Go MTB Reflections
I completed the Go MTB course with Jules Fincham from Cycle Wild Scotland and a few other cool folks last weekend. Despite many folk saying, “ah it’s a breeze Jen, you’ll be fine” I personally didn’t think it was “easy” at all. Nor should it be!
“I recognised that EGO was getting in my way.”
I nearly didn’t go because I had the fear of judgement and incompetence. Some old stories and social anxiety crept in when I was there which definitely held me back from connecting with people and from learning to my best potential. I got frustrated at times, which resulted in me feeling quite overwhelmed/emotional just because I couldn’t do something. I recognised that EGO was getting in my way. I nearly pulled out because I was embarrassed and didn’t want to bring any of the vibes down.
Although I recognised this “old version” of me, it felt less familiar to be in this kind of state… I had done the work, why was I so upset?!? A pep talk from Jules and tapping in to my own internal toolkit of breathwork and shifting perspectives got me through lunch to then fully enjoy an afternoon of skills sessions hosted by the other participants. And I came away with lots of ideas and enthusiasm for teaching mtb skills.
The Go MTB course isn’t just about skills on the bike, it’s about group management, teaching in an inclusive way, sharing the outdoors respectfully, developing independence on the bike and will be a fantastic add on to the MBLA Level 2 (leadership/guiding) and to combine with my teaching and coaching toolkit.
I did however discover that I couldn’t do power assisted (wheelie) drop offs. Truth be told, I didn’t even know they are a thing. To be signed off, I just need to send in a video of me demonstrating this skill and I am actually excited to go off and play, I mean practice.
The course was challenging for me, but I’m glad I stayed and I really appreciated the supportive group and ethos of the course so that I could feel success by the end. We’re all human and I will always be on a learning journey.
Special thanks to Jules Fincham, course tutor at Cycle Wild Scotland. Find out more about their courses here.
