Beginners Mountain Bike Skills Course

Develop a rock solid base skill set for mountain biking.

Are you just getting started with mountain biking? Maybe it’s been awhile since you last threw a leg over a bike? My beginner’s course is designed for you.

The aim of this course is to give you the base skills and confidence to start mountain biking.

What to expect

The Mission beginners course is held at Dalby Forest. I’ll help you to set up your bike and ride the forest trails. The emphasis is on enjoyment and fun. By the end of the day you’ll have gained the skills and confidence to tackle a red route. You’ll have a solid foundation on which to build, and avoid developing any bad habits.

What you'll learn

Develop an understanding of mountain biking, the different disciplines, types of bike & their key differences.

Learn how to setup your bike and how to do a quick pre-ride check before every ride.

Get started with the core skills of braking, cornering, ascending and descending, in relaxed confidence.

Discover what kit you’ll need to be an effective mountain biker, and what you should pack for each and every ride.

Prices for the Beginners Mountain Bike Skills Course

Group size: Maximum of 6

Times: 10am – 4pm (with a short break for lunch)

Location: Dalby Forest

Price: £75 per person (parking reduced from £9 to £3 with parking code provided at the end of the session)

If the published dates below don’t work for you, or you’d like to organise one-to-one coaching, or a coaching day for you and your mates, call or email using the details below.

What to bring with you

Some energy & enthusiasm. There will be plenty of stops along the way, but there's plenty of riding.

A functional bike. A good set of brakes is a must. If you have any questions about bike suitability, give me a call or message me below.

Protection: A helmet is mandatory. I recommend a pair of gloves. Eye protection can be useful too.

Enough water/fluid to last the day. A packed lunch and maybe a few snacks to keep you going.

Meeting Point: Dixon's Hollow Car Park, Dalby Forest

If you’re coming from the visitor centre end of Dalby Forest, follow the forest drive until you reach Dixon’s Hollow Bike Park (opposite Adderstone Field). The carpark is just after, on your right.

Tell me about your mission

Call me: 07951 216770 | Email: geton@missionmountainbiking.co.uk

Or book on a course

2023 Remaining Dates:

We currently have no beginner dates.

Darrell Varley

2023-07-18T18:00:34+0000

I'd been riding for a few years at a reasonable level just by going off instinct and was getting by but wanted to take things up a level or two ahead of an annual trip to the Alps so booked a one to one with Gareth at Dalby. Gareth really listened to what I wanted to get from the session and gave me some really good practical stuff to work with going forwards. We found that fundamentally that my weight distribution wasn't right, and changing it made a huge difference. We also covered jumps, drops, cornering and pumping. Gareth gave me some solid tips and techniques for all of these and the use of video analysis was hugely helpful to see where I was going wrong. I will definitely think about booking another session and recommend to anyone who wants to get more confident on the trails.

Luke Clarkson

2023-07-04T16:32:52+0000

Highly recommend Gareth, he really knows his stuff! Had a great day and learned loads on the Airtime course, if you're thinking about it just get it booked. The entire group were jumping gaps by the end of it.

Anth Barella

2022-08-30T11:14:34+0000

Had a great day of learning new techniques on how to tackle obstacles on the trail. Gareth helped to build confidence and by the end of the session what seemed unachievable at the start of the day was just routine.

Gavin McNamee

2022-08-27T17:44:52+0000

Just completed a airtime course today at Dalby with Pete.Thoroughly enjoyed it, so much knowledge and skill delivered, in such a great way to understand and apply.This course isn’t just for beginners, advises riders will benefit from doing it. Feel like we have learnt so much.Thank you

Rob Lawlor

2022-08-25T15:06:20+0000

I had previously had been on three MTB courses before. one 1 to 1, and two group. so my 1 to 1 lesson with MMB (with Pete) was my fourth, and the best by a long way. Rode a couple of nice features. but probably the most help was with cornering and pumping. It would be better (for me) if they were closer to where I live, but I will book again when I have the chance.

Kate Schmidt

2022-08-03T15:36:33+0000

My husband I had the best day with Gareth yesterday, amazing knowledge and skills with great way of detailed explanation. Learned so much and practiced with confidence a lot. No question weren't answered. Also thanks so much of taking many videos and photos for us. Highly recommended!!!!!

