Lee Likes Clinics:
Skills, Confidence, Fun

Mountain biking is the best sport ever — and the better you get, the better it gets.
Ride safer. Ride more confidently. Ride faster. Have more fun.

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Use these links to jump down the page:

About the program
Why ride with Lee instead of the other guys?
Private and semi-private coaching packages
Sign up today!
Group/public clinics
Policies
Testimonials

The Fix Junior Team, your 2007 Mountain States Cup champions. That’s me beaming in the foreground.

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About the program

Master the basics in a parking lot, then rip in the real world.

The approach: I have designed a sequential curriculum to teach bike-handling skills. Imagine a “skills tree” that contains every possible riding skill. Body position is at the base of the tree; rolling over a curb is low in the tree; jumping into a berm is high in the tree. We will start at the bottom and work our way up. We will progress as quickly as you can, but we will not skip steps. This way, you’re never scared, and you’re always learning in a positive way. If you want to huck off a cliff, I can get you there safely — but it might take a little while.

What you’ll do: We will start with your feet on the pedals, then we’ll work our way up. You will learn how and why your bike works, and how to make your bike do what you want. We will do lots of simple drills, Karate Kid style, because that’s the best way to learn. If you struggle with a skill, we will do video analysis on the spot. You’ll start in a laboratory setting — in a parking lot or on basic terrain. I want you to learn how to ride your bike, not be intimidated by some gnarly trail. After you get the basics, we’ll apply them on real terrain. BTW: Even fast experts and pros learn a ton in the parking lot.

Melinda is about to clean this local switchback — for the first time EVER.

Who it’s good for: I’ve worked with hundreds of riders of all ages, styles and levels. Kids to adults to retirees; road to XC to gravity; first-timers to pros. I get a lot of fit riders in their 30s and 40s who want to conquer new terrain. Over the past couple seasons, I’ve taught members of these MSC teams: The Fix, Yeti-RPM, Kozos, Full Tilt Cyclery, Mojo Wheels and Gravitee, as well as the InCycle Race Team in SoCal. And they are all stoked. Last year, three of my pupils went to DH Worlds.

Types of riding: Whatever you’re into. Cross country, dirt jump, downhill, BMX, even road. The core skills apply to every bike. Some riders bring both their mountain and road machines. I’ll tell you this: When you really know how to ride, a road bike really rips!

Locations: Most coaching is done in Boulder, CO. Sessions are available elsewhere at additional cost.

Length of sessions: Each session is two hours long. This is the ideal amount of time to learn and work. You will learn more than you think and work harder than you expect. I want you to master a handful of skills per session. I don’t want you out there all day, forgetting most of what we do. What good would that be?

InCycle Race Team in Fontana, CA. These guys went on to kick major butt.

Number of students: Classes are limited to five riders. I can accommodate larger groups at additional cost. The fewer the riders, the more personal attention you get. Most riders opt for private sessions.

Buddies, clubs and race teams: I’ll work with all of ya. Share costs and a great experience. Once you all know the secrets, you can coach each other. The total price is the same for one to five riders. Designate one person to pay me, then the rest of you can pay him.

Payment: You can pay via Paypal, check or cash. Paypal is very quick and easy. Just send the money to lee@leelikesbikes.com.

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Why ride with Lee instead of the other guys?

Sea Otter DH.

I have the entire progression mapped out. There is no guessing. I will NEVER tell you to “just go for it” (like I’ve seen with other “coaches.” This advice often precedes a crash.) I know exactly what you need to do, and I know how to teach you.

I’m not a professional racer, but I am a professional communicator. Riding the NORBA circuit teaches you how to ride your bike, but it doesn’t teach you how to explain how to ride your bike. I have a long career in writing, editing, information graphics, information architecture, photography, interaction design and teaching. In short, I have the skills to understand and explain complex processes. As a matter of fact, in 1997 I won a Pulitzer for doing just that. If you want to spend the day with a Bro’ Pro, have fun Dude. If you want to learn (and have fun), come to me. Let’s not forget, I wrote The Book.

