The Most Important Mountain Biking Skill

On 04/21/2021

Have you ever been told you are really smart? Told/know that you have a high IQ? Are you really analytical?

Then you probably suffer from the same mountain biking skill error I have been fighting all my life – trying to think your way through physical skills!

This article was written for a student who frustrated me because he reminded me so much of myself. They say people are mirrors of you and when something bugs you about someone it is a reflection of something about yourself. It definitely was in this case and I desperately wanted to help him overcome his reliance on his analytical, thinking brain. That part of your brain is great for solving math and engineering problems but terrible at athletic skills. It’s actually not so much that it is terrible at athletic skills it is that it has nothing to do with athletic skills.

Have you ever noticed that knowing a skill doesn’t seem to make you able to do that skill? That’s because you need to train your “procedural memory” not simply understand the skill. If understanding the skill was enough to get you to do a skill, there would be no coaches. Simply read a book and Tada! you’re a great skier, snowboarder, surfer, mountain biker, etc.

I’ve had the same problem as this student all my life. I have to completely understand a skill before I will commit to it. Some of the best athletes fumble when they are asked about their performance. The reason they don’t express themselves very well is that the questions they are asked can’t really be answered. “What were you thinking of as you took off for the double backflip?” Well, she wasn’t thinking, she was doing. Her conscious, thinking brain was shut off. So she has to make stuff up when asked that question.

You’ve experienced the ‘brain shutting off’. It’s called ‘the zone’. That place where everything just seems to happen perfectly as it needs to be done. It is a blissful state that most of us wish we could hit more often.

The book Choke goes into great detail about this. I noticed this the first time I worked with Greg Minnaar. I was explaining a skill and Greg kept saying, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s exactly what I do!” You could tell he was astounded that I could break it down and put it into words. Greg executes most skills so well he has long forgotten or maybe never knew the mechanics of the skill.

I’ve been a geek trying to be cool all my life. It all started one day when I was seven and came home really upset that I didn’t make the baseball team. My sweet mom trying to protect me said, “Honey, you’re just not a natural athlete but, you are so much smarter than those boys, your IQ is blah, blah, blah …”. Not exactly what this seven-year-old boy wanted to hear

Looking back though there was a lot of truth in that statement. School was easy for me, I didn’t even buy textbooks my senior year of college. I just went to class, paid attention, and mostly got A grades. Sports, they were a struggle though. I never passed the presidential fitness test (was often the slowest in the 50-yard dash) and in college, I learned that I had asthma.

So when it came to the two sports I actually did okay in, snowboarding and mountain biking, I knew I couldn’t out power the competition so I tried to outsmart them. Sometimes it worked when I used strategy and “smarter” training programs, but where it didn’t work was in the skills department. I tried to think my way through the skills.

Are you proud of your knowledge of skills, but deep down you know that you aren’t always doing what you know? That was me.

In 2007 I took a great motorcycle camp (American Supercamps) with the hope of learning more about bike handling. I was the only one who asked questions, out of 16-20 riders. When I asked questions all the other students just looked at me with that STFU look. They completely trusted the coach and just did what he said. I had to know “why” before I would buy-in, which, looking back was my problem all through my athletic career (or lack thereof ).

The athletes that just do what the coach says are the lucky ones, their mind doesn’t get in the way. Now, knowing why a skill works do help most of us buy-in and I have spent the last 28 years helping students understand that ‘why’. However, my best students, aren’t focused on why it works. Once they felt a skill work, that was all they needed, they practiced it until they couldn’t get it wrong.

There is hope for the rest of us though. We simply need to find ways to either shut off the over-analyzing part of our brain or distract it.
I first experienced this in 1992 when my snowboard coach would yell multiplication problems at me when I was training. He said when I was solving problems I rode my best. Unfortunately, I didn’t truly understand it then. As a matter of fact, I was confused. How could being distracted be good?

That was before I knew about procedural memory. Once we have trained our procedural memory with structured practice and we shut off or distract our analytical brain, our procedural memory takes over and we rip!

