How do I know my skill level?


Intro ~ This is an introduction to mountain biking.  This group is perfect for the first time rider who has never ridden on dirt trail or someone who has maybe only ridden on dirt a few times.  You are physically fit (or looking to get there!), adventurous and want to learn more about mountain biking.  Don't have a bike?  We offer FREE rentals to Intro and Beginner riders.  


Beginner Criteria


~ You have been mountain biking for at least one (1) year.

~ You have decent general riding skills and good fitness, but lack the ability and confidence to tackle terrain beyond a beginner level.

~ You have a basic understanding of braking, shifting and steering and can handle riding smooth dirt paths with few rocks, roots and technical areas.

~ You are comfortable riding small logs (up to 3").

~ You may be looking to improve your fitness and can only handle riding for a few hours before tiring.


To further assist in self-evaluation, the Beginner level will be split into three groups:


Beginner Group 1

~ You have been mountain biking for at least one year, but you are still timid on the trail.  You have either lost (or never gained) the confidence to try new obstacles on your own.  You fear riding with others as you do not want to hold them up either due to either a lack of confidence or possibly a lack in physical fitness. 


Beginner Group 2

~ You have been mountain biking for at least one year and feeling more confident on the trails you ride regularly.  You may be timid at first over new obstacles, but you are willing to give them a try with help.   You are becoming more physically fit, but you are not quite ready for long days on the trails. 


Beginner Group 3

~ You have been mountain biking for at least a year and are very confident on the trail.  You are looking for a challenge and are close to progressing to an Intermediate level, but still need some guidance and encouragement before feeling confident enough to move up.   You have ridden a variety of trails and are fairly confident even on trails you do not know.  You are physically fit and can ride for several hours at a time.


Intermediate Criteria


~You have been mountain biking for over two (2) years and have solid intermediate-level skills.

~ You mountain bike often and are comfortable with almost all aspects of mountain biking and can handle more technical terrain with rocks, roots and small logs (up to 6").

~ You have good control of your bike on intermediate to slightly more advanced trail and are comfortable climbing on technical single track.

~ You are physically fit and can handle riding for several hours at a time.

        * you must be able to perform a front and rear wheel lift as well as ride logs up to 6" in diameter.


To further assist in self-evaluation, the Intermediate level will be split into three groups:


Intermediate Group 1

~ While you have been mountain biking for a little over two years and may have solid Intermediate skills, you still tend to question your ability riding new obstacles or trails.  You may be someone who has ridden in the past and after several years coming back to the sport, but have technical abilities beyond a Beginner level.  You may not be as physically fit and worry about holding up others when riding in a group.


Intermediate Group 2

~ You have been riding for two or more years and feel confident on the trails and obstacles you ride regularly, but you may be lacking confidence when trying something new.  Some obstacles are still intimidating, but you are looking for a challenge with the help of a coach.  You are physically fit and can handle riding for several hours, multiple days in a row.


Intermediate Group 3

~ You are close to progressing to an Advanced level and are looking for additional guidance and encouragement before doing so.  You are physically fit and can handle riding for several hours a day, multiple days in a row.  You waiver between an Intermediate and Advanced level, but don't want to feel like you are holding up Advanced level riders.


 

We strive to offer the most safe, responsible and effective guidance to all our participants.  All riders must participate in a skills evaluation.  Please read and understand the skill level criteria prior to registering.  There will be NO REFUNDS given in the event you have signed up for a group that is above your riding capacity and you are asked to move to a group more appropriate for your skill and/or fitness level.


What should I bring for the clinic?


* Bike ~ Unless you are renting one.  ** Please makes sure your bike is in good working order prior to the clinic.

* Helmet ~ You must have a helmet in order to participate in the clinic.

* Gym shoes or clip-in bike shoes ~ depending on your pedals.  FLAT PEDALS ARE PREFERRED AND ENCOURAGED FOR THIS CLINIC

* Gloves ~ Optional, but recommended.

* Sunglasses/Sun Block

* Full water bottle or Hydration Pack

* SNACK FOOD!  ~ A catered continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, however you may want to bring additional items.  Kindly keep in mind that coffee and a single banana will only get you through the first half hour.  Please eat!

* Extra clothing ~ Something you can change into when the day is over.

