Mountain Bike Tour with Title Nine

Celia of Mountain Biking Marin organized a ride near Muir Beach for a group of us from Title Nine. We were a diverse set, some of us were road riders and others mountain bikers of fire roads with not much single-track experience. Celia brought us onto some amazing trails, with climbs that snaked back and forth through switchbacks up into the hills along the coast.

We were challenged in ways that we never imagined, and she coached us through. There were many challenges and obstacles that we would have never tried on our own but with Celia we were able to make them. She let us each decide if we wanted to try challenging sections and never made us feel bad if we wanted to walk a section. She was motivating and totally supportive. She is an AMAZINGLY experienced rider and seems to know every trail in Marin that exists (and some that don't).

Overall, it was an awesome afternoon – a complete blast of an adrenaline rush and I now have a ton more confidence in how to handle myself on the bike on all kinds of terrain! - Will K.

The Hot Mama Mountain Bike Clinic was a Success!

Thanks to all the Hot Mamas for the great clinic on Saturday, May 29th!

Below is a picture with almost everyone... we took the picture at the end of the clinic after some of the hot mamas were already gone. :-(

Here are some of the comments and emails we received after the clinic:

"Saturday's clinic was so fun.  Thank you for all you do to empower and strengthen women - in mind, body and spirit.  I will be in touch within the week to schedule another one on one instruction. Have a great day!"

"Christina: I am going to tell my husband to send you flowers 'cause I ended the day a more confident rider"

"Celia, The clinic was awesome.  I feel that I "got my groove back" and that mountain biking will again be a joy for me.  You are a skilled athlete and a talented instructor.  I also enjoyed Jackie and the other women that taught the clinic.  Sincere gratitude."

"Hi Celia, Thank you again for a great clinic.  I have to say your first clinic I took built my confidence up so much, I don't know if you remember I was a brand new to mountain biking and fell on a few switchbacks.  The second clinic has made another big advance in my riding skills. I rode Tamarancho the next day and practiced the moves you taught and felt I rode it the best I ever have...(made every switch back and went through the rock garden without dabbing). You are an amazing instructor.  I am recommending your clinics to all my friends!"

Visit Mountain Biking Marin for information
about upcoming Mountain Bike clinics.

Mark Pester (Texas), Mountain Biking in Marin

While out in Nor Cal I wanted to experience some mountain biking in the famous Marin County, birthplace of the sport. I was ready to ride Tamarancho and kick butt! Boy what a humbling experience when I was faced with the steepest, tightest switchbacks I've ever seen or attempted to ride right from the start. I was lucky to be riding with Celia whose experience and patience helped get me up (and down) the mountain.

Celia was able to teach me so much on our 3 hour tour of Tamarancho that I feel that when I return I can ride this area with much more confidence. Being a roadie who just recently decided to get back into mountain biking the knowledge gained from spending time with Celia will be put to good use as I practice on the limited trails I have back home.

Celia you are so fortunate to have such a beautiful area to ride right out of your back door. Thanks for sharing this with me and I look forward to returning and riding Tamarancho on my next trip out.

Visit Mountain Biking Marin for more information about tours and clinics.

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.

Downhill and Cross Country Mountain Bike Clinics

Special Cross Country (XC) & Downhill (DH) Skill Clinic Event

Saturday October 17th & Sunday October 18th,2009
Presented by Mountain Biking Marin
Event Powered by Mike's Bikes   

Mountain Biking Marin  held a very succesful DownHill (DH) and CrossCountry (XC) clinic offered by an incredible team of instructors and helpers. (From left to right: Mary, Shanti, Johanna, Brian, Chad, Celia, Leigh, and Christina).

A special thanks to Reel Motion Sports and Michael Brill, who got great footage of the clinic capturing all participants doing the many drills we practiced on the trails.







And last but not least, thank you to all the participants who made this event possible.