So far, the best way I have found to distract my analytical brain is to use music. I ride best with music at low volume (I have to be able to hear my tires, chain slap, and wind all of which give us cues to what is happening). My favorite riding song is the Gin and Juice cover by The Gourds.
I also practice meditation which helps by focusing my analytical mind on my breathing – letting my body “just do”.

Your assignment is to do drills! Drill in the proper skills in a controlled environment like an empty parking lot. Riding trails is not skills training time, as you quickly lose focus and return to any old, ingrained bad habits you may have. When on trail, work on shutting off or distracting your analytical mind and letting the drilled-in skills take over.

Experiment, try singing, listening to music at a low volume, do multiplication problems, learn to meditate, anything you can do to let your procedural memory take over.
Do you have a favorite way to shut off that overactive mind? Let us know below.

If you know anyone who could benefit from this article feel free to share it.
Shut that brain off and create your best ride yet!

Gene

Comments

12 Comments

Mark Anthony Scarton on 04/21/2021 at 5:22 am

Good call. I’ve found that the best way to unhook my monkey brain is by singing. Generally stupid songs, like “Daisy, daisy”. Or listening to music that matches the conditions and terrain. Aerosmith for skiing bumps, Bob Marley for a powder day, some Charlie Danlels for enduro trail rides, metal for downhilling. Sometimes just brown noise when sounds from others are distracting me from the activity.
Reply
- Gene on 04/21/2021 at 1:22 pm
  
  Hi Mark Anthony,
  
  Singing is awesome! I sing either, This Train is Bound for Glory or hum the Circus Song!
  Reply
Ruth on 04/21/2021 at 6:16 am

After the conversation I had with my husband tonight, I feel like you must of overheard it, wrote this email and sent it to my inbox. I am the same! Analyse the hell out of everything. I also snowboard, for over 20years now, and much newer to MTB. I have learned my biggest hurdles to progression in SB have been due to my overthinking and my progression in MTB has been so much faster cause I am so aware not to think too much. And just recently finally realised yes…drills!! Just do the drills and then go ride and not think so much. I always do better runs when I’m not trying to analyse every corner (duh!) and am a huge fan of music. Always listen to tunes when I ride. If I don’t have my tunes I almost don’t want to ride…I think I know now because it helps me find the flow more and really enjoy my ride. Love your articles so much…so grateful I stumbled across your site. P.S. Your analytical mind has really helped me make some big breakthroughs. Thanks so much
Reply
- Gene on 04/21/2021 at 1:24 pm
  
  Hi Ruth,
  
  I couldn’t have said that better! You are quite welcome, I love helping fellow riders improve!
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Mike Conner on 04/21/2021 at 8:10 am

Wow Gene, thars so true, I operate an excavator and I do my best work when I’m zoned out on a podcast and the machine is ‘running itself’. Thanks for the insight.
Reply
- Gene on 04/21/2021 at 1:27 pm
  
  Hi Mike,
  
  Cool, I love watching big equipment operators when they are in their groove! The grace and precision while moving big objects is amazing! I bet the day just flies by when you are doing that. You are welcome for the insight, I love sharing what I have learned.
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Mark on 04/21/2021 at 9:46 am

I meditate every morning . I have been wanting to use music on my Down hill runs . What ear pods or device do You use to hear music ?
Thanks Gene
Reply
- Gene on 04/21/2021 at 1:32 pm
  
  Hi Mark,
  
  I use some Bluetooth earbuds I bought years ago in Canada. I had a wired pair snag on something leaving just the plug part in my phone and I had to pay a repair guy to pull it out! I’m sure your local electronics store has much better Bluetooth earbuds now. Remember to keep it quiet, you need to hear your tires and chain slap to stay “connected” to your bike (and to hear other trail users).
  
