Mountain Bike Clinic in Marin

www.mountainbikingmarin.com

"I had a superb private instruction with Celia.  She taught me a variety of key technical skills including tactics for steep descents, tight switchbacks, manuals.  Equally important, she gave me great insights into mental techniques, which are a critical component of mountain biking especially in challenging or new terrain.  Overall, she offers very helpful instruction, and I would encourage riders of all levels to work with Celia."  - Greg

 

Mountain Biking and a Happy Husband

"Thank you so much for teaching me some good bike tricks. My husband (Chris) has been super excited because I gained confidence and I ride better. We have mountain biked in Nevada City, Tahoe, and in Marin for the past two weekends, and he was very impressed.

I think the changes you made to my bike set up helped a lot, and also the tricks we learned, while talking about the center of gravity of the bike.

Thank you so much for helping me be a better mountain biker!!"
- Lorena

www.mountainbikingmarin.com 

Photo by @Sally_K

Mountain Biking and Making Friends in Marin

What is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of our vacation in California… it is the mountain bike trip in Marin County with Celia. Actually we were extremely excited when we planned this even though we did not know what the tour would be like or if we have technical skills to survive.

To make a long story short, the 2 days that we did spent with Celia exceeded our expectations. From the very beginning we were sure that Celia was the right person for us. She is not only a great mountain biker but she also knows this region extremely well and gives you the confidence that you need to jump into a new adventure.

Both days were extremely well planned by Celia. The first day at China Camp State Park was to experience the region and also to go through some technical skill lessons. The second day at Camp Tamarancho was more of a challenge on both, physical and mental strengths. But this is exactly what we like! We were looking for something that goes beyond what we did before to experience something new.

Thank you, Celia… it did work for us and we definitely made some great steps to improve our mountain biking skills. 

Sounds like a tough two days… and yes, it was exhausting but it was also a lot of fun. And the beer after an exhausting mountain bike trip was just what we needed. We are Germans with quite some experience when it comes to taste of beer… and to be honest, the local beer from True North in San Anselmo, Marin County can definitely keep up with German beer! J

We are extremely thankful that we had the chance to meet Celia and Sally and to have two great mountain bike tours in beautiful Marin County.

Kerstin and Birgit   

A Day of Mountain Biking in the San Francisco Bay Area

Early into 2013, my now fiance and I had been planning to visit San Francisco on our way back from the UK. This gave me the great idea of allowing my fiance a day to herself pampering in San Fran which meant I had to occupy myself and what better way than a day of mountain biking.  I searched the web and found Mountain Biking Marin. From the first email from Celia to the final beer from the local craft Marin Brewery at Larkspur after the riding day, I knew this was the right choice.

Mountain Biking Marin was able to offer me a complete variety of riding in all types of terrain and ability.  Arranged the hire of my bike from Sunshine Bicycles which is where we first met and started our ride. I opted for a one-on-one guided mountain bike tour 25-30kms 3-4hrs+/-.

We headed towards Tamarancho which was a circular loop and some good climbing through switchbacks etc, good way to get the blood pumping and settle into the bike, my first 29er. Along the way we stopped at various points for a clinic now and then which was great, Celia is very knowledgeable and encouraging, not only did I have a great ride but learned a few things too.

After every ascent there is always a great descent and this was no exception through a reasonably fast paced rock garden with great views over the San Fran Bay. From some more climbing and on to a flow track which descended 100mts in elevation, this was AWESOME and a great reward for the previous 20 minuets of uphill switchbacks. Once back to the top of the flow track we cruised at a reasonable pace on some fire roads, single track and back into Fairfax. The ride and guided tour was more than I expected and of great value for the money.

After handing back the bike with huge smiles, I was off to the ferry terminal but not before stopping for a well earned specialty Mt. Tam Pale Ale at Marin Brewing Co. with Celia before catching the ferry back across the bay to reality, well as much reality as you get when you are still on a great holiday!


Thank you Celia, Mountain Biking Marin and Sunshine Bicycles.