I am like you. I did not pick up a bike and turn pro in one season. I was never a “natural athlete,” but I love riding, and I’ve worked hard at it. After 20 years I’ve become a solid all-around rider, and I even have my good days in the Semipro and Vet Pro classes. I believe that talent is helpful, but dedication is more important. I learned the hard way — through trials and fears and setbacks. I know what it’s like to struggle in an intense sport. This qualifies me to teach ordinary people how to do extraordinary things. If you want to ride safer, better and/or faster, I can help you.

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Private and semi-private coaching packages

One to five riders. Additional riders at additional cost.

Special session at Platte Middle School in Boulder, CO. These kids are on their way to Moab, and I’m showing ‘em how to rock a tight switchback. Don’t look at the cactus!

Grasshopper
- Session 1 - two hours - Essentials of position, braking, cornering, terrain. After we dial in your position, we will focus on what you want.
- Includes core-skills handout.
$225

Karate Kid
- Session 1 - two hours - Essentials of position, braking, cornering, terrain. After we dial in your position, we will focus on what you want.
- Session 2 - two hours - Apply what you’ve learned on terrain.
- Includes core-skills handout.
$425

Jedi Knight Most popular
- Session 1 - two hours - Mastery of riding position, braking and fore-aft control
- Session 2 - two hours - Essentials of cornering; sweepers, slalom, switchbacks
- Session 3 - two hours - Keys to working terrain; pumping, hopping, drops, jumps
- Option: Depending on your skills and goals, we can conduct sessions on real terrain. Many riders do this on their second go-around.
- Includes core-skills handout.
- This program gives you a complete base for any type of riding. Our most popular option!
$600

If you have the necessary kung fu, I can shuttle and coach you on my moto. Pro DHer Zach Griffith sure has gotten fast this way.

King for a Day
- I will ride with you or your crew at Keystone, SolVista or a Denver/Boulder trail.
- Essential skills and their application. Let’s work on that tricky section.
- Email feedback after every session.
- Photo/video analysis where possible.
- Includes core-skills handout.
- I can also teach at your school or business. Super fun!
- Up to five people. Additional riders at additional cost. I can go elsewhere at additional cost.
$400 for three hours
$700 for seven hours (or from lift open to close)

Top of the Podium
- This option is for serious riders and racers, and it’s the best way to realize your potential.
- Two two-hour sessions per month, starting with core skills, growing into advanced skills then rocking on real terrain. Sessions will be in the Boulder area. We can ride elsewhere at additional cost.
- We create a specific program, just for you.
- Includes core-skills handout.
- Email feedback after every session.
- Photo/video analysis where possible.
$500 per month; three-month minimum commitment

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Sign up today!

Are you ready to rock a private or semi-private clinic? Email me at lee@leelikesbikes.com for more info or to reserve your times.

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Group/public clinics

These public clinics are the quickest and least inexpensive way to learn the good stuff. Every rider will benefit.

- Sponsored by The Fix bike shop -

WHEN
Sessions run from noon to 3 p.m.

May 17 - Core skills - done
May 24 - Core skills - done
May 31 - Core skills - done
June 14 - Core skills - done
June 21 - Aggro riding - done
June 28 - Aggro riding - done
July 5 - Trail riding - done
July 26 - Core skills - open
August 2 - Core skills - open
August 9 - Core skills - open
August 16 - Core skills - open

WHERE
- Meet at The Fix bike shop, 3085 Bluff St., Boulder 80301 : www.thefixbikes.com

- We will do drills on pavement and ride the The Fix’s world-famous test track.

- Arrive early to sign the waiver and pay the $7 one-time use fee.

Pump tracks are so fun — and the skills translate to all riding.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Core skills clinics
- Riding position
- Braking
- Cornering essentials
- Terrain essentials
* Feel free to bring your road bike

Aggro riding clinics
- Must be experienced rider. Core skills clinic strongly recommended.
- Review riding position
- Learn to “pump” bumps for control and speed
- Manuals and hops
- Drops
- Jumping (if you are ready)
* Demo bikes are available by appointment. Call The Fix,

Trail riding clinics
- Must be experienced rider. Core skills clinic strongly recommended.
- Apply the core skills on real terrain
- Locations TBA

Employing the core skills at Hall Ranch in Lyons, CO.

