THE COMPOUND
The coaching session at the private Compound in the UK is where most of our Gravity School Riders start out. The session is designed to help riders to improve every element of their riding and racing skills, and is always tailored to each individual rider’s needs. The tracks at the Compound have been specifically designed and built for gravity mountain bike coaching, and are maintained and checked ahead of every session.
In a small group of 4, riders are constantly coached throughout the session by head coach Jack Reading. During the session riders are coached on two different tracks, the first in the morning and the second in the afternoon, with 8 runs of each track. The day starts with a track walk of the first track, so that riders can assess the available lines and pick up essential track walk skills from Jack. The coaching process leaves no stone unturned and during the initial runs, each rider’s skills and techniques are assessed. Throughout the day Jack will coach each rider on an individual basis, to their own specific ability and skill level. The small group works perfectly, as riders can watch and learn from each other as the day progresses.
The session includes our uplift service, live timing system, video analysis including GoPro follow camera footage and trackside handheld footage, and specific rider feedback. Using our Gravity School Principles, riders are educated on how they can improve their techniques on the bike so that they can ride with more control and speed. We work to improve riders race craft by working through and tailoring a “race process”, as riders do 8 runs on each track. Riders can aim to set their best possible time on each track and we have a leader board system which helps to properly simulate the racing environment. We include a “conditions scale” on the leader board, indicating whether riders had good, bad or poor weather and track conditions.
The Compound has a total of 4 tracks, and it is designed as a progression system. On the first session riders will work on tracks 1 and 2. Track 1 is tight and twisty, has lot of corners, and is great for riders to work on body position and braking points. There is also a pedalling section so that riders can work on gearing and pedalling technique. Track 2 shifts the focus to more out and out downhill, and is faster, steeper and rougher. Riders can apply the skills they have worked on during the coaching on track 1, to the more demanding features and terrain on track 2. If riders return to the compound for additional sessions, they can work towards being able to ride tracks 3 and 4, which are much more challenging and involve riding features that work to replicate the difficulty of those found on international race tracks. All of the tracks are relatively short, taking between 60 seconds and 1 minute 30 seconds for the fastest riders. Short tracks like this are great for coaching because it means riders can learn the whole track quickly, and are able to put down fast full runs of both track frequently throughout the sessions.
The cost of the session is £225 based on 4 riders, and for more information including available dates and how to book, get in touch with us. We look forward to seeing you on a session soon, and helping you to progress your riding and racing skills!
