Why Lessons and Clinics Are the Most Game-Changing Investment You Can Make in Your Riding
Forget new gear—skills last longer than carbon. Here’s why coaching is the smartest, most underrated upgrade for your ride.
I’ve been coaching mountain bikers for well over a decade, and if there’s one thing I see over and over again, it’s this: riders chasing performance by upgrading their bikes—but not their skills.
And hey, I get it. New gear is fun. A lighter bike, better suspension, fresh tires—those upgrades feel like progress. But the truth is, none of those things will change the way you ride like proper mountain bike skills coaching can.
As a professional mountain bike skills coach, I’ve worked with thousands of riders—from total beginners to people who’ve been riding for 20+ years—and I can confidently say that the biggest breakthroughs don’t come from carbon components. They come from learning how to use your body more efficiently and understand what your bike is trying to do underneath you.
I’ve seen riders go from tiptoeing through tech sections to floating down them confidently, not because they bought a better bike but because they learned to move with purpose. I’ve seen experienced riders unlock new levels of flow just by refining their body position, timing, and trail vision. These are subtle shifts—but they create massive results.
One of the things I hear most often after a lesson or clinic is: “I wish I did this sooner.”
Because here’s the thing: riding smoother, faster, and with more confidence isn’t about “trying harder.” It’s about knowing what to do, when to do it, and why it works. That’s what coaching gives you. It pulls back the curtain so riding doesn’t feel like a guessing game.
And if you think lessons are just for beginners, think again. Some of the most rewarding coaching sessions I’ve had have been with riders who’ve been at it for years. They’re strong and skilled—but they’ve hit a plateau. And it’s not that they’re doing anything wrong—it’s just that no one ever showed them how to fine-tune their technique or break through those stubborn sticking points.
Coaching gives you real-time feedback, something you just can’t get from watching YouTube or riding with friends. It helps you cut through the noise and fast-track your progress. It’s like having someone tune your riding the way a mechanic tunes your suspension—except the results stick with you every time you hit the trail.
And let’s not forget about the mental side of things. A lot of what holds riders back isn’t physical—it’s hesitation, fear, or not knowing what’s possible. A good coach creates a supportive space where you can push your limits safely and build real confidence.
So if you’re debating between buying another shiny part or signing up for a clinic, here’s my advice: invest in the rider, not just the ride. Because your skills won’t go out of style. They won’t wear out or get outdated. And they’ll follow you, trail after trail, year after year—on any bike you ride.
Ready to invest in your riding?
Check out our upcoming Minii Adventures Skills Clinics and join us on the trail. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, we’ll help you build the skills, confidence, and control to ride at your best.
Not sure which skill clinic to join? Take our FREE Mountain Bike Skill Level Quiz and:
✅ Discover your TRUE skill level (no more guessing!)
✅ Get expert tips tailored to YOUR riding
✅ Unlock exclusive training insights to level up
Happy trails!
Charlotte Batty
Founder, Owner, Head Coach
