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Mountain Bike Lessons with Jake near Phil's World
Pricing
Description
Phil's World Area Mountain Bike Lessons - Cortez / Dolores
Roll onto a 40-acre (16-hectare) high desert ranch built for one thing: riding bikes better. Tucked among piñon and juniper at the crossroads of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos, the property backs right up to the Phil's World trail system and comes with its own skills park, purpose-built trails, a jump line, and a drop zone. Views stretch out to Mesa Verde National Park, the La Plata Mountains, and Sleeping Ute Mountain while you ride.
Your private session starts with a conversation about your goals and the kind of rider you picture yourself becoming. From there, your instructor builds a lesson plan around you. Expect focused skill drills on the ranch's teaching features, followed by time on natural terrain where you put each new technique to work on real trail. Sessions run two or three hours, and the plan is yours alone, whether that means cornering with more speed, lifting your wheels cleanly, or handling steeper, more technical lines.
When the lesson wraps, more than 60 miles (97 km) of Phil's World singletrack sit just beyond the property gate, ready for you to test what you've learned.
Duration
Choose from:
- 2-hour private lesson
- 3-hour private lesson
Location / Where to Meet
- Lessons meet at the ranch: 29554 Road N, Dolores, CO 81323
- The ranch borders the Phil's World trail system, and the northern Phil's World trails are about a two-minute ride from the property. It sits between Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos, roughly 45 minutes from Durango.
- A portable toilet and potable water are available on the property.
Ages & Requirements
- All ages welcome. Lessons are tailored to each rider.
- No previous mountain biking experience is required. Brand-new riders build a foundation of fundamental skills, while experienced riders refine technique and are introduced to more advanced skills.
- Sessions can be booked for 1, 2, or 3 riders. Larger private groups are available on request.
- Lessons combine skills-park drills with riding on natural high desert terrain, which can be rocky, uneven, and loose.
What's Included
- 2-hour or 3-hour private mountain bike skills lesson
- Customized lesson plan built around your goals and current ability
- Professional instruction from a BICP and PMBIA certified mountain bike instructor
- Use of the on-site skills park, teaching features, and private trails
- On-trail application of the skills you learn
Not Included
- Mountain bike and helmet
- Gratuity - Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your instructor
- Camping - Tent and van campsites on the ranch are booked separately
- Food and drinks
What to Bring / Wear
- Mountain bike in good working order
- Helmet
- Closed-toe shoes suited to riding
- Comfortable, moisture-wicking riding clothing, plus an extra layer since high desert weather can change quickly
- Riding gloves and any protective pads you like to wear
- Sun protection - Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack, plus snacks
- Any personal medications you may need during the session.
Video
See what it's like to stay and ride at Zuma Bike Ranch!
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Zuma Bike Ranch
FAQs
Do I need previous experience to take a mountain bike lesson?
No. If you're brand new to the sport, you'll gain a solid foundation of fundamental skills. If you've been riding a while, we'll help you refine your technique and challenge you with more advanced skills.
What will I learn in a private lesson?
That's up to you. We'll ask about your goals and build a custom plan around them. Riders often work on things like cornering, pressure control, wheel lifts, technical climbing and descending, drops, and jumping. You'll practice through skill drills, then apply what you learn on trail.
Is this lesson a certification course?
No. This is a private skills lesson focused on your own riding. Instructor certification courses are run separately.
Who teaches the lessons?
Our lead instructor is BICP and PMBIA certified, is an instructor trainer for a national mountain bike skills program, and also trains other instructors for PMBIA. He has explored the mountains of North America by bike and is passionate about helping riders reach their potential through setting goals, building skill sets, and expanding comfort zones.
What makes the ranch a good place to learn?
The property was purpose-built for teaching mountain biking. We have a skills park, a jump line, a drop zone, and our own trails, with features designed to teach specific skills. Most skill development happens right here on the ranch before you apply it on trail.
Are there restrooms and water at the ranch?
Yes. We have a portable toilet and a potable water source on the property.
Do you offer group clinics?
Yes. We run scheduled skills clinics covering fundamentals, high speed cornering, technical climbing and descending, and jumping. We can also build a customized clinic around your group's skills goals.
Where else can I ride in the area?
Beyond Phil's World, you'll find the Boggy Draw trail system in Dolores, the Aqueduct trail system in Mancos, and Sand Canyon in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. High alpine riding with access to the Colorado Trail is less than an hour away.
How can I ride responsibly in the high desert?
Please follow Leave No Trace principles and stay on the trail. The cryptobiotic soils here are fragile and an important part of the ecosystem. This is also a high fire danger area, so check current fire restrictions before your visit.
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