If you have ever wondered how you could improve your switchbacks, corners, climbing, descending, or any other part of your mountain bike race, then you need to go see Gene Hamilton. He is the owner/coach for Better Ride. He puts on camps all over the nation all year round and you will learn how to be a better more proficient mountain biker. I asked countless people how to improve all of the above mentioned skills and got lots of answers but I never improved. Well, now I have the knowledge on how to get better. I'm not saying I am any better at the moment. In fact, I'm probably slower, because I know my old habits don't work, but I haven't figured out how to do all of the new moves. But give me a few months of practice, because I plan to really rip it on the descents in 2011!

We spent 3 full days in San Diego (mainly in a parking lot!) learning the theory and doing drills to practice the skills needed for the trail. The biggest thing I learned was about my vision. I learned that I need to look further ahead than I am used to. We did some great drills to figure this out (you have to pay the $ if you want to know these drills!).

Gene has lots of stories and examples and is a really interesting person to listen to for 3 days straight! My brain was full and exhausted each night, but my body hadn't done much. It was just all of the learning that wore me out. I'd love to practice for a few months then do another camp.