  Create an in the zone ride,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Murray McGrath on 04/21/2021 at 11:40 am

Hi Gene, Thank you for a great article. I’ve can relate to this telemark skiing. There were times when I would be ripping through the tress and everything seemed in slow motion. While waiting at the bottom for my friends, they all said they couldn’t believe how fast I was going and how I picked my line. To me, it seemed normal speed and the line came to me while singing Tom Petty’s Last Dance with Mary Jane…Oh my my, oh hell yes, you gotta put on your party dress. I think the zone came from absolute confidence in my skill set. (40 years of telemarking). The expression- just like riding a bike. – to me is not the same as Mtn biking. I’ve got to make the leap to confidence in my skill set in Mtn biking. Thanks again.
Reply
- Gene on 04/21/2021 at 1:36 pm
  
  Hi Murray,
  
  Thanks for sharing that! What a great feeling, everything slows down and it just feels easy and effortless. I live for that! I can really help you with your confidence on a bike! My course and a few months of drills and you will be as confident as you are when you are freeing your heels on skis!
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply
Simon on 04/21/2021 at 4:07 pm

I used to teach Helicopter flying. One of my ex students reminded me of the time I had her sing the “Gilligans Island” theme song as she was “touching down” (A time where most get tense, and sometimes stop “flying”, in anticipation of “landing”.) Similar scenario.
While learning snowboarding “Nickleback” used to help with the “flow”.
Great article Gene – you “over analyzer”! 🙂
Reply
- Gene on 04/21/2021 at 5:00 pm
  
  Thanks, Simon. Sounds like an awesome helicopter coach!
  Reply

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Rider Reviews

Thanks again, you were a great part of my succees for 2005. I had the best year of my life. Part of which at the age of 52, I entered numerous mtn bike races, podiumed 5 times and won the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association series for my division.

Your instruction, professsionalism and emails went above and beyond all expectations.

Kent Wells
2016

Thanks Coach Gene for your time the last 2 days! Your coaching is spot on! I’m so lucky to have had the chance to spend this time learning from the most passionate mountain biker out there – one who cares about the sport and all the techniques that go into it! Total respect! That’s all I have to say! If anyone is questioning or “thinking” about signing up for his camp- DON’T , just do! Thank you Gene!!!!

Gretchen Wavro

This was by far the best use of both money and time in regards to my mountain bike training.
Its 3 days of my life I will never forget.

Jim, BetterRide Camper

The results are starting to trickle in as I have the time to ride some of my local rides that I track my times on. I’m astonished!

My descending time from the summit of Chimney Gulch to the Beaver Brook cross over dropped from a personal best of 6:51.0 to 5:46.0, for the bottom section it went from a personal best of 13:42.0 to 10:12.2. Considering that I really haven’t had enough time to practice a lot yet, I’m stunned at the improvement. I can also say that I felt more in control than I used to and I cleaned a section I’ve never had the balls to even try before.

Again Gene, I can’t thank you enough. The camp was great. Your ability to break skills down into digestible parts, watch riders and help them refine techniques, your humility and sense of humor make you a world class coach. I’ll be taking your next level two clinic this year and probably a refresher next year.”

Mark Forgy
Expert XC racer, Mountain Bike Fanatic

Just wanted to give you an update and let you know that I am starting to experience the delayed effects of your camp. I knew when the camp ended that I was leaving with some new skills that were helpful immediately. But I also knew there were other skills that were going to take more practice, patience and time. Well, I’m starting to see them.

I’ve been practicing descending the way you instructed us but until the last couple of weeks, I knew I was still faster descending the way I always had – I was just more comfortable that way. But in the last couple of weeks, it all kind of clicked.

I’m not winning any downhill races – yet – but all of a sudden (and it really did seem to happen pretty suddenly) your techniques took over and instead of just using them at low speeds only when I thought about it, I was using them all over the trails and feeling pretty comfortable. Now I find myself only reverting to my old techniques when I come into a corner already off balance. Anyway, thanks, it’s a great feeling – can’t wait to use them on race courses this year!