Philippa Green

2021-10-09T12:19:08+0000

Had a great 2:1 day out with Gareth. I was so impressed how much we covered in one day and we both learnt so much and tried things we've never done before. Will definitely be booking again soon.

Nick Burgess

2021-09-17T19:39:00+0000

Had an amazing day, very impressed with the knowledge and skills we learnt in just the day! Will be booking again for sure

Ewa Bialokoz

2021-09-03T11:49:48+0000

Had a great coaching session with Ben last weekend. Learned loads of new skills and had so much fun. Would recommend to anyone who loves mountain biking. Now I'm waiting for more courses being available. Thank you.

Claire Steel

2021-08-29T17:53:13+0000

Thoroughly enjoyed my recent 2:1 coaching session with Gareth. Great recap on all the core skills and good fun trying to progress with manuals and bunny-hopping. Really enjoyed practising riding berms and my first go on the pump track! I was very keen to have a go at drop-offs and we made good progress through the day. Thanks Gareth for all the top tips and clear explanations and for an all-round thoroughly enjoyable day! Would definitely recommend and look forward to coming back for more!

Gareth Jones

2021-08-24T21:16:01+0000

Attended a 2:1 coaching session with Gareth. To start we went back to basics looking at body position and cornering progressing onto rolling some of the 'Black' graded features.We then moved onto drop offs getting progressively bigger.After lunch we practiced flat land skills such as manuals and bunny hops before returning to the trail to further consolidate the skills we had learnt in the morning.Gareth was brilliant; he demonstrated the skills multiple times and explained them in an easy to understand manner. His feedback was clear which allowed me to make the adjustments needed to get the skill right.Gareth's patient coaching gave me the confidence I needed to achieve my goals.Highly recommend 5*

Lee Ascough

2021-08-18T18:07:38+0000

Thoroughly enjoyed the day at Dalby taking a lot of new skills and knowledge away. Brilliant coaching from Ben who set the level to suit the group. A must for all new / improving bikers.

Paula Kilroy-nee McLean

2021-08-18T17:48:31+0000

Absolutely brilliant day at Dalby Forest last Saturday with Ben. Well judged coaching and coaxing! Can highly recommend. 5*

Mark Baines

2021-07-29T15:47:32+0000

Great day in Dalby with Gareth, thanks for your patience really restored my confidence look forward to going for the advanced🚵🏿‍♀️👍 very easy coaching method and great fun

Jamie Kelly

2021-07-10T17:49:04+0000

Cheers for a great day Pete, very well run course starting from the ground up with the progression. A great day and it was nice to see everybody improving as the day progressed.

Jess Yates

2021-06-05T16:32:04+0000

Had a 1to1 coaching session with Gareth, my main objective was to get over my mental block with drops and he had me sending them by the end of the day 🙏 he was very patient, and explained things well. Would definitely recommend

Jayne Cuttill

2021-05-19T19:00:12+0000

Never did I think I’d be on a mountain biking course, but there I was on 13th May at Dalby Forest. With my friend Gemma too. Gareth was really great and took his time showing technique and pushing the boundaries to stretch the learning. Learning how to ride properly has meant for a lot more fun on the trails....and more importantly as safely as possible. One thing I’m not happy about....I ended up buying a better bike at the weekend 🤔 you have a lot to answer for Gareth! Only kidding it’s awesome 🚴🏻😎🤣😊💪🏻

Jonny Walker

2021-05-15T17:54:34+0000

Fantastic courses with Pete did both the progression course last week and the airtime course this week. Had an amazing time and really learnt a lot and looking forward to putting my new skills into practice on the trails thank you to the whole mission mountain biking team your all so friendly and helpfulCheers Jonny

Izzy Rochester

2021-04-21T05:30:13+0000

I had a beginners session with Gareth, it was incredible. His teaching skills, knowledge and patience are spot on. Nothing was too much trouble, he explained and demonstrated things as much as required. So helpful to see photos and videos of yourself.Everything was relaxed and friendly, absolutely no pressure. He has given me so much more confidence in my riding. I learnt so much, seriously the best day ever. Haven’t stopped smiling. Can’t wait for my next one 🤘🏼 thank you

