The GravTech program is for intermediate to advanced riders looking to go faster downhill.  Sessions will focus on progressing your mountain bike skills with the specific outcomes of speed, balance, control and stability while riding downhill in technical, rocky terrain.

Participants should be able to ride most black diamond trails in the Lunch Loop trail network.

PROGRAM INFO: The GVYC Gravity/Technical Skills program will introduce and develop mountain bike skills with the intent of riding faster in technical terrain.  The program will focus on practicing and applying fundamental skills of mountain biking to gravity-based riding.  Emphasis will be on body position, braking, descending and cornering on intermediate and advanced terrain.  Additionally, coaches will introduce concepts of gravity racing including track walks, feature inspection, line selection, visualization and video review. A logical and methodical process is used to minimize risk and emphasize safety first.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

• Well maintained and functional dual suspension mountain bike with a recommended minimum of 140mm rear travel and 150mm front travel and tires with 2.4 or more width.
• Helmet and Knee pads required. Elbow pads highly recommended
• Optional equipment includes full face helmet, chest, back protector and/or neck brace.

MINIMUM ABILITY LEVEL:

• Must be able to ride harder blue and black trails
• Comfortable with higher speed riding
• Able to roll down a 12” – 18” rock ledge
• Good example is ability to ride the Horsethief Bench loop (minus the drop-in) at Kokopelli or Raven's Ridge in the Lunch Loop system.​​​​​​​

GROUPS: Athletes are placed into groups of 6-8 riders with 1-2 coaches. Groups are formed based athlete age, ability, experience, social or family connections, group chemistry and many other factors.

LOCATIONS: Practices may meet at several different locations including Main Lunch Loop, Little Park Road or The Ribbon.  Some practices may include "shuttling" to various trails. Coaches will communicate in advance all meeting locations and instructions.