PUTB or P2PI for a SoCal ripper?

Lee,

I was looking at your fitness books: Pump up the Base and Prepare to Pin It. It appears that one should start with Pump Up the Base during the off-season. Then, move to Prepare to Pin It. What about those of us that live in Southern California? We do not have an off-season. Is it still worthwhile to use the Pump up the base program considering that I am not going to stop my regular mountain bike rides, or should I go straight to the Prepare to Pin It program?

Ron

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Tuning a Specialized Brain for braaap


Lee,

How will i find the sweet spot for an Epic EVO Brain for pump or trail?

Peter

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P2PI week 9 power testing


During the winter it was pretty easy to follow the Pump Up the Base and Prepare to Pin It training programs to the letter, and I saw some big power gains.

Now that I’m coaching most days and traveling many weeks — not to mention other work and Life — it’s getting harder to follow P2PI precisely. But I’m following its spirit: fitting in the key workouts, sticking to my weight work and resting when I can.

And the power numbers are still improving:

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Public skills classes at Lyons Bike Park May 20-22


Lyons Bike Park is a great place to work on the essential MTB kung fu skills — and it’s the best place around here to learn how to ride up and down rocks.

I’m offering three classes through the Town of Lyons: one for kids, one for teens and one for adults.

Check ’em out:


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A gentlemanly pump track riding critique


When I moved to the East San Francisco Bay area in 1993, Gregory was the first person to befriend me and take me riding. Let’s see if I can return the favor.

These tips will apply for most pump track riders.

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Skills session in Pensacola, FL on May 12

Hey all, I’m stoked to announce a kung fu skills session in Pensacola, FL on May 12.

Private and semiprivate sessions are available May 12-17.

UPDATE: NO SPOTS LEFT
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Finding braaap in Ireland

Here’s a nice note from a reader who’s getting stronger and more skilled — and having more fun.

This is great Tony. Rip it up!

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Skill tips for shorter people?


First of all, thank you for all your work on books and website – it’s eye-opening regardless of skills level.

I have a question about body position and riding techniques for short people. Being 170 cm (5’7”) I feel that some of the normal “tricks” are harder to perform, especially those requiring more movement around a bike, like correct turning (leaning the bike heavily, but not the body) or manualling. It’s just impossible or very difficult to move the weight far enough over the rear wheel to lift the front end, or in case of turning – to move the bike between your legs and stretch the inside shoulder enough to lean the bike without leaning yourself too much.

Maybe you have some experience from coaching shorter people? Are there any smart ways of overcoming these limitations?

Michal

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BMX skills session at Valmont Bike Park

I’m excited to announce a special skills session focused on skills for BMX and gated racing. April 20. $100. Be there!

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So close in Utah


After the Saturday coaching session in Utah (see Radness in Salt Lake City, UT), I was exhausted but we had to rock a trail ride. Chris is a seasoned XC racer. Judd is a new-school ripper. The three of us made a perfect platoon of braaap!

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What’s with these round bladed shovels?

Hi Lee

Thanks for sending the ebook Welcome to Pump Track Nation. Its got me thinking!

Now I have a question, what’s with these round bladed shovels? We don’t really see them that often here in the UK. Do they make that much difference?

Regards, Ian

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Skills clinic in Prescott, AZ on April 12

Hey all, I’m excited to rock a kung fu skills session in Prescott, AZ on April 12.

Quotes from last week’s session in Phoenix:

“If any of you ever get a chance to do a skills clinic (MTB) with Lee McCormack, do yourself a favor and sign up. The guy rocks. I don’t care what your level is, beginner through seasoned pro, he will help you. And he’ll give you about 200 “Braaaaps!” throughout the course of the day, because he rocks! (Yah, he *REALLY* likes bikes too!)
I’m no DHer, very far from it.. just a roadie XC wannabe. But I’ve PRed every freakin’ local DH segment I’ve hit since Lee’s clinic a few weeks ago. By a decent margin too. Comfortably. Safely! And, I have lots more drilling to go, to really retrain my brain to do the right things instinctively (instead of constantly “thinking”). Stoked!”
Stephen

Lee,
I just wanted to say thanks for the clinic on Friday. I had so much fun and learned so much. You do a terrific job of teaching things in a simple digestable fashion.
A dropper has been ordered, I swapped out my [Ergon] grips to keep my hands light, and I am trying to talk my wife into a pump track in the yard (that may take some time).
I hope you enjoyed your time in AZ. Keep spreading the Fu gospel. Braaaaaappppp!
Phil

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