Dan Jakes

2021-04-20T21:49:20+0000

I did the Airtime Course with Pete, great teacher, very calm and a sense of fun. If you do this course just absorb the info from the simplest skills to more advanced throughout the day. The progression and confidence is rapid. You’ll have great fun and want to do it again. Word of warning, it’s a physical day and you will get tired towards the end of the day, especially the 40 plus. At that point quit while you're ahead and be happy with what you’ve achieved.Can't recommend the course enough and Pete who coached us.Great job!!!

Jennifer Cleaver

2021-04-07T10:46:37+0000

Spent the day with my 9 year old nephew being coached by Gareth. To say he had to work with 2 very different skill sets he did a great job. We scienced it out & had some high level chat about cognitive mind games. Keep whistling down those technical sections and it’s all good. Thanks for a tiring but gainful day.

Aamir Aslam

2020-12-12T11:35:55+0000

Great day out with Ben. My son (11 years-old) and I were both new to MTB so just checking it is something that we would enjoy. Ben provided an excellent mix of skills training and riding trails. Would definitely recommend.

Jo Billington

2020-11-07T18:25:19+0000

Absolutely fantastic tuition from Gareth. Completely new to mountain biking and, after a day’s lesson left feeling confident with the basics (and more) and, hugely enthusiastic for the sport. The coaching was at pace that suited my ability. 2 days later I’ve happily completed the north and south red trails at Whinlatter Forest with no problems at all. Thank you! 😊

Martin Brook

2020-11-01T23:16:36+0000

Anyone wanting to take their riding to the next level I would definitely recommend Mission Mountain Biking...after doing the progression course I was doing Black sections I never thought I would!!...Cheers guys 🙂

Kathryn Gillings

2020-10-25T12:10:51+0000

My partner and son attended a progression course yesterday with Ben who was absolutely brilliant, having not done anything like this before they were unsure what to expect, but Ben put them at ease straight away and they thoroughly enjoyed the whole day achieving things they would never have done on there own! They will definitely be back for more! Thank you very much 👍

Lindsay Mckenzie

2020-10-18T16:20:52+0000

Gareth knows his stuff and gauges progress with great skill. I arrived a bit of a novice and left with the skills to make me a more balanced and confident rider taking on bigger challenges. Great day for any rider!

Simon Hacking

2020-09-18T18:18:15+0000

Spent a fantastic day with Gareth from Mission Mountain Biking. Really encouraged us to push our boundaries and develop our skills. Gareth was more then happy to answer any questions we asked, really took his time to demonstrate and explain all the elements of his tuition. He's also a really good guy and made the day enjoyable and fun.

Dave Charlton

2020-09-15T12:59:16+0000

Did the jumps & drops progression course with Pete, amazing day, everyone had a great time and came away with much improved skills plus ideas on how to progress further afterwards. Highly recommended

Andy Roberts

2020-09-12T21:39:35+0000

Absolutely class day with Pete (top coach!) working on jumping and progression. Really sound fundamentals breakdown, loads of sessioning...nobody died 😂. Came away with a huge amount of knowledge and a ton of new skills. Would give it 6 stars if I could, just get it booked its brilliant.

Keisha Jade Chipchase

2020-09-11T19:27:26+0000

A fantastic day! Gareth took into account our ability and challenged us just enough without pressuring us. I made so much progress and now feel so much more confident in handling my bike. I would recommend them without hesitation for anyone wanting to improve their bike skills. The day was varied, with different skills and activities and was good fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am now a better rider as a result of it.

Adam Chipchase

2020-09-10T08:12:05+0000

Myself and my wife had a coaching session with Gareth and it was amazing! Made so much progress in one session highly recommended for beginners and advanced riders alike. Gareth tailored the session to our ability and progressed it throughout the day. I will be passing the details on to anyone with a mountain bike that wants to progress!

Martin Goodrum

2020-08-25T15:59:35+0000

Excellent coaching skills from Gareth and Pete on recent 'airtime' course. I felt my confidence and level had increased greatly after a full day working on jumps and drops. Highly recommended.

