Mountain Bike Beginner Skills Training ★ Rockhampton

Learn to ride mountain bikes with an AusCycling qualified coach based in Rockhampton.

Hi and welcome. My name is Andrew Thompson. I've been working on human bodies for 30 years, and riding bikes for over 50. I am an accredited coach with AusCycling, and I will be your trainer.

What is Mountain Bike Beginner Skills Training?

When I was a kid and got my first bike, that was it - off I went and taught myself to ride. I had no guidance and plenty of accidents.

On top of that, I didn't know how to maintain my bike, which inevitably made it dangerous to ride. Again more crashes, some that nearly killed me.

MTB Beginner Skills Clinics are designed so that people don't have to learn like that anymore. Participants might be kids who are just getting into mountain biking for the first time, or adults who are starting out in the sport later in life.

What will I learn?

The purpose of this two-hour clinic is to teach you the core basic skills that you'll need to get out and explore your local XC (cross-country) mountain bike trails with confidence.

You'll learn about the components of your bike and what everything does. We'll also cover general maintenance so your bike stays in peak condition, and how to tell if something mechanical needs attention.

On top of that, if you haven't already had a bike fit, we'll check your seat height and handlebar position to ensure that it's set up correctly for your body size and height.

What won't I be learning?

This is a beginner-friendly course. We will NOT be doing jumps or drops or manuals.

You will however, learn foundational handling skills such as fork-pumps to negotiate roots, rocks, and small logs, that will help if you later decide to become a Red Bull superstar. 😎

Is training group-based or individual?

Training can be one-on-one, or you might find it more fun with friends or family. I set a cap of four people for each training clinic so that everyone gets my attention, with a maximum of three children and at least one responsible adult.

Allow two hours for the training clinic, then if you're up to it, another one to two hours for a ride at First Turkey afterwards to practice your new skills.

How much is a mountain bike beginner skills clinic?

Your cost for a one-on-one mountain bike coaching clinic is $150. Add $40 for each additional participant. There is no extra charge if we go for a ride afterwards, which I do recommend.

Sessions are best held on weekends, either in the morning or afternoon.

Below, you will find some extra questions and answers.

Call me on 4926 7778 or 0422 276 202 to book a session, or if you have any further questions.

Have a brilliant day,
Andrew Thompson.

Andrew Thompson, Man Thing Rockhampton

F.A.Q. ~ Rockhampton MTB Beginner Skills

What will I learn in the Mountain Bike Beginner Skills Clinic?

We'll cover lots of key skills and safety checks. First I'll explain and demonstrate, and then you'll have a go.

You won't be standing around trying not to fall asleep while I prattle on. You'll be riding. There's lots of repetition and you'll definitely have fun as each new skill becomes second nature.

We'll take our time. There's no peer pressure. If you want to keep practicing a particular aspect before we move on, we can do that. Just let me know.

Here is the course outline with approximate times for each component.

Are you qualified to provide mountain bike training?

I am a Foundation Instructor for mountain biking, accredited by AusCycling, the Australian sports body for cycling. I am also a Regional Commissaire for MTB races and hold a Working With Children card.

Prior to the pandemic, I helped run beginner training and social rides for Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club and remain an active member.

Man Thing also sponsors the club.

Do I need to sign an injury and damage waiver?

Yes. You accept all risk of injury during a mountain bike training clinic. Mountain biking is a dangerous sport. You may very well fall off your bike at the skills clinic, or in three months time when you're riding the trails.

That said, most accidents occur due to lack of confidence or attempting something beyond your skillset. I will not insist that you try anything outside your comfort level. You are free to say no to any activity.

The purpose of the clinic is to develop your knowledge and confidence, to provide you with sufficient skills to minimise the risk of injury, and to help you identify risks in advance.

Where are the clinics held?

Training takes place in the yard behind Man Thing at 250 Musgrave Street, North Rockhampton.

This space is ideal because there's a nice mix of grass, gravel, and natural features in a relatively small area, while still having the facilities of the shop close by.

Also being private land, I'm able to prepare and control the learning environment which is impossible in a public park.

If we hold a social ride afterwards to try out your new skills, we'll head over to First Turkey MTB Park in Norman Gardens.

It's a five minute drive or an easy 15 minute bike ride through the back streets and parks that line Moore's Creek.

We'll then head around some of the popular green beginner trails so you can practice what you've learnt. It's the perfect finish to the day.

What do I need to bring?

You will need a mechanically sound bike, helmet, water bottle, and a snack in case you get hungry. You must wear closed shoes and a helmet. We will be outdoors so don't forget sunscreen and a hat.

There is ample parking out front of the shop.

While not essential, I would definitely recommend membership of AusCycling for the insurance benefits should you take a tumble. If you are asked to nominate a club, please select Rocky MTB as thanks for all the hard work the volunteers constantly put in at the First Turkey trail network.