Coaching in Stourbridge

“We've had two 1-to-2 day-long coaching sessions at Cannock Chase with Jay, 6 weeks apart this year (2022). Prior to the first session we filled out rider info forms that includes the chance to start a dialogue about what kind of session is right for you and those in your group. We exchanged a few text messages as the first day approached and we were all set. With packed lunches in our back packs the first session commenced with a bike safety check (I was pleased to hear a strict no bar ends no session rule) and some cornering drills. We spent some time making sure we could lift the front and back wheels over small obstacles. After 40 years of on and off riding a bike I was surprised how much of a difference a few pointers on cornering and wheel lifting made. It's changed the way I ride forever. After that we put some of those skills into practice tackling some drops. Time flew by and we broke for lunch. Shortly after lunch we increased the difficulty, but keeping within our skill level and ability, and we were soon riding off drops bigger than I had ever tried before and landing smoothly on two wheels. Amazing boost to my confidence to have someone knowledgeable and patient talk you through it and build you up through the day. Jay treated us with respect and integrity, he spent the time to get to know our riding styles and capabilities and it really felt as though a bespoke session just for us was being moulded as a result of our discussions and Jay's observations of our abilities. Next, we headed over to the official trials and developed our cornering techniques - first on the 'new blue' and then on 'Devil's Staircase' the latter being a section of Cannock Chase trails I previously had not enjoyed. By the end of a good sessioning of Devil's Staircase I renamed it 'my new favourite section' ok not quite but with improved cornering techniques in hand it became less intimidating, plus I learned the benefit of going back and retrying the bits that were more difficult to improve your overall riding. Day one was coming to a close - I was tired out in a good way - as with any riding down a hill Devil's Staircase needed to be paid back with a climb back to the car park. Afterward Jay sent through photos and videos of our efforts from throughout the day, not only useful to remember what we learned but a get souvenir of the day too. Wow, what a day, we learned so much and the next weekend headed back to Cannock Chase without Jay and recorded multiple Strava segment gold medals doing the full dog and monkey (donkey) in record times for us. Plus I nailed some sections that had given me difficulty before. I put some of the cornering techniques into my commute to work and it was only a couple of weeks later we felt another session to develop our skills a bit more would be desirable. So we booked in the next full day that was suitable for us - turns out that was 6 weeks from the first session. Since character limit is reached I'll post a summary of our second session as text in an image.”