Neil Chambers

2020-08-25T08:54:36+0000

I spent a great day with Gareth and Pete on the Airtime course at Dalby. Well thought out structure to the day, building technique then practising on various drops and jumps. Expertly guided by Pete and Gareth who's experience and expertise helped the group get the most from the day. Highly recommended!

Simon Lewsley

2020-08-12T20:34:41+0000

I had a session with Gareth yesterday and his mission was to help build confidence and give me the tools to enjoy next month's trip to Bike Park Wales. In a previous visit, I found myself scrubbing speed to avoid taking off on the jumps and I wanted to fix that. Gareth helped me understand and become more self aware of when I was making mistakes. There was a lot on the list for the day and dispite that, he had me clearing a table top. I can definitely recommend the hopper he has as a fun way to end the day. I plan to book to see Gareth next year as a follow up and would definitely recommend. For private tutoring, it's the cost of 2 new tyres and sealant - makes it a no brainer to book Gareth for your progression!

Steve Thorogood

2020-08-10T11:15:52+0000

Excellent day with Gareth and Pete . Chose to do the jumps and drops course . Well recommended to anyone wanting to build confidence definitely get air and learn to take on the drops you would normally ride round excellent day and look forward to more

Richard Endley

2020-08-10T07:03:55+0000

After recently getting into MTB I decided to book a days tuition with Gareth. Fantastic days tuition, so much to take away with me and put into practice, first class from start to finish. 👍👍👍👍

Mark Sanderson

2020-08-03T11:55:01+0000

After debating which course to do and area I’m please I choose Mission mountain biking. I travelled from Northumberland so only took me around 2 hours to get there. When arriving Gareth and Pete was there to meet myself and others who were on the course. After being off the bike for more many years I booked jumps and drops the course lasted 6 hours and definitely worth the money. The instructors did a fantastic job in building my confidence back and will certainly be back for more courses.

Hannah Trotter

2020-07-23T12:02:21+0000

Gareth was an amazing coach for our session on Monday. He is very kind, patient, professional and full of knowledge, exactly what you would want in a coach. Highly recommended!! Can't wait to catch up again in the future. Myself and my partner have learnt so much already. Thanks again!

Aaron Sutcliffe

2020-07-03T18:40:41+0000

Had a great day with Gareth today, working on some elements of my riding that were a bit poor and learning some new skills for on the trails Very informative & clear guidance on correct technique & methodsHighly recommended to anyone that wants to improve there general riding , flow or skill levelTop Man 👍

Jess Bulman

2020-06-24T11:38:12+0000

I had a great day training with Mission Mountain Biking and would recommend to anyone new to mountain biking or struggling with jumps, drops, steep sections etc. I was amazed with what I achieved and have seen a massive improvement on my local trails since. Thanks again Gareth! :-)

Michael Wainwright

2020-06-21T19:41:02+0000

Booked a course with Gareth to increase my confidence on the bike after being away from mtb riding for lots of years, within minutes I was doing stuff I only dreamed of, and stuff I would never have attempted without his knowledge and skill in coaching, I had the best day and can’t recommend G enough, easy going but very effective, cheers. Thanks again, top bloke😀

Chris Parker

2020-06-18T19:31:17+0000

Excellent day improving my basic skills with @missionmountainbiking, he helped me build my confidence up well out of what was my comfort zone and was able to see a bit of air time too. Well worth it and would recommend to anybody wanting to improve their skills.

Martin Walker

2020-03-21T19:25:47+0000

Cracking day with mission mountain biking fantastic coach by the end of the day I had the confidence to be doing jumps and drop offs I would normally ride around thanks mission mountain biking

Daz Hodgson

2020-03-16T18:10:57+0000

Really enjoyed my day with Gareth. Excellent teacher, really helped my technique and a great venue. Would highly recommend. Thanks matey!

