Coaching

Wednesdays, April 23rd through May 28th, 2025 Methow Cycle & Sport and Cascade Endurance are joining forces to offer a six week Spring Gravel Skills Series, Wednesdays 5 - 7pm running from April 23 - May 28. The purpose of this gravel skills series is to help you become a safer, more skilled and confident cyclist. The truth is that riding a gravel bike is very different from riding on the road. On gravel, you can't always just sit on your bike and pedal, especially when you are riding on sand, mud, loose gravel and roots. Weight distribution is key on technical terrain. Gravel riding requires you to stay relaxed and to react dynamically to the ground under you, so your bike can float freely under you. When you watch experienced gravel riders, you'll notice that in addition to sitting they are also standing, hovering, moving the hands into different positions on the handlebars/drops and weight shifting. The key is making small adjustments to stay stable, safe and in control. This series will be divided into two distinct sections - developing skills, practicing skills and then applying the skills to different terrain/features/elements. You will have the opportunity to work on specific bike handling skills - like body position, descending, navigating curves and turns, water crossings, single track, climbing, braking and pedaling mechanics. You will also learn about the inner workings of your bike like tire pressure, tire choice and cleaning/maintenance. Coaches: Joe Brown and Cascade Endurance Staff Limited to 10 participants

Dates: Saturday, June 14 - Sunday, June 15 Cost: $395 before May 15th, $425 after Capacity: 24 participants Location: Winthrop, WA This two-day skills camp is designed for riders who identify as FTWN-B (Femme, Trans, Women, Non-Binary) who are 18 years or older. All skill levels are welcomed to this fun, safe, mega-progression session. We will work on skills and drills in an open grassy area with our legendary progression props and spend plenty of time riding the beautiful singletrack trails that help make this area famous. Lunch is included so all you need to bring is your bike and gear and a willingness to learn and have a great time. Itinerary: Saturday, June 14 8:30 – 9:30 am – Gather at Methow Cycle & Sport, introductions, overview of the day 9:30 am– 12:00 pm – Skills and drills in the Winthrop Park, pump track and softball field 12:00 – 1:30 pm – Lunch and shuttle to afternoon trail ride locations 1:30 – 4:30 pm – On trail skill sessions – various locations at Sun Mountain 4:30 – 5:00 pm – Shuttles/rides back to the shop 5:00 - 6:00 pm - Snacks and beverages at the shop Sunday, June 15 8:30 – 9:00 am – Gather at Methow Cycle & Sport for overview of the day 9:00 am - 11:30 pm – Skills and drills in the Winthrop Park, pump track and softball field 11:30 – 1:00 pm – Group photo, lunch and shuttle to afternoon trail ride locations 1:00 – 3:30 pm – On trail skill sessions, rides and shuttles – various locations at Sun Mountain 3:30 – 4:30 pm – Shuttles/rides back to the shop 4:00 – 5:00 pm – Beverages, snacks and goodbyes at Methow Cycle & Sport WHAT TO BRING Pack cycling gear for cool mornings and warm afternoons, and a light rain jacket. Bring a regular cross-country / all-mountain helmet for pedal oriented skills and rides. Make sure you have a hydration pack or bottles so that you have lots of water during the day. We'll provide lunch both days, and you may want to bring some light snacks to keep you fueled throughout the skills and drills and on trail riding sessions. Remember sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Have your bike checked over by a mechanic before you come to camp, to ensure that it's in great working order. Bring a spare tube in case you get a flat tire, and basic riding tools if you have them. If you don't already have basic riding tools, don't worry. The coaches all have supplies, and we offer a participant discount if you want to purchase your own during camp. Bring a set of leg and arm pads if you have them, or borrow them from a friend if possible. Bring a pair of flat pedals if you have them, because they make it easier for any level of rider to learn and practice new skills. If you're married to your clipless pedals, you can always try the morning sessions on flats and then switch back for your afternoon ride. Bring shoes that are compatible with the pedals you'll be using. If you are using clipless pedals, even if they have wide platforms, you must use shoes with cleats. If you are using flat pedals, you must use soft soled flat shoes without cleats; skate shoes and tennis shoes, without high arches and without deep ridges, work the best.

Build confidence on your mountain bike by creating a solid foundation! This three-hour clinic is geared toward new and beginner adult mountain bike riders, or intermediate riders looking to refresh and dial in foundational skills. The clinic will focus on: safety checks, body positioning and confident descending, controlled braking, wheel lifts, and possibly cornering if time allows. 2 - 5pm, Friday, May 16th Meet at Chickadee Trailhead Bring: mountain bike, helmet, water, snack, sun protection, appropriate clothing and layers to ride comfortably for the afternoon. Coach: Noelle Kastning Limited to 7 participants