You’ve been riding mountain bikes for 20 years. You can drop, jump, corner, and ride fast—so what could a mountain bike lesson possibly teach you? But here’s the truth: you’re casing jumps, walking technical climbs and your buddies are waiting for you at the top. Maybe it’s time to admit that even experienced riders can learn a thing or two with the right MTB coaching.
Do you need MTB lessons? Photo by Minii Adventures Inc.
Why advanced riders still need MTB lessons
Admitting you have room for improvement is tough, especially if you’ve been biking for years. You’re not Finn Iles or Danny MacAskill, but you’ve got skills, right? Still, years of riding might mean you’ve developed some bad habits. According to Cory Davies, a Level 2 PMBIA-certified MTB instructor, small tweaks can make a big difference.
“When you get better at riding, improvements become small but significant,” says Davies. “Just having someone watch you ride for an hour can lead to tips that improve your efficiency, balance, braking and overall flow. It’s those small things that make you a better rider.”
The Evolution of Mountain Biking: Why Coaching Keeps You Current
Mountain biking isn’t just about skills—it’s also about staying updated with gear and trail innovations. Many advanced riders learned on older bikes with steep head angles and high seats. But modern MTB geometry and dropper posts force riders to adapt their body positioning and technique.
“The sport has evolved significantly in terms of riding techniques, gear, and trail design,” says Charlotte Batty, owner of Minii Adventures Mountain Bike Experiences. “Lessons help experienced riders adjust to these changes, improving their overall ride quality.”
A pair of trained eyes can identify your issues. Photo by Minii Adventures Inc.
Avoid “YouTube University”—why professional feedback matters
You can learn anything on YouTube these days, but nothing beats real-time feedback from a professional MTB coach. “Riders who try to learn from ‘YouTube University’ often become overwhelmed or confused,”Batty warns. “They’re missing the key component of feedback, which is essential for progress.”
Customized MTB coaching: no riding with beginners necessary
One of the biggest concerns for advanced riders is that taking lessons means riding with beginners. But that’s not the case. MTB coaches like Batty offer personalized lessons tailored to your specific goals.
“We start with a detailed conversation about your strengths, weaknesses and riding style,” Batty explains. “Lessons are customized with drills and real-world trail application, ensuring you get professional feedback suited to your level.”
Final thoughts: you’ll never stop learning
“People often think there’s nothing left to learn in mountain biking,” says Davies. “But somewhere between where you are and where the pros are, there’s always room for improvement.”
Whether you’re looking to ride faster, smoother, or simply better, MTB lessons are for everyone—no matter how experienced.
So, book that MTB lesson and become the rider you’ve always wanted to be.
Charlotte Batty putting on a clinic (literally). Photo by Minii Adventures Inc.
The post You don’t need MTB lessons…or do you? appeared first on Canadian Cycling Magazine.