John Rickard

2019-11-05T14:03:48+0000

I did my 2nd course with Gareth on 27th November. Previously I'd done the Progression course which I found really helpful. On this course it was time to get some air ! The Jump course was really useful and great fun, which is something I've enjoyed very much about Gareth's style of coaching. There's are definite goals to it all, but at such a relaxed pace that you never feel that you're struggling or not achieving. I would certainly recommend Gareth's coaching sessions to anyone. Whether you're new to Mountain Biking, or like me a bit long in the tooth but wanting to eliminate all those bad habits !

David Conman

2019-10-22T16:14:01+0000

Really great day yesterday being coached by Gareth. Received great tips on technique and positioning, it makes you stop and really think about how your riding. I took a lot from the day and would definitely recommend Gareth without hesitation. Even learnt how to do an American bunny hop which I'd been trying to do for ages!

Tom Hunter

2019-09-23T09:30:45+0000

Had a great day's coaching with Gareth, certainly inspired me with the confidence I needed to complete things I've not completed before. Couldn't recommend enough 👍

Garry Raisbeck

2019-09-09T13:27:48+0000

Had a great day with Gareth, top bloke and some really straightforward no pressure training.

Angus Kidd

2019-08-20T14:52:40+0000

Great day with Gareth and a group of old school and Uni mates. Gareth knows the Peak District area well and took us on some challenging and rewarding climbs and descents!All very good and then a good pub beer garden with the sun shining as well. He made sure we all completed the trails and gave very good tips and advice along the way.Highly recommended!

Mark Pearson

2019-08-20T12:05:31+0000

Did the Progression course on Saturday. Having been off the bike for a few years, Gareth gave me the confidence and advice I needed to tackle most of the challenges we took on through out the day. He gives clear calm instruction in a laid back fashion. Fantastic day in Dalby with a great bunch of guys. Cheers Gareth.

Rebecca Fieldsend

2019-08-19T21:31:25+0000

Would 100% recommend mission mountain biking. Had a 1:1 day to concentrate on skills for jumps prior to my Annual trip to the alps. I’m practicing all my skills now and it’s made a massive difference to my DH riding.

Tony Booth

2019-08-05T14:02:57+0000

I had a great day with Gareth and I learnt a lot. He gave me knowledge, understanding and the ability to have confidence in what I was doing. Clear instruction with support and recorded evidence to help with technique. A great place to learn and reinforce the skills learnt . After some practice from the day I shall be enrolling on to the Progressive Course and learn some more to develop my biking ability. Many thanks to Gareth for the day.

Becky Venus

2019-07-22T12:19:47+0000

I went on the beginners course yesterday with Gareth and had an absolutely amazing day! Did things that I would never have had the confidence to do before and wouldn't have even looked at! Gareth has a really good teaching style, makes you feel comfortable, includes everyone and encourages you to push yourself when you need to, getting the best out of everyone! I was lucky enough to be with a great group aswell which made the day eve more enjoyable! Well worth booking on if you need to increase your confidence and learn key MTB skills. I will definitely be looking to book on to a progression course to keep improving! 😊

Ryan Sargent

2019-07-21T17:37:42+0000

Had a great day on the beginners course today, was lucky to have a great bunch of people on the course as well. Gareth was a brilliant instructor and I believe everyone came away a lot more confident on their bikes and able to do things they wouldn't have done before. Really glad I booked on and would definitely recommend.

Helen Pitchfork

2019-05-24T07:57:23+0000

Gareth guided us on a peaks tour yesterday, was thoroughly enjoyable the whole day. Gareth advice and knowledge was invaluable to make it a great day. Would highly recommend this experience and will be repeating at a later date.

Kev Lovett

2019-05-23T17:26:27+0000

Had a great day out with Gareth. He explains throughout the ride what we’re doing and what to expect. Knowledge of the routes is brilliant. Thanks Gareth.

John Rowland

2019-05-13T19:11:51+0000

Great day out with Gareth today at Dalby. Many break through moments on the day for me which will take my riding forward. It does go to show you can teach an old dog some new tricks

Andrew Thornton

2019-05-02T13:31:30+0000

Had the coaching course in Dalby yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Gareth is a great coach and works on all aspects of riding with a definite focus on your specific needs. Would definitely recommend - whatever your level!

