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Dirt Magazine to 2009 Pro 4x and Jr. Cat 1 Downhill US National Champion Mitch Ropelato in a interview in the Oct. 2009 issue:
Dirt Magazine: “You seem to be able to turn amazingly, what do you put that down to? Got any special tires on there?
Mitch Ropelato: “Ya, Gene Hamilton is to thank for that, I took is clinic last December in Bootleg Canyon and he was able to show me the correct technique I needed to pull them off.”
With over 20 years of coaching experience including 13 years coaching downhill mountain biking, BetterRide Head coach Gene Hamilton knows how to get you riding at your best. He has coached many of the best US racers (National Champion Mitch Ropelato, Brian Buell, Trevor Tinkino, Pan Am Champion Jackie Harmony, Joey Schusler and many others*). Gene is a pretty good racer too, in 16 seasons as a pro downhill racer he has won a Silver (2002) and two Bronze Medals (2006, 1999) at the UCI World Masters Championships.
You will learn the core, fundamental skills of downhill mountain bike riding and racing. These core skills are not intuitive, unless someone taught you them it is unlikely that would know, understand and most importantly consistently do them.
Few US racers know the core skills and even fewer can do them well (which is the main reason the U.S does poorly at the international level) BetterRide Head Coach Gene Hamilton did not learn many of these skills until his sixth through tenth seasons as a pro racer. Our BetterRide coaches really get the rider to understand these techniques with our explanations, demonstrations, drills and then on trail application of the skills. You will also learn the drills that you will take home with you for further practice to master these skills.
Core Mountain Biking Skills Learned In Camp
Starting in a safe learning environment we explain the skill, demonstrate the skill and have you practice the skill utilizing drills that you will continue to use long after the camp. Once you understand the skills we then apply them on the trail. Here at BetterRide we really enjoy helping others and would love to share these techniques and the drills for practicing, getting good at and eventually mastering these techniques with you.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
We have designed our Downhill Mountain Bike Camps to help you with both the mental and physical sides of downhill mountain biking. Our goal is to help you reach your potential whether you are an just getting into the sport or an experienced pro racer. You will be taught the core skills of mountain biking and the drills to master these skills. Learning and becoming proficient at these skills will allow you to ride in balance and in control making you a more efficient and confident rider.
“Wow, after years of racing professionally in the US and on the World Cup you (Gene Hamilton) really improved my understanding of cornering. I am cornering faster and with more confidence”. Chris Van Dine - Cannondale factory team, after just one 6 hour session
3 Day Downhill Mountain Bike Skills Coaching Fee: $719 (includes lifts or shuttles), $610 w/ a season pass, $618 at Angel Fire, NM. Downhill camps with Guest Coach Greg Minnaar are $799 including lifts.
June 21-23 Northstar, CA Downhill Camp
July 5-7 North East (location TBD) Downhill Camp
July 19-21 Colorado (location TBD) Downhill Camp
July 26-28 Northstar, CA Downhill Camp
August 2-4 East Coast (location TBD) Downhill Camp
