Recommended skills courses around London?

curiousbynature

Hi all

Relatively new to mountain biking. Been cycling for ever but only recently got a decent hard tail and went mountain biking in Surrey a few times.

I’m quite eager to get my riding to the next level, get into the good habits and really unlock the fun potential of the trails.

Have you gone through some skills coaching/courses?
Which ones would you recommended?

I’m particularly interested in ones I can get to within 2h train ride of London (and I don’t own a car... could Zipcar but I really value avoiding this hassle... and if I can help the environment it’s even better! ). But any opinion is good as it may benefit others here.

Cheers

JBA

UK Bike Skills based in Hertford get consistently good reviews and are always recommended.

curiousbynature

Thanks. Yes they better be good as they are the most expensive by a distance! Unfortunately availability is not great either (next trail course in June it seems)

tom_howard

UK bike skills is, by some distance, the best course Ive done. Theres a reason the availability isn't great for public days, though you might have more luck with a 1 or 2 to one. its more expensive but its worth every penny.

Tony, along with being a great rider, is a brilliant teacher. this is where a lot of the other courses fall down, as while the coaches can really ride, the teaching methods aren't great. All done at a private facility too.

curiousbynature

Thanks!

layers

I can recommend Singletrack School in Surrey. They have a range of classes and I've done a few. They also combine with guided rides round Peaslake which is useful to find the best trails there....

steve_sordy

Plus 1 for UK Bike Skills.

yonny

Tom Dowie @ Chicksands is about 1.5 hrs from London. Very good coach.

http://www.chicksandsbikepark.co.uk/coaching

layers

Pedal and Spoke at peaslake also works with a few coaches who seem to have good reviews