Tony Busfield

2019-04-23T07:47:34+0000

Beginner course Sunday 21st Apr 2019. Great day, Gareth is a superb coach, felt really safe and progressed from complete beginner to being able to tackle some red route terrain with confidence. Really enjoyed the day and really appreciated how Gareth worked at our pace and fitness levels. I cannot recommend highly enough. Thanks Again.

Jon Broughton

2019-04-08T17:26:37+0000

Had a great day on Sunday doing the progression course with Gareth, Gareth knows his stuff and comes recommended, thanks again Gareth, Jon & Ste

Ellen Beddows

2019-01-27T17:25:39+0000

On behalf of @theparkkilnwick we would like to highly recommend Gareth as a coach. His session with our youth group (Kilnwick Parklings) held at Dalby Forest was exceptional. Gareth pitched the skills session at exactly the appropriate level and was highly professional. Our teenagers are extremely keen for more sessions with Gareth (and we struggle to find activities that they want to try once, let alone repeatedly)!

James Gilbert

2018-12-17T22:40:49+0000

I did the Progression course at the weekend. It was a fantastic course that covered a lot. Gareth was a great coach and the videos really helped. I definitely finished the day a better rider thank you!

Rhi Anna Richards

2018-09-24T18:12:11+0000

I completed a course with Gareth at Dalby yesterday and had such a great time! I'm not experienced at all and there was a variety of skill mix in our group of friends but he had a great balance of making sure we didn't feel pressured and allowing us see our potential! Did things I never thought I could do! It was great to break the skills down on the field then put it into practice on trails. If you're wondering whether to book a course or not.. definitely do it! Learnt so much in a short amount of time, well worth the money. Thanks Gareth!!!

Alan Darfi

2018-09-10T12:23:27+0000

Me and a friend recently attended a day-long session with Gareth and couldn't recommend highly enough. Gareth was great in advance and tailored the day exactly as we wanted it to be. We've both ridden for a while but really benefited from the day.

Mark Lance Bond

2018-07-23T12:32:30+0000

Really had a great time doing this with Gareth it was very informative and was the best 50 quid I have spent in a long time I will be booking another course at some point in the future and would recommend doing this if your a novice wanting to build on your skill set most enjoyable

Andrew Fletcher

2018-07-22T21:24:37+0000

Gareth is an awesome coach. Sophie is looking forward to booking her next course. Definitely recommend !

Emma Hall-craggs

2018-07-22T19:11:54+0000

Had a great day with Mission MB today. Highly recommended it and Gareth got the best out of everyone, would definitely sign up again

Alex Hughes

2018-06-11T10:23:45+0000

After giving Downhill Mountain biking a go on holiday I was keen to get into MTB further, learn the basics and develop some core skills to give me the confidence to head out on my own and with friends. Gareth’s beginner course, lasting a day in the Dalby forest, was brilliant for this. As a newcomer Gareth was extremely accommodating, patient and encouraging, allowing me to build confidence over the day. He was full of enthusiasm and advice regarding bikes and routes, and having travelled to Dalby with a more experienced MTB friend he was happy to extend his advice and offer tailored courses/trips for the future. All in all a great day out and brilliant value for money!

Dave Foy

2018-05-31T16:44:23+0000

I can't recommend Gareth's coaching enough. I've ridden MTB on and off for years, but I'm always lagging behind at the back and always seem to make hard work of the trail. Gareth took it back to basics, introducing fundamental skills in a nicely planned progression. By the end of the session I was confidently and quickly riding tricky sections and loving it. Gareth loves biking and his enthusiasm rubs off on you. Great coach! Thanks Gareth.

Rob Davis

2018-03-16T19:31:33+0000

Gareth is a great guy and will help get you where you want to be �

MTB Guiding | Coaching

Beginners Mountain Bike Skills Course

Beginners Mountain Bike Skills Course

Develop a rock solid base skill set for mountain biking.

What to expect

What you'll learn

Prices for the Beginners Mountain Bike Skills Course

What to bring with you

Meeting Point: Dixon's Hollow Car Park, Dalby Forest

Tell me about your mission

Or book on a course

2023 Remaining Dates:

Get out there

Upgrade your skills

Treat someone