Mountain Biking in Connecticut with Coach Jimena Florit Dolzadelli

[esmorin]

I am in CT...how did you find out about this clinic? Was it associated with a shop? How much $ was it? (Oh man, I've got a lot of questions!)

[Nick]

Smiles, hello. It wasn't a clinic. This was a private coaching session. I found out that Jimena is located fairly close to where I live when I attended a MTB clinic hosted by the local Luna Chix MTB team. Jimena led the session. I would definitely recommend that if you are in Connecticut and looking for MTB training, sessions with Jimena are the way to go. She is a wonderful coach. I calculated the cost of attending regular MTB clinics in say, Vermont, which is equidistant from Connecticut for me (there are a few places in Vermont that offer ongoing clinics). The cost of going with a scheduled clinic vs. private coaching were about the same. The nice thing about private coaching is the one to one focus adapted to your level and needs.

[indysteel]

That is so cool, Nick. I'm glad you had that kind of an opportunity.

As for the clipless, have you thought about taking them off for a bit and then going back to them when your other skills are better developed? As a new MTBer myself, I decided to wait on the clipless, although I've long used them for road riding. It's just one less thing for me to worry about for the time being, but I do plan to eventually try them.

[Nick]

As for the clipless, have you thought about taking them off for a bit and then going back to them when your other skills are better developed?

The thought has definitely crossed my mind! Jimena insists that I need to get comfortable with the clipless, so I'm hanging in there. I was far more comfortable with the BMX style pedals on my hardtail. I didn't fall once with those, and wasn't anywhere near as fearful on the trails (because I felt in control).

[indysteel]

Obviously, I know less than a coach, but between confidence building and safety, I tend to disagree with her. If you'd do better with bmx pedals, then use them. You can go back to clipless later.

[Catrin]

What Indysteel said...though I am no coach. I do use them on the road but they would terrify me on the mountain bike. However, you have a lot more experience than I do on the bike (almost everyone does). In the end we have to go with what gives us the most confidence...though I imagine the learning curve for clipless in mountain biking is always different than it is for road application...

[Artista]

The bottom line is that there is potential for injury on a mtb regardless of which pedals we choose. (Ask me how I know) We know ourselves & our riding styles better than any coach can. Follow your intuition to keep yourself as safe as possible while still having fun.