Hello, I’m new to the board and to mtb,
My wife and I just got into mountain biking and decided to ride the Dwelling loop at Blanket’s Creek. When she approached the first set of logs, she put her feet down mid way over and the sprocket took a bite out of her right inner calf. She ended up needing 15 stitches, and a skin graft might be necessary also . Anyway, I’m not qualified to teach her and I think it would be wise to learn the fundamentals. Does anyone have any recommendations or know where there are clinics avail in the Woodstock GA area? Any suggestions would help.

Thanks

I'm sorry to hear about your wife. That sucks for a first trip. I tell my sons all the time that you don't want to try and use your feet to stop, they'll stop but the bike won't. I believe that if you watch on here you will see some links for upcoming clinics.

If you can get her to go out again, take her around Mosquito flat and bite before going back to Dwelling. You can also practice a little bit in the practice area near the parking lot.

She's eager to get out again. We rode Mosquito flats several times but I think she wanted more of a workout. I'm wondering if there are one-on-one clinics where she could get personal attention. Anyway, thanks for the concern.

Aubrey

Several of the Chapters and women's groups hold clinics. Check out the dirtgirlz forum they post them there. Also you may want to have her hook up with other women's rides. My wife will tell you she can't stand when I tell her how to do things but when she gets that same info from one of the traveling pants it is absorbed much more readily...

This thread in the Dirt Grrls forum has a couple of options . . .

1) Gene Hamilton is holding a women's clinic in Birmingham this weekend 11/6-8. From what I've been told he does a great job with his clinics.

2) The Sorella's are also having a clinic that's free in Blue Ridge 11/7. Again, I've heard they do great clinics - my wife went to a clinic led by a couple of them a few years ago.

Thanks for the suggestions

Might want to try the beginner loop at BigCreek. In my opinion it is harder than mosquito flats but easier than Dwelling.

I had to teach my girlfriend some riding when we first got our bikes. Just have her ride around a lot, work on standing up and pedaling, pulling up, ect. Then do getting on/off the sidewalk onto the street. This seems so simple but it helped my girlfriend a lot. Sounds like if your wife put her feet down going over the 3-4 log pile she isnt completely comfortable with her riding yet and some simple drills and seat time might really help.

This will be a good class

Skills clinic with Doug White and Bear Creek Bikes on Nov. 14th

Doug White skills clinic with local bike stunt extraordinaire, Doug White. Bear Creek bikes will be there to assist, maybe wrench a few bikes and instruct in bike maintenance. Doug will gear the first hour of the clinic to children and second to adults. We will also serve lunch. If you've always wanted to learn how to do a track stand or nose wheelie, or maybe just carve a sharp switchback a little better-here's your chance!

Raisin Woods Bike Park Dalton Ga
November 14th
10:00 AM

Marcia and I teach beginner clinics for Outspokin bikes in Woodstock about twice a year. We also enjoy helping people get started when clinics are not being offered. You will recieve everything that is normally included in our beginner clinic. We do them free but request a donation be put in the box at the trailhead. It is our way of contributing to trail construction.

Let us know if you are interested.

Alan and Marcia Gibson
Outspokin Bikes of Woodstock

Can vouch for these two. Beyond super and she'll be ENCOURAGED- not pushed. Had me riding Dwelling and taking logs when I had only been on the bike a few weeks. They have tons of information and loads of experience. Plus, she'll have 2 new friends for life! Can't do any better IMO.

Hey, aubreylc, a session with Alan and Marcia is the best thing going. They are very talented and knowledgeable riders and great people to get to know. Take them up on their offer.

I hope your wife recovers quickly. If she's willing to jump back on the bike after that injury she'll do just fine. Some people would just walk away and never come back.

Stephen Mullins and I do most of the RAMBO Clinics. We don't have one on the schedule right now but would be glad to organize one. Just let us know.

I highly recommend getting some training and sticking to the easy trails for the time being. Also tell your wife lots of us have chain ring scars. My wife has the same one you just described and she is still riding too.

Joe Baker
RAMBO BOD

Just a quick FYI - Gene Hamilton broke his foot in a motocross accident so the clinic in B'ham has been postponed until later notice.