You don’t need MTB lessons…or do you?

You’ve been riding mountain bikes for 20 years. You can drop, jump, corner, and ride fast—so what could a mountain bike lesson possibly teach you? But here’s the truth: you’re casing jumps, walking technical climbs and your buddies are waiting for you at the top. Maybe it’s time to admit that even experienced riders can learn a thing or two with the right MTB coaching.

Why advanced riders still need MTB lessons

Admitting you have room for improvement is tough, especially if you’ve been biking for years. You’re not Finn Iles or Danny MacAskill, but you’ve got skills, right? Still, years of riding might mean you’ve developed some bad habits. According to Cory Davies, a Level 2 PMBIA-certified MTB instructor, small tweaks can make a big difference.

“When you get better at riding, improvements become small but significant,” says Davies. “Just having someone watch you ride for an hour can lead to tips that improve your efficiency, balance, braking and overall flow. It’s those small things that make you a better rider.”

The Evolution of Mountain Biking: Why Coaching Keeps You Current

Mountain biking isn’t just about skills—it’s also about staying updated with gear and trail innovations. Many advanced riders learned on older bikes with steep head angles and high seats. But modern MTB geometry and dropper posts force riders to adapt their body positioning and technique.

“The sport has evolved significantly in terms of riding techniques, gear, and trail design,” says Charlotte Batty, owner of Minii Adventures Mountain Bike Experiences. “Lessons help experienced riders adjust to these changes, improving their overall ride quality.”

Avoid “YouTube University”—why professional feedback matters

You can learn anything on YouTube these days, but nothing beats real-time feedback from a professional MTB coach. “Riders who try to learn from ‘YouTube University’ often become overwhelmed or confused,”Batty warns. “They’re missing the key component of feedback, which is essential for progress.”

Customized MTB coaching: no riding with beginners necessary

One of the biggest concerns for advanced riders is that taking lessons means riding with beginners. But that’s not the case. MTB coaches like Batty offer personalized lessons tailored to your specific goals.

“We start…