Riding Basics Clinic

Join us for a FREE intro to mountain biking clinic at Joaquin Miller Park (MTB 101)

The session will start with a brief overview of trail etiquette which is particularly important because of Joaquin Miller Park’s (JMP) terrain and popularity.

The focus will then shift to riding switchbacks effectively, getting a grip on braking (stopping faster = safety), as well as on attaining confidence on the JMP trails.

Expect some instruction with discussion, drills, and hands-on practice (Riders looking for focused coaching or a bike fit are recommended to independently reach out to professional coach Ian Massey. Ian and his company Trail Technique are long time supporters of BTCEB events. We highly encourage anyone needing one-on-one MTB coaching or advice —beginner to advanced riders— to reach out him).

Participants must be healthy and should have a mechanically-sound mountain bike, as well as be willing to sign BTCEB and City of Oakland waivers.

We will target a one-hour instruction session, so please plan to be there 15 minutes early. After the class, participants are encouraged to join our “pop-up" ride in the park that may last up to two additional hours.

We will meet at the large parking lot immediately southwest of the Elephant Barn at 3490 Sanborn Dr, Oakland, CA 94602. This is a more precise map link to the Elephant Barn parking lot location:
https://maps.google.com/?q=37.810458,-122.185682

Alternatively, to get to the Elephant Barn parking lot, from Joaquin Miller Rd, drive unto Sanborn Dr, and 100 feet past the Joaquin Miller Ranger Station’s turnoff (3540 Sanborn Dr, Oakland, CA 94602, which is not where we will meet but it was the nearest reference address that Meetup allows), look for the larger parking lot on the left just before Sanborn Dr goes downhill.

Although no rain is forecast, this event is “rain or shine”. If it is not raining, after a meet-and-greet, we will head down to the east side of the Meadow, at the benches just past the bathroom:
https://maps.google.com/?q=37.810847,-122.1824114

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
John Roberts will be the primary instructor. Having taught this class before as well as riding classes for the Piedmont Recreation Department, John has served as a coach for various youth mountain biking teams and is also a member of the Oakland Bike Patrol.