Sarah Kaufman
Top Pro Endurance Racer

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had big improvements in my racing this year after taking the betteride course (about 10 minutes improvement from last year). I got 2nd place in the beginner category at Eldora, then placed 15th out of 35 in the Sport category at Winterpark in my first ‘sport race’. I passed people on the downhill for the first time in these two races, and am feeling much more confident on the downhills (I hit 31.5 mph max on a tight singletrack in the Eldora race).

Jonathan Jones

Tonight was the first night of practice cyclocross races. The cornering techniques I learned in you camp last weekend rock on the cross bike. I was able to carry speed through the corners and off cambers that I could only dream of last year!

I actually found myself cranking up the speed before the corners instead of braking. Nobody else is using this technique. I found my self keeping pace with stronger riders just on cornering skill alone. Imagine after I’ve a had a few weeks to practice.

I had best time of my life on a mountain bike at your camp, and look forward to doing another one next spring.

Chris Cornelison
September 24, 2010

I took your Neshaminy clinic in June. I wanted to fill you in on my race results. I raced all season in the Midatlantic Super Series in Women’s Sport. I won the overall championship! I am so happy that I won! I will be moving up to Elite next year.

I’ve been doing the drills you taught for 20 minutes, twice a week. I almost always preride my race courses. I work on hard sections to figure out the best lines. Since the clinic, I have noticed that my balance has improved tremendously.

So, Gene… thank you for the clinic. I still tell all my riding buddies about it. Especially how you break down the mechanics of everything that you teach. I let them know how you explain the physics behind the techniques. I tell them that the learning environment you provide is the perfect way to learn something, practice it, and really get it. I’d love to do a refresher course.

Angie Wallace
September 15, 2009

Attending Gene’s camp in Sedona was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. You can read skills articles and watch the youtube videos all day, but these will never engrain the skills needed to become a good mountain biker.

Gene’s course teaches you all of the primary skills, and then he drills them into you. You repeat these drills under his watchful eye until the become engrained. It’s been about 9 months since I attended the course and I still hear Gene correcting me if I’m going about an obstacle or turn in the wrong position.

I still make every ride a learning experience because of what he taught, and my riding has improved immensely as a result. Thanks Gene!

Steven Peyton
August, 2018

Just wanted to show you what your lessons made me do this past weekend! If you click on the photo or link to the photo album look through the album and on the 2nd page, bottom row, there’s a great shot of me doing what you taught me to do with my elbows-totally Brian Lopes style.

I was impressed to see myself doing that-a big change in my riding style and I know it’ll make me faster in the long run.

So thanks and I may have some time coming up where I can make it to one of your camps-I’ll let you know.

Amanda Riley, Kenda, Titus, Hayes Team
Winners of 2008, 24 hours of Old Pubelo

Thanks again for holding the camp last weekend. I was finally able to get out and ride yesterday on the falcon trail (loop that goes around the Air Force Academy). There are two sections that I have had problems with in the past. One is a tight turn with two drop offs that are oddly spaced and the landing slopes off into some bushes. I’ve ridden the trail a dozen times and walked that section most times. Once I tried it and endo‘ed into the bushes. When I rode it yesterday, I cleared it with confidence.

I kept repeating to myself “Do or Do Not – There Is No Try” I relaxed, saw the line I wanted to take, found my balance and went through the section very controlled – it was great!

The next section is a steep switchback climb with a ton of sand. I have never made that turn, although I have tried to every time I’ve ridden the trail. This time I approached the switchback using the techniques and strategy you taught us. The result – made it! No problem!

The last thing I noticed is that the whole ride was smoother. I focused primarily on the vision techniques – and body position skills. The ride felt slower than what I normally ride, but it was actually six minutes faster! Absolutely amazing!
Brad
Oct. 8, 2008 (5 days after his 3-day coaching session)

My son took your camp in winter park at age 14. He is 16 and just completed the Laramie Epic (30 miles) last weekend. He placed 2 in the age bracket 0-29. He continues to use your techniques and tips. Smooth is fast! Your worksheets are worn out and weathered from continued use! Worth it….you bet!!!