Marty, New Zealand


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Another Succesful Clinic at Northstar, Tahoe, California

Mountain Biking Marin had another successful clinic at Northstar. Here is the testimonial of a very satisfied customer, Kristy DeCoursey:

Over the past 2 years, Northstar has been high in my sites of places I was really really excited and stoked to say the least, to check out! I mean downhill awesomeness without having to pedal to the top to ride it! I'm in! First time I went with friends all of us newbies to "DH" riding so we rode our full suspension cross country bikes. A few runs into the awe inspiring park, one of us crashed pretty bad, resulting in broken glasses and deeply "scraped" arm, hip and leg. Needless to say the "Epic Day" of "Riding Northstar" was over.

Still with the bug in me about a year later I went again for the second time with one of the same newbie buddies. This second time I rented a DH bike at Northstar and they also provided me with a full face helmet, pads and body armour. My buddy had bought a bike, so we were all set this time! Well 1 - 1/2 runs into another "Epic Day" of "Riding Northstar", my buddy crashed (face planted) on Livewire and got a concussion, we were AGAIN done!

So I talked to Celia Graterol of Mountain Biking Marin and she said some things that she does when she rides there that I hadn't even thought of and also she backed me up with some things I had thought of. She said I should go up with her for a day, so 2 weeks later I went to Northstar for the third time, on August 16th 2013 we did it. And I can finally say I had an "EPIC DAY" of "RIDING NORTHSTAR!" I had a full fun fun fun and safe day of riding and now feel much much more confident and better rider as I always do when I ride with Celia, she is not only a great great rider but an excellent teacher. Not all great riders are good teachers, that is for sure! I still have the bug in me and now on a different level, CAN'T WAIT to go back again and again SOON!

Thank you, Thank you Celia I had a great day!

Mountain Biking in the Winter

I WILL be riding this rainy season! I’m lucky to have some trails in Pebble Beach near my house which stay in pretty good shape and are a nice mix of riding. I am still practicing the skills Celia taught me, and have gotten much better at The Manual; I regularly clear obstacles I couldn’t before. Thanks!

I was talking to my brother the other day about coming up to ride Tamarancho with him as soon as both our schedules calm down a bit. I told him you mentioned the great switchbacks there and there are very few around here on the Monterey Peninsula.

Hope to connect with you again sometime on the trails! Say HI to Jackie for me, too.

Dave Whipple

Tricia and Scott mountain biking in Marin

Tricia and I continue riding 20-30 miles per week and are still completely hooked. Our fitness continues to improve and Tricia is really gaining speed. Last Saturday (12/19) we did a 20+  mile ride with our club.  Wednesday we did our weekly night ride on a trial that included many many switchbacks. We rode the trail out and back... so...we had to navigate all the switchbacks both uphill and downhill.  I cleaned everything expect one DH switchback and that was only a dab. 

Thank you again for all of your tips. We both thought you were very patient with us and you did a great job explaining things to us and breaking things into smaller steps.

                          

Conor Donovan, Bike Skills Clinic

I had a great time at the the DH clinic on Sunday and would like to thank all of you for your instruction and valuable tips - especially for getting me to hit the gap jumps in Boyscout - your encouragement definitely helped! I'd appreciate it if you could pass on my gratitude to Johanna also. Also I'd like to thank Brian for allowing us to demo the enduros - lovely bikes.

I would love the opportunity to ride with you again or if you could point me to where there is more downhill / freeriding in the Bay Area I'd appreciate that also.

Jeff Grey, Mountain Bike Clinic with Celia and Brian

I knew that to improve my mountain biking skills and enjoyment, I needed some tips and techniques to overcome some fear and challenges I was experiencing. Immediately, Celia and Brian were able to recommend some equipment adjustments and additions that were very helpful. Our working session primarily focused on switchbacks and steep ascents/descents and with Celia’s expertise and skillful demonstrations and instruction, I was able to quickly understand what to do and then repeatedly practice the techniques. I feel much more confident now as a result of the private one-on-one instructional session. You might not initially think you need a lesson, but I would encourage you to consider taking advantage of her knowledge and expertise to improve your overall mountain biking experience.