COST
- $100 per person. Minimum 3, maximum 10 per class.

- Includes core skills handout

- $7 one-time use fee for the test track (payable at The Fix). If you have an annual trail pass, you are covered.

REGISTER NOW!
- Go to www.paypal.com and send payment to lee@leelikesbikes.com. Note the date of the session you want, along with your name, age, riding experience and hopes.

- To pay by check or cash, email lee@leelikesbikes.com

SPONSORED BY THE FIX BIKE SHOP
- Free setup/fit consultation. Most bikes are wrong, and most riders don’t know the difference. Call for appointment.

- 10% off parts and service, including protective gear.

- www.thefixbikes.com : 303-939-8349 : Ask for Alex

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Policies

Zach Griffith has often been King for a Day. Here’s a video frame from a DH training session. That was good — now do it again!

Time: The clock starts at the appointed time. Be ready to ride.

Equipment: Your bike should be well adjusted and in good working order. If I believe your bike is not safe, we will spend clinic time making it safe. If I need to adjust anything —brakes, gears, suspension — I will use clinic time. BTW: Most riders’ bikes are way off, and a few quick adjustments can make a wonderful improvement.

Changes and cancellations: If you want to change your appointment, you must notify me by phone or email within 24 hours. After that time, there will be no change or refund.

Weather: Bad weather does not cancel sessions. If the conditions permit any kind of riding, we will ride. If it’s raining, bring a jacket. If it’s muddy, we’ll find another surface to ride on. If the lift closes because of lightning, we will push our bikes or practice in the parking lot. if we do cancel because of weather, it will be at my discretion, and I will notify you as early as possible.

Liability: Bike riding has inherent risks, and you must accept those risks. You will sign a waiver before we ride.

You can never start too young! 5-year-old Max dials in his attack position.

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Testimonials

Lee,

I’ve been practicing braking and drops as well as riding position. I got a shorter stem for my 4X bike as you suggested, and wow what a
difference. I went to the BMX track yesterday and it felt like a completely new bike The new riding positions that you tought me made it so much easier to jump as well as get a good pump off of the rollers. I’ve applied what you tought me about drops and body position to my DH bike and I was able to finally hit the 7 foot drop smother than I’ve ever hit it before.

- Matt (junior beginner downhill and 4X racer)

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Lee,

Thank you! I just got back from Moab, where I rode Slickrock and
Porcupine Rim trails. And I had a blast, mostly because I took your
MTB skills class. Those are two extreme trails, yet I found myself
comfortably handling terrain that would have freaked me out before the
training. So cool!

Thanks to your training, I felt the bike moving more freely underneath
me, while my body stayed calm. Using your techniques, I got down most
of Porcupine while really enjoying the trail’s rocky extremes. While I
still walked over some of the bigger drops, I was amazed at how much I
could do.

Mountain biking is so much more fun because I took your training.
Everybody should be so lucky to get this kind of instruction.

Steve
(40-something mountain biker)

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Lee-

Got the handouts! Thanks! They are rad! Breaking it down like that really
helps.

Thanks again for all your help and extra time! I’ll keep practicing!

You’re the best!

-Judy (pro XC racer)

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Lee,

Thanks so much for an awesome class and for spending extra time with us on Saturday. For me, getting more comfortable moving around over the bike, not freezing up when I am nervous, getting low in the attach position and looking ahead are key. I definitely need work on unweighting the front tire in particular, this will help me on trails, and I think the basics you taught us will help me do that. Once I get more comfortable with that I will relax a lot more and stay loose when the trail gets technical and steep. We had a great ride on Sunday at Keystone and a lot of the things you taught us popped up in my mind while riding. I was able to carry the front wheel when going over some of the small drops there, although larger drops or drops close to other obstacles - rocks, turns etc. - freaked me out still and I either rolled them or stopped and walked them.