* Towel


Is there an age limit for this event?


There is no age limit for this event.  Past participants have ranged in age from 12 to 68 years old.  Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian on-site through out the clinic.  Please keep in mind this is a long, hot day and may not be suitable for children with little to no mountain biking experience.  You know your child's experience and limitations, so please keep this in mind when registering for this event.


I haven't been on a bike in years and I am horribly out of shape.  Can I still do this clinic?


Yes!  Even if you have not been on a bike in years, you can still participate in this clinic.  The Intro groups is a great way to get back on the bike or give mountain biking your first try.  Instructors will teach you basic handling and shifting and drills on the pavement will give you the chance to get comfortable on the bike.  Please keep in mind this can be a long , physically demanding day.  While we do recommend some level of physical fitness, you know your body better than anyone.


I don't have a bike, but I would like to attend.  Do you have a bike I can use?


Yes!.  From the beginning, we have always offered FREE rentals to our participants who don't have a bike or to those who would like to try and "upgraded" bike from what they are currently riding.  Limited rentals are available from Bicycle Garage Indy and must be reserved in advance. 


Do I need to sign up online or can I sign up the day of the clinic. 


THIS EVENT SELLS OUT!  Onsite registration is not available.  Please register online in order to guarantee your spot.  Only open to 90 women in 2015!


Who is coaching at this event?


The Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic was the first clinic in the county to use all certified mountain bike instructors!  We have been incorporating the teaching methods and techniques of the International Mountain Bicycling Association's Instructor Certification Program (IMBA-ICP) since 2010.  All of our coaches have been certified  and are able to offer the most consistent instruction throughout all skill levels.  While the event has featured many internationally recognized riders such as Shaums March, Tammy Donahue and Lindsey Voreis, the core of our coaches are not professional riders or former pro-racers.  Instead, they are recreational riders who have taken the time (and paid the money!) to be professionally trained as mountain bike instructors to better the sport in their own communities.  The Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic gives these coaches the opportunity to come together and instruct alongside other certified individuals from across the country. 


Where is the best place to stay while I am in town for the event?


One of the joys of the Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic is camping alongside the participants, coaches and volunteers.  If you like to camp (or want to give it a try!) the best place to stay is the official on-site camping at the exclusive event campground at Brown County State Park.  Participant tent camping is FREE and guests are welcome for only $10 per person, per night.    Kids 14 and under are free.  Online registration is available.  The camping area will open at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 6.  This is a group rally site.  There are no electric hook ups.  These sites are primitive tent camping spaces on a first come, first serve basis.  Picnic tables and campfire rings are scattered throughout the area.  Firewood is available at the campground store.


BrownCounty.com is the best resource to find additional lodging, restaurants, or just about anything around the area.  Hotels.com is also a good resource for finding "chain" hotels in Columbus, IN or Bloomington, IN (approx 18 miles away).


Is camping restricted to just clinic participants?


No.  Camping is not restricted to just clinic participants.  We highly encourage participants to bring a spouse, significant other or friend for the weekend.  Guest camping is available for $10 per person/night.  Children 14 and under camp free.  Guest camping can be paid for onsite or in advance through the event registration page.


Are trails open to the public the weekend of the clinic?


Yes.  Trails are open to the public throughout the weekend.  With over 25 miles of trail (and growing), the IMBA-Epic Brown County mountain bike trail system has enough sweet single track to keep everyone occupied!


What if it rains the weekend of the clinic?


THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!  The skills taught at the Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic can easily be done in a field or parking, meaning riding trails is not necessary.  Brown County State Park has some of the best built trails in the Midwest and these trails tend to dry quickly, even after heavy rains.  Unless there is lightning and a continuous heavy downpour the morning of the event, the clinic will go on.


I signed up for the clinic, but not I can't make it.  Can I get a refund?

Cancellation Policy


~ Cancellations received more than 10 days before the event will receive a full refund, minus a $50 administration fee.

~ Cancellations received 4 to 10 days before the event will receive a 50% refund.

~ Cancellations received 3 or fewer days before the event or a "no show" at the event will not be eligible for a refund.


Registrations are transferable ONLY if the new entry is for the same skill level as the original registration. 


If you have a question that has not been answered in our FAQ, please send an email to info@midwestwomensclinic.com