Tim Kuenster, Bike Skills Clinic

Wanted to again extend my thanks to you and the entire team. Brian, Chad, Christina, Mike, Johanna, and yourself each brought a wonderful bit to the clinic to help us learn and progress our own skills. I greatly enjoyed spending time with you all and look forward to our next outing.

Also, hope you have a great play week this week with Johanna! Go away rain! Thanks! Tim

Mark Bernal, Bike Skills Clinic

You and the instructors are awesome!!! I had a great time and I left the clinic knowing I got my moneys worth. It was great not to be rushed and going through each skill at a steady pace will make a big impact on my mountain bike riding going forward.

David Harding, Bike Skills Clinic

Thanks again for organizing a great clinic. I learned so much it’s going to keep me busy practicing all the new skills and tips. I have to say that on the way up, I wondered what exactly I’d signed up for. But with all the patient instruction and demonstration of how to handle the gnarly bits, it was a great confidence booster and lots of fun.

In particular your team of instructors is brilliant, including Johanna and Brian who make it all look so easy, but were great at breaking things down into understandable concepts. They also took the time to focus on specific areas of my riding technique (or lack thereof!) that had an immediate impact in improving my riding. Plus Michael with his camera really helped me on the jumps.

For a group event, the level of personal instruction was way above expectations ? and it was a great group.

Finally I have to say that a big part of the enjoyment was being able to tackle the trails on a quality bike. Hats off to Mike’s Bikes for the demo Enduros.

Maureen Gaffney (California, United States)

For three years in a row I haphazardly entered and raced the Downieville Downhill, a challenging one-hour + downhill race on challenging terrain--the only "downhill" race with a significant climb thrown in for good measure. While I fancied myself a fairly accomplished mountain biker, the first year I was 6th out of 8, the second year I looked at a rock wrong and ended up clinging to a tree suspended over the canyon with a broken rib, and the third year I don't remember so it clearly didn't end with me on the podium.
      
Before my fourth attempt, I decided it was time to call in professional help. I needed to bag this thing once and for all. I had a lesson with Celia on a challenging single track in Marin, myself and one other student. Celia knew every subtle twist and drop on the route and stopped us before each obstacle so we could walk, discuss, and dissect it. Her intuitive understanding of my capabilities (and limitations) and those of my fellow student were confidence inspiring. We spent time on each section, going over and over it until it felt like a trip down the bike path.   

Armed with a new resolve and skillset, I awaited my start at the top of the Downieville course, podium in my sights, and Celia's lyrical Latina voice in my head coaching, goading, prodding me to finally claim this race. With Celia's help and a whole lotta luck in the form of no flat tires, I cleaned the entire course (okay, I didn't ride the waterfall....or the rock face.....) and came in 1st, a full 6 minutes ahead of 2nd place, and most importantly, fully intact with a dirt-laced smile on my face.

Publish Post

Many many thanks to Celia for teaching me to take the time, and for her keen understanding of when to scream at me (lovingly), and when to say "we'll do it next time".

Christina Toms aka "Woodchuck" (California, United States) Mountain Biking in Marin

Celia rules! There is no one I would rather ride with when trying out a new trail or skill for the first time. I've been lucky enough to attend many clinics and rides with Celia, and I always come away with improved skills, increased confidence, and joyful memories.

I always feel safe when riding with Celia - she's an excellent judge of skills and abilities and I know that she'll never try to take me down a trail or obstacle I can't handle. She's really friendly and encouraging - if you're out with her on the trail, you are guaranteed to have fun! She doesn't tolerate any "hammerhead" nonsense, and creates a mutually supportive, non-judgmental environment on each ride. With her help, I've been able to ride trails I never thought I could ride, and I have a blast every time. I wouldn't be the rider I am today without her. Thanks, Celia!!!

