Master Mountain Biking: Lessons, Coaching, and Essential Techniques
Mountain biking is more than just a ride—it’s a blend of skill, confidence, and flow. At New Zealand Mountain Biking, based in Rotorua, we specialize in coaching riders to unlock their full potential on the trails. With tailored lessons and expert guidance, we help you ride faster, smoother, and more confidently. In this post, we’ll dive into two essential techniques that can transform your riding: the “Two, One, None” braking method and the art of riding smooth for better trail speed.
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Why Take Mountain Biking Lessons?
Mountain biking isn’t just about fitness or endurance—it’s a technical sport that rewards skill. Professional coaching can:
- Help you master essential techniques.
- Boost your confidence on challenging terrain.
- Make your riding smoother and faster.
- Reduce the risk of crashes or fatigue.
At New Zealand Mountain Biking, our lessons are tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner tackling your first trail or an advanced rider refining your speed and flow.
The “Two, One, None” Braking Method
One of the most transformative techniques we teach at New Zealand Mountain Biking is the “Two, One, None” braking method. This simple yet effective approach improves your trail flow and helps you confidently manage speed through various features.
- Two Brakes: Use both brakes with one finger on each to slow down and set your speed before approaching a feature.
- One Brake: Use the rear brake lightly to maintain your speed into the feature, giving you control and confidence until you’re ready to accelerate.
- No Brakes: Release the brakes after the feature to accelerate smoothly and carry momentum into the next section.
This technique ensures controlled approaches, steady handling, and efficient acceleration for a smoother, faster ride.
Ride Smooth: Fast Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast
Another fundamental principle we emphasize is the relationship between smooth riding and speed. Contrary to popular belief, speed isn’t about pedaling harder—it’s about minimizing disruptions to your flow.
Key Tips for Riding Smooth:
- Look Ahead: Keep your eyes on where you want to go, not just the trail in front of your tire. This helps you anticipate obstacles and maintain momentum.
- Stay Loose: A relaxed grip and flexible body position allow your bike to move freely beneath you, soaking up bumps and maintaining flow.
- Brake Less, Plan More: Combine the “Two, One, None” method with strategic braking points to avoid unnecessary speed loss.
- Practice Cornering: Smooth corners are fast corners. Focus on body positioning, looking through the turn, and trusting your tires.
The Result:
- Higher Trail Speed: Smooth lines and minimal braking keep your momentum going.
- Energy Efficiency: Avoiding unnecessary braking and pedaling saves energy for longer rides.
- Boosted Confidence: Flowing through trails seamlessly makes you feel in control and ready for any challenge.
Why Choose New Zealand Mountain Biking for Coaching?
Here in Rotorua’s famous Whakarewarewa Forest, we have the perfect setting for mountain biking lessons. With over 120 trails, ranging from beginner to expert, you’ll find the right terrain to practice your skills.
Our professional coaches provide:
- Tailored lessons for all levels.
- Expert guidance on braking, cornering, and body positioning.
- Real-time feedback to improve your technique.
- A supportive, encouraging environment to help you grow as a rider.
Book Your Lesson Today
Ready to take your riding to the next level? Join us at New Zealand Mountain Biking for lessons that will help you master the “Two, One, None” braking method, ride smoother, and boost your overall confidence. With the right coaching, you’ll see how smoother really is faster—and a lot more fun.
Click here to book your mountain biking lesson and start your journey to becoming a faster, more confident rider.
Mountain bike lesson vouchers are also available as theymake memorable gifts for the adventure enthusiasts in your life. Whether it’s for a birthday, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just a simple thank you it’s the perfect gift that keeps on giving. By offering the gift of expert guidance, customized lesson packages, progression in New Zealand’s most diverse trail network in Rotorua, additional perks, and the opportunity for group experiences, you’re providing an experience that will challenge, inspire, and be very memorable. So, unleash the thrill of mountain biking and watch your loved ones embark on an exciting journey of skill development and exploration. Happy riding!
At New Zealand Mountain Biking, we run epic mountain biking tours across the scenic North Island, New Zealand. We also help riders build confidence and skills in our MTB and eMTB private lessons on the legendary Rotorua trails. If you race or you want to get into some racing and you want to improve those skills, get in touch for some lessons!
You can learn more about our trips here to book your ride today!