I had a blast completing my first gravel events last year and have already signed up for 2 more this year! However, I previously was just a roadie and would really like to increase my comfort and abilities on knarlier gravel roads and even maybe single track. I found people blasting by me on some of the more harrowing trail surfaces during these events. I am thinking of taking some kind of introduction to mountain biking workshop or lessons, thinking it would give me some initial instruction and some techniques to subsequently practice on my own.
So, thoughts? Has anyone else done something like this? Is so, was it helpful? And what type of MTB riding and teaching format was it? There is a downhill mountain not far from house that offers a 101 workshop day including bike rental that I find tempting.
Sounds like a good idea to me. On group rides I've seen many who don't have or know basic handling and survival skills I realized came from MTB riding. I also find a lot of enthusiastic MTB riders need those skills. Our IMBA chapter sponsors a large race and the latter really stood out while I was volunteering. To me it's basic safety. A few associates who've become bicycle enthusiasts have had some really bad crashes I do not think would happen with more bike handling skills.
Fat bike snow riding season is also a good skills builder. You get comfy with your tires moving around beneath you and in many cases are riding in a situation with less penalty for failure.
Thanks for the encouragement! And fat biking in the snow is a good suggestion. I'll have to look around to see what's available, but it might be harder for me to arrange.
I have been a longtime MTB rider and just started gravel riding as my new addiction 6 mo ago. I cant see ever going back to riding the toughest MTB trails, but I still occasionally ride flowy and moderate MTB trails on my MTB bikes--rocks and some small ledges and loose gravel to keep the balance required and technical skill. This comes in handy alot on the tougher gravel trails and singletrack. MTB requires being out of the saddle alot to stay balanced in the ready position which is very helpful when conditions get sloppy on gravel rides. I see roadie based riders are often very uncomfortable in sloppy conditions. So, getting some MTB skills is very helpful.
