North County San Diego Gravel Skills Clinic
by Jenn Kwai
About a year ago a gravel/mountain bike coach, world champion mountain biker, and cycling community organizer were introduced with a common goal of empowering gravel women cyclists through gravel skills clinics. The clinics have since been expanded to include all genders and as a 6-part gravel series of clinics and trail rides for 2023. Also new for the year, is the non-profit organization being formed, called Controlled Chaos Cycling, to put on these clinics.
Sessions are a collaboration between Chi Planken (pictured here), Jenn Kwai, and Tammy Tabeek. Photo credit: Dave Malwitz
The clinic and rides are a progressive series that build upon each other and benefit riders of all experiences. It's not just for beginners! For experienced riders, critical skills can be impactful in the form of injury prevention and/or for cutting time during a race. From the coaches' perspective, the clinic portion allows riders to focus on the skills in a controlled environment and receive immediate feedback. Then on trail ride days, the coaches can show the direct application--where, when, and how to apply those skills.
SESSION SCHEDULE
The clinics are offered as a package at $250 (sessions 2-6) or $100 per clinic or $50 per coaching ride.
The series started in January as a monthly session, however, weather impacts have delayed the schedule, so the Session 2 skills clinic (climbing, body position, cornering, and turning) happens on March 26.
March 26 - Session 2 - Clinic: Climbing, Body Position, Turning, Cornering
April 23 - Session 3 - Ride: Climbing, Body Position, Turning, Cornering Coaching Ride
April 29 - Session 4 - Clinic: Endurance Ride/Race Skills
May 7 - Session 5 - Ride: Endurance Ride/Race Skills Coaching Ride
May 21 - Advanced Gravel Skills, Part 1
Topics: tight switchbacks, cornering, steep descents, fast descents
Location: Del Mar Mesa/Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
June 25 - Advanced Gravel Skills, Part 2
Location: TBD
Skills: Step ups and curbs, rock rolls, and straight line
In addition to the session, Controlled Chaos' partners will be on site. Specialized San Diego will be offering free demos of their gravel bikes to be ridden during the clinic, SRAM will be providing free swag and there to answer questions, and The Lost Cyclery will be doing free bike safety checks.
Learn more at Outdoor Fitness Coach
