coaches will introduce concepts of gravity racing including track walks, feature inspection, line selection, visualization and video review. A logical and methodical process is used to minimize risk and emphasize safety first. Program participants may attend selected gravity races in the region with coach support.
Program Dates
Program will run during summer break from June to August. The summer will be broken into 2 Four-week sessions. At the end of each session, the group will take a field trip to Powderhorn for a day of lift-served riding to solidify all the skills learned in the session. Riders can sign up for each individual block or for the whole summer.
Pricing for each session is $150 and includes the Powderhorn day (lift tickets/passes and transportation are separate).
Program Grouping
Separate programs will be offered based on age and ability. Gravity Foundations is for younger or less experienced riders and will focus on introducing the fundamental techniques, tactics and mental skills for gravity disciplines. Gravity Progressions is for the older, more experienced rider with more technical riding skill and will dive deeper into the techniques, tactics and mental skills for gravity racing.
Racing
Racing is not required; however, we will offer coaching support at selected Enduro or Downhill races. Coaching fees and travel expenses will be separate from the main program.
July 9 Powderhorn, CO Revolution Enduro
Aug 19-20 Snowmass, CO Revolution Enduro
Eligible Athletes
Program/camps are open to any current member of GVYC
Ages 11 and up
2:6 Coach to Rider Ratio
Required Equipment
Well maintained and functional dual suspension mountain bike
- Recommended minimum of 140mm rear travel and 150mm front travel
- Recommended tires with 2.4 or more width
Helmet and pads
- Knee and elbow pads required
- Full face helmet required
- Optional equipment includes chest, back protector and/or neck brace
Minimum Age and Ability Level
Foundation Program
11 and older
Must be able to confidently ride blue and black trails
Comfortable with higher speed riding
Consistently able to roll down or drop a 12” – 18” rock ledge
Good example is ability to ride the Horsethief Bench loop (minus the drop-in) or High Noon to Raven Ridge
Lead Coach- Jon Casson:
Jon is a lifelong mountain biker, a certified PMBIA Level 2 Technical Coach and PMBIA Instructor Trainer. In Jon’s “other” professional life, he coaches elite level athletes in snowboardcross. In his career, he has worked with multiple World Cup, X-Games and Olympic athletes. The never ending quest to figure out how to help people go faster on boards or bikes inspired Jon to develop the GVYC Gravity Program. He’s excited to bring his snowboard coaching philosophy and techniques to the Mtn Bike gravity world.
If unable to register because class is full, send email to director@grandvalleymtb.org with the subject line "waitlist"