Mountain Biking, Dalby Forest - Jacob Kemp (Member of the Cycle Academy)

On Saturday the 24th August, the Cycle Academy went up to Dalby Forest for a coached session with Mark, Jane, Tim and Andy. It was great fun with steep drops and technical skills thrown in for good measure.

Before we set off, we had a briefing and started with a few technical drills on gravel to get us used to the surface and conditions. We then practiced mass starts and had a bit of a race around a small circuit.

We then went on to the skills tracks. A few short routes with varying obstacles on each track. We focused on getting the jumps and cornering technically correct before we moved on. 

The next task was one of the most demanding hill climbs I've ever done and hope never to do again! The hill was long and steep and forced you to use all of your gears. Once we came over the top we joined up to the red mountain bike route and (when we got our breath back) proceeded to finish the rest of the course.

Towards the end of the red mountain bike route, there was a fast and challenging descent with chicanes, jumps and rocks. It was the hardest descent I've ever done and it was extremely challenging. After that, we cycled back to the start of the track and parted ways.

It was a really great day with great coaching and great company and I hope we visit again soon.