Sheila Palmer
July 2019

Your camp gave me the confidence to go out and try a few races this summer. My first race was in the beginner 40 to 45 age class in the “Point to Point” cross country race in Winter Park. While I certainly did not break any records – I at least had a respectable finish and more importantly had a total blast.

My second race was a Super D (much more my style in that there is MUCH less uphill cranking) at Winter Park where I got a second place finish in my age group. 3rd race was a Mountain States Cup Super D race in Copper where I came in tenth. Again no records but still having a total blast.

My friends the same age as me think I am crazy doing this stuff but I think they are crazy to be sitting on their arses. Again, thank you for giving me the confidence to go out there and try some racing and hopefully in the near future I will be in another one of your camps!

Will Edgington
September, 2009

Thanks for the e-mail. By the way, after completing your camp in Arizona, I dropped 5 minutes off my previous best lap time at the 12 hours of Temecula mountain bike race (59 to 54 minutes). Obviously, this was a significant breakthrough.

I’ve also noticed that by being a smoother and more efficient rider and by decoupling my body from the bike, I exert less energy and travel faster. “Looking to victory” works like a charm. Most importantly, the basic skills I was exposed to in your camp (and continue to develop) have made mountain biking more enjoyable.

Keith
January 2008

I’ve been wanting to pass on a personal success story. I participated in my first mountain bike race in Copper Harbor, MI. I placed 6th in my age group (over 6 min. behind 3rd place) on a very technical course. Considering the field, I was happy with the results.

My goal after the BetterRide camp was to be in the top 3 in the same race with a similar field. With my new found skills I placed 1st this time with 2nd place over 7 min. behind. I tore it up! Thanks, I’m always telling people that no matter how much they think they know how to ride a mountain bike, they owe it to themselves to attend one of your camps. A year later I still practice my skills every time I’m out.

BTW, a while back you suggested some reading material. I chose Body, Mind Mastery by Dan Millman. (in audio book form). Not only do I feel it helped my mountain bike skills with things like, how tension is counter productive and how the “opponent is not the enemy, but instead the teacher” it also helped me in my own personal life. Good recommendation!
Keep up the good job.

Rich Schmit
April 2011

Gene and fellow BetterRiders!
I have been smiling all day long today, thinking about our rad weekend together! I taught 4 of my kids how to do wheelies today and they thought I was super cool for a solid 5 minutes until they had it completely mastered and were smoking past my on their rear wheels.

Thank you forever, Gene, for sharing your passion and deciding to teach. An empowering, motivating, completely exhilarating weekend. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning with my new toy. It was a total honor to cross paths with you all!

Currently standing on one leg while I brush my teeth and dictate this email…
Jen

Friends took the 3 day a while ago and really enjoyed it.

I didn’t think I was ready for that but I hired him privately for most of a day. Best experience going. It helped my skiing also. Eyes, eyes and balance via movement on the bike.

Steamboat in the rain…..

John Rostenbur

MTB Skills Camp in Fraser, CO. It was amazing. Phenomenal skills coach, Coach Gene Hamilton, literally broke down the fundamentals of mountain biking in 3 days. Super fun fellow campers. Enjoyed every bit.

Now I need to practice and strengthen some new neural circuits. If you want to improve your MTB skills, no matter your level, take a course from Better Ride.
Patricia George

Thank you, Gene! I thoroughly enjoyed your skills camp. One of the most effective learning environments I have experienced to date. Now it is all about due diligence!

I am interested in a “day with Gene in Moab” and future course offerings.

Ryan Bertram

Gene, The first thing I did was buy some cones. My drive way is pretty steep so can do switch backs there. My pedal wheelies are coming along. Yesterday I had a bit of a breakthrough ride with my vision. On a ride with some small drop offs I realized by using the vision technique I was more balanced, more comfortable and jumped further without trying.

That was the best clinic I have ever done. Thanks for the reading list. I’ve read a number of those books but I now have more to read.

Don Leet