Halleljuah, the rain held and we headed out with 6 extra Diamondback Demo bikes for our clinic participants.  Participants had bid and won an auction item that included demo bikes and a beginner clinic.  A few of the gals had some experience and others hadn't ridden a bike for years.

Diamondback was kind enough to prep and arrange for 6 bikes that included mostly Diamondback Sorties with a couple of Missions thrown in the mix.

We put some flat pedals on the bikes, geared up the girls with gear include a helmet, some knee pads and in a couple of cases some gloves.  Was a particularly amusing moment explaining the Shocker gloves by POW. Thanks POW for those gloves, not only do they perform well but they do provide some light but sometimes awkward moments of explanation!

The rain held as Kathy led the group through and introduction, why they were at the clinic and then  the basics of evaluating the bike prior to riding and doing a safety check.  Then we began covering skills including braking, shifting, neutral position and bike and body separation.  We covered ascending and descending and did a little coaching around the clearing before the group set out on a ride.  With Sturdy Bitches interspersed between the riders, the coaching moved to on the trails and everyone rode through the boot camp trail. 

Some of the group moved on to the boot camp trail while a small contingent broke off to ride the pump track and even attempt some of the lower skinnies in the clearing area.  One particularly brave participant decided she wanted to do some of the smaller drops in the clearing.  Looks like someone needs a bike, some body armor and maybe a lesson or two with Kat!  Check out Kat's website if you're looking for more women's clinics, not only does Kat breakdown the basics, she also teaches jumps and drops through her Sweetlines company.  Prior to our clinic Kat was running Jump Jam with guest instructors Tammy Donahugh of Awesomeland fame and Angi Weston as well.  Keep an eye on the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance calendar for more of Kat's clinics. 

Had a fun and successful clinic yesterday.  We want to thank our awesome sponsor Diamondback Bikes for providing the demo bikes and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance for creating and maintaining such an awesome venue for clinics.  Duthie Hill is in Issaquah and there is really a great mix of XC, freeride and terrain appropriate for full  DH rigs at this location.  While it's not a "ride" per se, it is a great destination be able to practice and dial in your skills. 

Thanks also to our participants - they all had great attitudes and definitely put in a good solid day of working on skills.  Hope to see them on the trails soon!!