Ability Levels

Everyone seems to have a different understanding of what ability level they are at when it comes to mountain biking. Some people over-estimate whilst others are too humble, and downplay their skills.

Here at Next Level Riding we want to make sure you sign up for the lesson or ride that’s right for you. Take an look through the ability levels outlined below and make sure you book into the right ride for you.

YOUTH SKILL LEVELS

Please click here to see the Youth Skill Levels

ADULT SKILL LEVELS

Beginner

As a beginner, you are new to mountain biking. You may never have ridden a mountain bike, or perhaps you’ve only ridden a mountain bike on a road or logging road. It’s likely that you can ride a bike, perhaps you’ve been road riding for many years, but when it comes to fatter tires and uneven terrain, you are completely out of your comfort zone.

Recommended Tours or Programs: Free 60 minute session, Intro to MTB, Private 1 on 1.

Novice

You’ve been riding a mountain bike for a season at least. You can handle rougher terrain, you’re comfortable riding over small roots, loose gravel and rocks. You find bigger obstacles a challenge and steeper terrain scares you a little.

Intermediate

You’ve been riding a mountain bike consistently for at least 2 years and you’re comfortable riding off drops of up to 1 or 2 feet in height and can comfortably descend mildly steep terrain. Loose rocks and roots are easy for you, but jumping is not a regular activity for you.

Intermediate +

You’ve been mountain biking for 3 to 4 years and you’re confident riding most types of single track terrain in a variety of conditions (muddy, dry, loose, rock rolls). You can jump your bike consistently over small tabletop jumps, and are comfortable on technical steep rocky descents. You can ride moderately exposed terrain easily and skinnies are considered fun.

Advanced

You’ve been mountain biking consistently for more than 5 years. You ride 3 times a week and you happily sail over small to medium sized gap jumps and completing a black diamond bike park lap is a breeze. The skinnies you ride are getting higher than most people consider enjoyable and you’re comfortable riding for extended periods of time.

Advanced +

You can ride all day, you ride 4 or more times a week and have been riding consistently for over a decade. You can handle most terrain, Steep faced jumps, road gaps and step ups are a regular activity for you. You eat 10 foot drops for breakfast and people have referred you as a park rat. it’s likely that you’ve raced your mountain bike and possibly been on a podium.

Private Coaching

highly recommend

"I recently attended an introductory mountain biking clinic. The clinic was useful and enjoyable. Great basic skills instruction and practice. I met some great people and had the privilege of learning from Alan who is super knowledgeable and has a great teaching style. He made the day great fun. I would highly recommend next level Riding and the instructor."

~ Scott Deschamps

Awesome Experience

"We had an awesome experience with Next Level Riding. Alan took the time to evaluate our skill level and map out a ride that was challenging, fun and still within our abilities. It was exactly what we were looking for. As a visitor from out of the area, I know I would never have been able to put together a route like that on my own. -- Plus, he's a fun guy to ride with!!"

~ Steve Cashman

Recommended

"Alan was a great instructor and was skilled at managing the different skill and comfort levels of each person in the clinic. He covered a range of skills but didn't overwhelm us with too much information too soon. I came away from the clinic feeling more confident in venturing out on the trails myself. Recommended!"

Lani Trenmouth