I recently wrote a column for the bettygohard.com site about coaching and who needs a coach. It’s funny that although the best sports people and the most successful in life have a coach, yet so many of us associate being coached as a sign that we are not already good enough.
Until a few years back I would have been one of those people, feeling like I can do it on my own, I don’t need any help, and I am certainly not going to pay for help!
Over the years this has changed; a big part of becoming a coach is being coached yourself, through this process I have realized the value of a coach no matter who you are or what your goals.
To avoid many of the pitfalls associated with doing anything a coach will show you the easy way, in mountain biking let’s say the way with less bruises and hits to the ego. Accidents will happen, the best of us fall off our bikes, hit trees on our snowboard/skis and sustain bumps and bruises, however the more skill you have the better you will be from these incidents.
I have biked with many people that are at a level where they are riding the black diamond trails; they have progressed quickly due to natural talent and ability without having a grasp of the five fundamental biking skills.
These include brakes, gears, steering, line of sight and most importantly body position. If you are not sure which brake is which don’t be afraid to ask!
All the BettyGoHard programs whether beginner or advanced focus on the fundamentals.
Coaching is not about telling you how to do it, coaching is about working with you to help you get better.
Looking at where you are at and where you can improve to build your confidence, go faster and ride all terrain features with confidence.
Everybody is different and we create an environment where we work with each participant to help you improve and achieve your personal biking goals.
Coming up this spring BettyGoHard will be running programs in Rossland, Trail and Castlegar, as well as co-ed programs through Teck, which will be open to others also. We have Learn to Ride – off road bike clinics for those of you looking to get back on a bike with confidence.
Additionally, our Biking and Chocolate Rides will be back with Beginner, Intermediate and Cross Country series starting in May. We also have an after school kids program running in Rossland for beginner and intermediate girls and boys.
For all the details please check out www.bettygohard.com or contact Natasha Lockey at 231 4305, see you on the trails.
