Women's Dirt Series, Fruita CO
Attending the Women's Dirt Series was the best investment that I've made in mountain biking since I upgraded to a full suspension bike. The clinic was staffed with employees/coaches who really wanted to be there. Everything was well organized and orchestrated and the setting in Fruita couldn't be beat.
One of the things that I appreciated most about the Dirt Series was that all of the coaches taught the same steps to accomplish the focus skills. This was important because there was some crossover between coaches and the skills taught. Each coach articulated the steps slightly differently but the net effect was that we received consistent instruction. There was no confusion on the students' part and no conflicting instructions to sort through while practicing the new skills. Another benefit of the Dirt Series clinic was that the coaches were not only able to demonstrate the skills they were teaching, and articulate the steps to accomplish those skills, but they could also identify what we were doing wrong and tell us how to correct it.
I learned during the clinic that I had developed good, basic, skills. This was confidence boosting. I found out that I was on the right track for some of the more advanced skills, (advanced for me, that is), but I was sometimes missing finer steps or subtle body position. The coaches helped me refine my technique for some of the skills that I had already begun working on. I was also introduced to completely new skills that will take more time to master. I left the clinic, though, with a good understanding of the steps involved in those new skills so that I can continue working on them.
The coaches were confidence inspiring and encouraged us to stretch our skills but no one ever pushed us to try anything that made us very, very uncomfortable. While I perceived that the coaches took pride in seeing us begin to master new skills, they were respectful of how far we were willing to push our limits.
I can personally attest to the coaches' appropriate response to injuries. I managed to break my arm when my hand slipped off the handlebar and I crashed when landing the last of many jumps. An adequate amount of assistance was provided without making me feel smothered. I was relieved to have help securing my bike to my car so that I could focus on my injured arm. I can also vouch for the Furita ER where I received prompt, competent care.
The break in my arm is high up, near the shoulder. I don't have to wear a cast and it should heal completely in about 6 weeks. The really important part, though, is that I was jumping my bike!:D Jumping was one of my primary goals when I registered for the Dirt Series. My biggest disappointment is that I won't be able to practice again for several weeks.
All in all, I found the Dirt Series well worth the time and money. Attending another Dirt Series is on next year's bucket list. Go if you have the chance; you won't be sorry!
