Marc, you work very successfully as a riding technique trainer, have written riding technique books and think you know why most people find it difficult to learn. Why is that?
Although most how-to articles show movement sequences in sequential images, this alone does not bring success. Without a riding technique trainer or self-analysis using a slow-motion app, you will hardly notice any mistakes that have crept in. Instead of learning the new, correct movement sequence, you make the same mistake over and over again without realising it.
Does this mean: only ever learning with a teacher or via video control?
Ideally, yes. This is because bikers who are no longer beginners need to relearn. The best example is the front wheel lift or manual impulse: almost all bikers get into the habit of lifting the front wheel early on by pulling up the handlebars with their arms - this habit is then so dominant that they fall back into this pattern again and again, even under the guidance of a coach. The slow-motion method, for example, helps here, where you perform a movement extremely slowly in order to feel it and only then apply it dynamically.
Not everyone wants to do a course.
That doesn't have to be the case either. Of course, friends can also correct you and provide feedback, for example, if you are hanging too far back when jumping or are too hunched over on the bike. Even better: use the video analysis via tablet or smartphone. You can also use the Super SloMo functions. They are very helpful in recognising and analysing the movement and therefore the errors. There are also apps such as Coach's Eye, but modern smartphones and tablets already have good slow-motion functions in the camera.
Learning is always a matter of the mind. What experience have you gained in your 10 years as a coach?
The mental aspect doesn't just play a role in steep and technical terrain. For me, the manual is a prime example of how important the mind is for successful learning: the innate fear of falling makes it extremely difficult for manual apprentices to feel their way towards the sweet spot! Unfortunately, the danger here is real: the much-cited brake finger on the rear brake as a lifeline is not yet fully automatised in most people. In other words, if you use too much impulse when feeling your way towards the manual, you can quickly go into shock paralysis and the brake finger won't save you! A fall onto your back then leads to trauma and learning to surf on the rear wheel becomes even more of a distant prospect. My tip: Always do a series of "manual impulse to brake" exercises at the start of training, i.e. always finish the first manual impulses with the rear brake so that the whole thing becomes automatic.
What else can I do wrong if I practise myself?
I'd rather tell you what you can do right. The most important criteria for learning faster are these:
1. learn step by step. That means: : These "baby steps" are not only required for complicated movements such as bunny hops or back wheel offsets! Dry exercises and slow execution of the movement help with all new movements.
2. learning under ideal conditions. If you want to learn quickly, you need ideal terrain and peace and quiet! If you practise manuals at high speed or on uneven ground, for example, you will be distracted and find it difficult. Better: find a slightly sloping, unpaved, quiet road.
3. stop overextending yourself! Always look for challenges that you can manage. Your goals should be realistic and achievable. Being honest with yourself and having a healthy level of self-confidence will help with your assessment! This is the only way to learn without frustration. If you want to hip jump like Brendan Fairclough, you're only stressing yourself out because you won't make it. It's better to use a small hip jump and go ahead with baby steps.
4. repeat a lot: Only those who consistently repeat movements become automated. Everyone will have had this experience. So it's best to practise daily or several times a week! The 10-minute method is enough: it's better to practise a move for 10 minutes in the evening in the turning circle in front of the house than to practise for hours at the weekend.
5. take fatigue, stress and daily form into account. People who feel good and relaxed learn faster. Stress, pressure to perform or peer pressure inhibit learning. Fun and euphoria, on the other hand, are fertilisers for learning! So: don't practise with a crowbar.
How important is the bike? Can I even learn quickly on an old bike?
Very good, in fact! Depending on the manoeuvre, it's even easier with older bikes; my 2003 freeride bike is a manual machine due to its old-fashioned and short geometry. My tip: practise on the bike you normally use! There's no point in getting a 2018 rental bike for a course and then training on your own bike again at home. By the way: older bikes can easily be modernised with a cockpit tuning.
About the person:
Marc Brodesser from North Rhine-Westphalia has been riding mountain bikes since the 90s and is an experienced riding technique trainer (ridefirst.com) with a focus on the Sauerland region with Brilon, Winterberg, Willingen and Olsberg. In addition to bike park fun, the all-rounder from Hochsauerland favours enduro tours on fun single trails or likes to take a municycle (MTB unicycle). With his how-to videos for the fahrtechnik.tv portal and his book "Mountainbike Fahrtechnik" (BLV Verlag), the ADFC-certified bike guide has publicised his experience and knowledge for a large audience.