You made the class great fun, you’ve got a great attitude, very positive and supportive. Great material, the book is very helpful as a companion for the class. Focusing on the basics is key for me, so I thought it was great that we worked on that rather than going straight to more advanced skills.

Thanks again, look forward to riding with you in the future.

Derrick Nedzel
System Consultant
iAnywhere Solutions

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Excellent training. I learnt so many things and feel my riding has improved many times over. The pace and the way things were taught (verbally and demonstrated) were excellent. Lee always managed to make things fun while holding everyones attention.

Paul, intermediate mountain biker

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Preparing for my first year of downhill racing, I knew I wanted to race expert. I was not afraid of pinning it. I could hit tech sections with speed and felt relatively comfortable just riding trail. Yet I knew I needed something to help progress my riding as I was getting whupped by more peers on trail. I could not figure it out. I read magazines and watched movies to learn how to hit corners without slowing down. I just could not grasp the concepts of lean and body position.

I started talking to Lee about my goals and we started doing some clinics. Lee told me that I had some natural talent that was good enough to start racing expert, but the fundamentals were my greatest weakness. Lee and I decided that my greatest problem was cornering. We started riding on a flat hardpacked, yet sandy piece of land by our local dirt jumps. He set up a flat turn slalom course and we did laps. Lee was able to correlate riding a bike to something that is easy for me to understand and my progression took off like a rocket. Before long, I felt confident railing berms, hooking flat turns without braking, drifting off-camber turns, riding brakeless, and all of the other cornering tricks he had up his sleeve.

I read his cornering chapter (in Mastering Mountain Bike Skills) every night for weeks until I had it memorized. I would read it in the car on shuttles and work on a new trick and on my last few runs I would put them all together and see how it went. I ran a timer during these runs and my times reflected what I thought they would; I was getting faster.

My race season went great. I put together some great runs and was blown away when I beat Lee in one race. I am going to continue to take advantage of Lee and his nearly endless knowledge of cornering, sprinting, jumping, and hopefully his chapter on racing like a champ will help me to improve my weakest part of my riding, the mental.

Nick Simcik
19-24 Expert
Boulder, Colorado

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I haven’t ridden in a couple years and frankly had some fear. Lee breaks everything down so it’s easy to get, and I really like his “no fear, no pain” philosophy.” He’s really gentle, and he gets you doing things you’ve never done before — and you’re having fun doing it.

Tracy

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Lee,

Thanks for the lesson … You’re a kind and patient teacher.

I’m psyched for lesson 2!

Mark

(experienced runner and climber but pretty new to mountain biking)

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I recently participated in a 2-part downhill clinic [for road bikes] conducted by Lee McCormack. I signed up eager to learn but was blown away by how much I learned. Lee’s class quickly changed my comfort and performance on the bike. Lee’s unique ability too clearly teach, building upon skills, to bring the rider to a higher level is amazing. Before you know it, you are riding better, safer, and having more fun. I wish I had learned from Lee from the start. I am very interested in attending more classes.

Karen Rakestraw
(experienced road rider)

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I just wanted to let you know how Awesome the Adult MTB Clinic was!!

I have been riding MTB’s longer than most SMBA kids have been alive (Coaches for that matter) and considered myself a fairly accomplished rider. Lee’s Clinic taught me so much more and as I apply it to my riding, I am continuing to getting better and faster!

Getting back to basics is a great way to go. I know I have developed habits, become comfortable in my riding style, and never really think to try something different. Lee’s style of teaching and method of delivery, along with Hands-on practice is an awesome way to raise the bar on riding.

For anyone who thinks they are good and don’t need a “basic” MTB class, think again! Balance, Braking, Movement on the Bike - all explained to a new level and it works!! I recommend it for everyone from Beginner to Seasoned Expert - and next on my list is to buy the book! This clinic has motivated me to continue to work on my riding, as I can see I have just scratched the surface.

Denise Lupear

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