MTB clinics at Sundance? worth it?

[shmoesmith]

Was going to sign up for one of the mt. bike clinics at sundance this sunday. Not sure which one to choose..beginner or intermediate. I would probably need the intermediate, but I dont know what my wife would need (she isnt really new, and finds things like lost prospector and klondike bluffs well within her technical ability, whereas slickrock or gambleoak is too much). I was just wondering if anyone here has gone to one of these. Are they worth it? a little bit of info on them and any experience would be great.

[skiguide]

Was going to sign up for one of the mt. bike clinics at sundance this sunday. Not sure which one to choose..beginner or intermediate. I would probably need the intermediate, but I dont know what my wife would need (she isnt really new, and finds things like lost prospector and klondike bluffs well within her technical ability, whereas slickrock or gambleoak is too much). I was just wondering if anyone here has gone to one of these. Are they worth it? a little bit of info on them and any experience would be great.

Haven't taken the clinics there, but would say that most of Sundance's trails are similar to the smooveness/easyness of Lost Prospector. Just downhill all the way. Only a couple of techy things... and even then not bad.

There's a ton of switchbacks at Sundance- so really great for practicing those at faster speeds. Lots of fun.

So i'd just say, call or ask day of which clinic would suit each of you best. it's hard to say if their beginners classes are strictly for people who have never ridden before or for those who need to learn basic technical skils.

Oh, and Sundance's bike shop actually has the K2Lithiums for rentals- so maybe your wife should get on one and try them.

[shmoesmith]

yeah, thats what we are going to do...get the clinic that includes the bike since they put you on a lithium 3.0 or 4.0...Unfortuantly i dont think I will have the money for a new bike now. We got word that we had to place our snowboard orders for this winter right now otherwise they wont be done int ime (due to christmas rush etc that are ordered in aug-sept) so we had to fork out $1100 as a down payment towards the boards yesterday....then another 1200-1300 when they are done....unless I do some seriously good business at work, than we wont have the cashflow unless we can get into a bike for her for dirt cheap.

[utsnowgirl]

Just curious.....did you guys end up doing a clinic at Sundance? I have a couple newbie friends that I've thought about suggesting a clinic.

Of course, I guess they could also just do a Tuesday Team Sugar ride for free.

[shmoesmith]

Yeah, we did end up doing the clinic today. The instructor was super nice. I personally didnt learn anything, but I think my wife learned a few new things on riding switchbacks and braking technique for downhilling. I think the clinics are geared towards people who have NEVER mountain biked before. The first run was an easy run, the second he put us through all the harder stuff up there. I wouldnt consider myself an advanced rider by any means, and I didnt learn anything..That said, if you've never been on dirt before, or have trouble with tight switchbacks, its worth it. Otherwise, jsut get a lift pass and enjoy the trails.

[skiguide]

Yeah, we did end up doing the clinic today. The instructor was super nice. I personally didnt learn anything, but I think my wife learned a few new things on riding switchbacks and braking technique for downhilling. I think the clinics are geared towards people who have NEVER mountain biked before. The first run was an easy run, the second he put us through all the harder stuff up there. I wouldnt consider myself an advanced rider by any means, and I didnt learn anything..That said, if you've never been on dirt before, or have trouble with tight switchbacks, its worth it. Otherwise, jsut get a lift pass and enjoy the trails.

so then I take it you both went with the beginner class? Do you think they/you would have worked on anything in the intermediate on?

[shmoesmith]

so then I take it you both went with the beginner class? Do you think they/you would have worked on anything in the intermediate on?

Actually, the instructor said that there is no 'real' beginner/intermediate classses and that as long as the group is small (2-5 people) they just cater the class to your needs. Like I said, I dont consider myself an advanced rider by any means, but he pretty much told me that t here isnt anythign the class could cover that would help me out and that I'm advanced beyond their clinics. Also, the instructor did give us what they normally consider the 'intermediate' class treatment and trails on our 2nd run down the mountain. Pretty much their intermediate class is all about how to do switchbacks and downhill braking and small drops (stuff no higher than 12"). The classes are really really geared towards people who have never been on dirt. I think if you have even been doing the easy trails in PC that the intermediate class will be a peice of cake for you.