Leigh Etheridge (California, United States)

Thanks Celia! You are an amazing teacher, you inspire confidence and you really know how to break bike skills down so that they are easy to understand and master! I have learned so much from riding with you over the past several years, thanks!

Celia's clinics are awesome, they can help anyone at any level improve their mountain biking skills. You'll be riding better and faster and down steeper descents than you ever imagined!! Celia knows all the great trails and fun spots in Marin and in the Bay Area. And you can't beat the views from the rides she takes you on and best of all you'll never get lost when you're with Celia!

Robin van Vliet (California, United States)

Read about Robin's private mountain biking lesson at Yelp!.

Todd (San Francisco, United States)

Celia helped me discover the world of singletrack outside my door. I have been an avid rider but made the mistake of looking at trail maps and DRIVING as far as the Santa Cruz Mountains (ie. Soquel Demonstration Forrest) up to Santa Rosa (i.e. Annadel Creek) as well as Downieville and Truckee for my thrills.

Yes, even experienced local riders owe it to themselves to discover the hidden trails of Marin with Celia. In addition, she can quickly identify your habitual riding errors that largely go unnoticed until it is too late, when you are already on the ground. As a 40 year old, recovery from falls simply takes too long and Celia's on the spot instruction of proper technique will help you keep the "rubber side down."

The mountain bike world has a very maverick appeal and as a result people are often self taught, with an occasional pointer from friends. Think about it, we think nothing of spending 100 bucks or more on a pair of riding shorts but invest little into what really matters, riding the bike. Simply put, there is a reason people are passing you on the trail, even as an experienced rider, because they have had instruction! And if you think you are too old to go both faster and safer, Celia won the 2006 US National Downhill at my age! 

Todd launching off a ramp and ready for a perfect landing.

Todd launching off three ramps in a row!

Lani Green (Marin, United States) Mountain Biking Skill Clinic

Thank you Celia! What a fun day out on the mountain. Your patience and humor really helped to boost our confidence for the switchback clinic. It was so great how you could recognize and then articulate each of our different and specific needs to take us to the next level of riding.

Thank you for knowing exactly when and how to challenge us just the right amount to improve our skills. With your help, riding is so much more fun now.   

Lani successfully coming out of a switchback during a Hot Mama clinic in Tamarancho.

Carl Coletti (San Francisco, United States)

Celia Graterol understands the physical and mental aspects of taking a person with a lot more desire than common sense and pointing them in the right direction in my case DH (downhill....).

Being a former road racer having been off of a bike for twenty years and deciding that downhill courses looked like way more fun than being on a road bike, a little voice in the back of my mind told me that i might seek some sort of instruction to limit any injuries related to lack of proper form and general trail cluelessness.

A google search for downhill instructors in San Francisco / Marin led me to Celia Graterol.

Celia's skills, patience and understanding all played a major part in my realizing my dreams of blasting down Fairfax, Mount Tam and Pacifica downhill trails hitting rock gardens, steep descents, jumps, drops, cornering and feeling comfortable and confident at speed. Celia never hesitated to walk through ...talk through...go through....review....the mental and physical barriers associated with this type of riding . Celia's riding technique and understanding of theory are only rivaled by her sense of humor and personality perfectly suited to teaching in some of the most beautiful outdoor classrooms in the world....

Celia is truly a mountain bike midwife of dreams.
My bike and I thank her for our two wheeled deliverance.

Carl at the top of Mt. Tam East Peak, Marin county, California.    
                                 

Andrea (Marin County, CA)

Celia has a striking personality that makes her a joy to ride with. She never pushed me too hard and was always there to offer her years of experience to help me clear the more hairy areas. Sure, I'm a beginner, and those so-called hairy areas probably weren't too horrible, but you know what I mean. She knows exactly which trail to take you on and matches your pace so you're not pushing yourself. Her fabulous humor makes the ride all the more enjoyable. She's a wonderful teacher and I'd love to continue our lessons in the future.

Andrea riding in the Marin Headlands, Marin County, California.