What is the cost and how do I know my skill level?
To better assist in selecting a group that fits your current skill level, please see the descriptions below:$50 - Intro ~ This is an introduction to mountain biking. This group is perfect for the first time rider who has never ridden on dirt trail or for someone who has maybe only ridden on dirt a few times. You are physically fit (or looking for a way to get there), adventurous and want to learn more about mountain biking. Don't have a bike? We offer FREE rentals to clinic participants.
Instructors include Tony Simeone, Suzanne Summer, Lindsay Sherman and Jenn Gonzalez
$75 - Beginner Criteria
* You have been mountain biking for at least one (1) year.
* You have decent general riding skills and good fitness, but lack the ability and confidence to tackle terrain beyond a beginner level.
* You have a basic understanding of braking, shifting and steering and can handle riding smooth dirt paths with few rocks, roots
and technical areas.
* You may be looking to improve your fitness and can only handle riding for a few hours before tiring.
Instructors include Jeni Roosen, Charlie Summers, Scott Rodriguez, Charles Schindler, Todd Boucher and Kathi Krause
$95 - Intermediate Criteria
* You have been mountain biking for over two (2) years and have solid intermediate-level skills.
* You are comfortable with almost all aspects of mountain biking and can handle more technical terrain with rocks, roots and small logs
(up to 6").
* You have good control of your bike on intermediate to slightly more advanced trail and are comfortable climbing on non-technical singletrack.
* You are physically fit and can handle riding for several hours at a time.
~ you must be able to perform a front and rear wheel lift as well as ride logs up to 6" in diameter
Instructors include Angi Weston, Gale Dahlager, Sally Collins and Brad Titzer
$125 - Advanced Criteria
* You have been mountain biking for more than five (5) years and are confident riding all types of terrain and distances.
* You mountain bike often and can handle more advanced trail with medium-level stunts such as large log roll-overs and small bridges.
* You are comfortable with features such as switchbacks or rocky/rooty sections and can climb and descend on technical terrain.
* You can ride multiple days in a row and are looking to improve your skills with the encouragement and guidance of an expert coach.
~ you must be able to perform a front and rear wheel lift, bunny hop and drop off as well as ride logs up to 8" in diameter
Instructors include Shaums March, Lindsey Voreis and Marla Streb
NOTE: We strive to offer the most safe, responsible and effective guidance to all our participants. All riders must participate in a skills evaluation. Please read and understand the skill level criteria prior to registering. There will be NO REFUNDS given in the event you have signed up for a group that is above your riding capability and you are asked to move to a group more appropriate for your skill and/or fitness level.
Online registration begins January 1 and ends on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.
What should I bring for the clinic?
* Bike ~ Unless you are renting one. ~ Please make sure your bike is in good working order prior to the clinic.
* Helmet ~ You must have a helmet in order to participate in the clinic.
* Shoes ~ Gym shoes or clip-in bike shoes depending on your pedals.
* Gloves ~ Optional, but recommended
* Sunglasses/Sun Block
* Full water bottle or Hydration Pack
* SNACK FOOD! ~ Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, however you may want to bring additional items. Kindly keep in mind that coffee and a single banana will only get you through the first half hour. Please eat!
* Extra clothing ~ Something you can change into when the day is over.
* Towel
Is there an age limit for this event?
There is no age limit for this event. Past participants have ranged in age from 12 to 65 years old. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian on-site through out the clinic. Please keep in mind this is a long, hot day and may not be suitable for children with little to no mountain biking experience. You know your child's experience and limitations, so please keep this in mind when registering for this event. The 2012 clinic will once again offer a Youth Clinic for boys and girls ages 8-12 years.
I haven't been on a bike in years and I am horribly out of shape. Can I still do this clinic?
Yes. Even if you have not been on a bike in years, you can still participate in this clinic. The Intro group is a great way to get back on the bike or give mountain biking your first try. Instructors will teach you basic handling and shifting skills and drills on the pavement will give you the chance to get comfortable on the bike. Please keep in mind this can be a long, physically demanding day. While we do recommend some level of physical fitness, you know your body better than anyone.
Yes. From the beginning, we have always offered FREE rentals to our participants who don't have a bike or to those who would like to try an "upgraded" bike from what they are currently riding. Rentals are limited and must be reserved in advance. Additional information regarding FREE bike rentals will be available as the event date nears.
Do I need to sign up online or can I sign up the day of the clinic?
On-site registrations may be available if all spaces do not fill prior to the start of the clinic. Please keep in mind however the event has sold out and online registration closed early for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 events. The best option is to register on-line in order to guarantee a spot.
Who will be instructing at the 2012 clinic?
The Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic incorporates the teaching methods and techniques of the International Mountainbike Instructor Certification (IMIC) program. Since 2010 all our coaches and instructors have been certified through the IMIC program and are able to offer the most consistent instruction throughout all skill levels. The 2012 event features local and regional IMIC instructors as well as nationally recognized coaches such as two-time World Masters Downhill Champion, Shaums March; two-time U.S. National Downhill Champion and two-time Singlespeed World Champion, Marla Streb; and former Survivor (Season 3) contestant and Specialized AllRide Tour rider extraordinaire, Lindsey Voreis! Click here for a complete list of all 2012 coaches and instructors!
What is the best way to enter the park for the event? Where will the check-in be?
There are two main entrances to Brown County State Park; the North Gate entrance located just east of Nashville on Indiana State Highway 46 and the West Gate Entrance, located west of Nashville on Highway 46. CAUTION: If you use the North Gate Entrance, you must go through a covered bridge. Clearance is only 9 feet, so large trucks, vans, campers or RV's may not make it through. Also, if you have a roof rack with bikes or gear on top, BE AWARE THE HEIGHT OF YOUR VEHICLE. If your vehicle will not clear, you will need to use the West Gate Entrance. The Horseman's Camp Entrance on the south side of the park CANNOT be used to enter. This is for the horse camp only. Once in the park, follow signs for the Campground. Event Check-in and Registration will be located at the Campground Recreation Building located just before the main entrance to the park campground.
Where is the best place to stay while I'm in town for the event?
If you like to camp, or want to give it a try!, the best place to stay is at the official on-site camping at the Rally Campground (Sites 1 & 2) in Brown County State Park. The cost is only $10 per person/per night (kids 12 and under are FREE!). Online pre-registration is available. State Park camping rules will apply. Quiet hours will start promptly at 11:00 p.m. to ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep. The camping area will open at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 8. Rally sites are non-electric, primitive camping. There are no water hook-ups, but water is available. Rally sites do not have designated parking pads and are first come, first serve. Picnic tables and campfire rings are scattered throughout the area. Firewood is available at the campground store.
For those not interested in camping, Brown County offers a variety of lodging throughout the area. The Cornerstone Inn Bed & Breakfast is the "official" off-site lodging location for the 7th Annual Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic. Participants who stay at the Cornerstone will receive a special discount for the weekend of the event. The Upper Room has been reserved for the event and all room are priced at $125/night for Friday and Saturday night. Cost of these rooms are typically $139-$159 per night. Please call to book your reservation and be sure and mention you are coming for the Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic.
BrownCounty.com is the best resource to find additional lodging, restaurants, or just about anything around the area, . Hotels.com is also a good resource for finding "chain" hotels in Columbus, IN (18 miles) or Bloomington, IN (22 miles).
Is camping restricted to just clinic participants?
No. Camping is not restricted to just clinic participants. We highly encourage participants to bring a spouse, significant other or friend along for the weekend.
Are trails open to the public the weekend of the clinic?
Yes. Trails are open to the public throughout the weekend. With nearly 30 miles of trail (and growing,) the world-class Brown County mountain bike trail system has enough sweet single track to keep everyone occupied!
What are the Campfire Clinics?
These free clinics are open to registered participants only. Clinics will take place at the Rally Campground (Site 1) beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. Clinics are split into two groups (Intro/Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced) and will cover a variety of topics best suited for that skill level. Examples of topics are listed below:
Intro/Beginner Campfire Clinic: Intermediate/Advanced Campfire Clinic
~ Preparing for a Ride ~ Advanced Trail Side Repair
* Prepping your bike ~ Back Country/BOB Camping
* What to pack/wear * What to pack and carry
~ Beginner Trail Side Repair ~ IMBA Rules of the Trail
* How to fix a flat
* Hot to fix a broken chain
~ IMBA Rules of the Trail
What if it rains the day of the event?
The skills taught at the Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic can easily be done in a field or parking lot, meaning riding trail is not necessary. Brown County State Park has some of the best built trails in the Midwest and these trails tend to dry quickly, even after heavy rains. Unless there is a continuous heavy downpour the morning of the event, the clinic will go on. Should we need to call off the clinic due to weather, participants will be contacted via phone no later than 7:00 a.m. The clinic will then be rescheduled for a later date. Refunds will only be given to those who are not able to make the reschedule date.
I signed up for the clinic, but now I can't make it. Can I get a refund?
Refunds will only be given in the event the clinic is postponed due to weather and you are not able to make the reschedule date. Refunds will not be given for camping. If you are not able to make the clinic, but would like to transfer your registration to another person, please send an email to info@midwestwomensclinic.com and we would be happy to make the changes.
Event T-Shirts and Sizing
The 2012 event will once again offer a women's t-shirt. Cost is only $15. A limited quantity may be available for purchase at the event or you can pre-order online before June 1 to guarantee receiving an event t-shirt.
If you have a question that has not been answered in our FAQ, please send an email to info@midwestwomensclinic.com