FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are all the most frequently asked questions on all coaching sessions, workshops and private lessons. Have a read down the page and if you can’t find the answer to what you are looking for, then get in touch. Please also have a quick look on the terms and conditions page or privacy policy page too.
How are you different from other providers in the region?
Nic Johnson is the only Worksafe Adventure Activities Accredited mountain bike coach based in the Wellington region/lower North Island legally accredited to coach or guide adults mountain biking. Not only is this a legal requirement to accept payment for teaching and guiding on all mountain bike trails (Read more here), it is the best and safest way, and I think you are worth it. Check the Worksafe register here.
Along with I also keeping up to date with the latest coaching techniques and methods, I have the following qualifications and accreditations:
- Comprehensive outdoor first aid training (PHEC – Pre Hospital Emergency Care – 5 day)
- Mountain bike coaching certification (NZ Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (Instruction L5) in Mountain Biking)
- L1 Intermediate GSMBC coaching qualification
- Training for L2 Advanced
- Nine years coaching experience
- 20 years of high level racing and riding experience to draw on
Who do you support?
I support Revolve and WORD with sponsorship of events and give back via Stripe Climate projects and Trees That Count.
What should I bring?
- Your mountain bike
- Helmet
- Comfortable top- we will have some watching/chatting bits, so make sure it is something warm.
- Comfortable riding shorts- baggies/lycra- whatever you feel good in
- Rain Jacket- just in case it’s not sunny
- Spare tube/pump (if you have them)
- Bike tool (if you have one)
- Any medications that you might need
- Water bottle
- Snack
How do I know which course will be right for me?
There are four course options to choose from. Check out the information about each course and find out which one suits your current skill level. If you are still unsure, get in touch and I can help you find your perfect course.
The mixed and women’s courses cover the same material. Men and women sometimes learn and are motivated differently, therefore I have two session options (mixed group or women only). Learning the same skills in a different environment can be better for some participants. I fully appreciate that not everyone identifies with solely men or solely women. Choose the group that you most identify with or will feel the most comfortable in.
What kind of fitness do I need?
For Intro to Dirt and Corners a basic level of fitness is needed. This means being able to cope with 3 hours out on the trails and being on bikes. We will ride approximately 5km-10km total depending on the course location. Whilst it is a 3hr course, it is not a 3 hr ride. There is a lot of time learning new skills and applying them on short sections of trail.
For Advanced Cornering a moderate level of fitness is required. Although there is not much riding trail time in this course (approx 5km), there is pushing up trails/paths to session corners and multiple laps of the pump track to learn new techniques.
For Intro to Jumping, a moderate level of fitness is required as we will be using our upper bodies, sessioning skills and at the end of the course jumping. This will require riding or pushing back up trail to session and refine techniques. Jumping is tiring, so if you are unsure about this, please get in touch.
What if I want to do a course with my friends?
No worries! That’s where a private lesson can come in…you can do it by yourself or grab your friends. I will tailor a specific session especially for you.
What about MTB lessons for my Kids or Teenagers?
Cool to hear your child is keen to get some more MTB Skills. Kids (and adults!) learn best when they are with people of similar abilities (and ages)… I recommend checking out WORD for after school programs and holiday camps for kids age 7-17 yrs old.
All the courses offered are for participants 18yrs and over.
Is mountain biking dangerous?
Mountain biking is an adventurous activity and at times can be dangerous. Nic Johnson MTB Coach will make every effort to not put you in unnecessary danger by choosing the appropriate trails and starting at the basics and working our way up. We will be working on various skills and pushing the limits…in a step by step progression. During the course, if there is ever something that you do not want to do, you do not have to do it. There is always the option to stop or walk. Please tell me, so I am aware and can find an alternative.
Please read the risk disclosure here.
I am a worksafe registered Adventure Activity Operator and have my safety management systems externally audited by an outside provider every three years.
Is medical help available if an accident were to occur?
As your instructor, I have a current Outdoor PHEC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care) first aid qualification. I also carry communication equipment appropriate for the terrain we will be in. If a serious injury is suspected I will arrange evacuation at the cost of the participant. A well maintained and safe bike is the participants responsibility. I am mechanically competent and will assist to make sure your bike is running safely if required. Please check your bike is in good running order before coming to a course or session. Eating well and being well hydrated will help you have a great time too! Alcohol and drugs are not permitted while riding.
What if the weather is bad?
The courses run in most weather conditions (I am more keen on sun than rain, as that is best for learning in!). On the off chance that the weather is awful (or something happens outside of my control), I will cancel the session for safety reasons. I will refund your money (or transfer it to another course). Your safety is important to me, and I don’t want anyone to be put in harms way for the sake of a session. I will send you an email by 8am on the day if your course is cancelled.
What type of bike do I need?
Bring the bike that you love and ride the most! It is expected to have knobbly tyres and front suspension. I will be carrying basic tools and a suspension pump and can help make some adjustments to your bike so it fits you better. For any weekend workshops, i’ll send out a gear list a month before. If you have any questions about specific equipment, just get in touch.
What type of pedals should I use?
What ever you feel most comfortable on… There are 2 different types of pedals. Flat pedals are great for learning and confidence boosting, plus you can take your foot off your pedals easily. Clipless pedals take a bit of practice to be able to unclip when you want to get your foot off the pedal.
If you are new to riding or are keen to get into jumping I HIGHLY recommend FLAT pedals.
What will the group size be?
To give you the best quality, safety and value for money course, each course will be limited to 6 people. The minimum for all skills courses is 3 people.
How long are the courses and private sessions?
Courses are 3 hours long (bring a snack!) and Private Lessons are 2 hours.
What happens to my booking if you don’t get enough people for the course?
If a course doesn’t get 3 people booked by the Thursday night prior to running, I will offer to move your booking to another course date. If I can’t find a date that works for you, then I will refund you.
How do cancellations and refunds work?
If you are not able to make your course or session, the following refunds will apply:
-7 days or more before your course- 50% refund
-1-6 days before your course- 25% refund
-Less than 24 hours before your course- no refund
Do you offer gift vouchers?
YES! I now have gift vouchers. You can buy these on the booking page at the bottom if you wish to get a flash voucher sent out to you, or you can just book in for someone else. You choose.
If you want to book in for someone else and not receive a voucher, just use your details for the booking and place their details in the notes ‘section’. Check out the Terms and Conditions page for more info.
How do I book?
It’s super easy, check out one of these two options:
ONLINE– Head to the bookings page and choose your course. Here you can pay online by credit card.
EMAIL– Flick me an email at [email protected] – And I can fire you an invoice, where you can either pay by bank transfer or credit card. This may happen for private session bookings or more often something ‘outside of the box’.
Usually private sessions will also be loaded on the bookings page once arranged, so you will generally be redirected back there to secure your time slot.
ONLINE COACHING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How should I record the video?
- For Corners – film at the exit of the corner off the trail, try and get as much of the entry and exit as you can, otherwise a side view is fine.
- For Drops – film from the side – so the entry, drop and landing can be seen.
- For Skills like Wheelies, Compressions or other Carpark/Field exercises side views are preferred.
- Back packs and Hip packs off please.
What format should I submit the video in?
Normal cell phone video (MP4) or MOV. formats are just fine. Make sure they are under 20secs in length. Shorter is best.
How long will it take to get my review?
All reviews will be returned with 3-5 working days. If your video is not suitable or in a format that can not be used, then you will be contacted for another submission.
What’s included with the review?
The review will be returned with comprehensive written feedback with structured notes, diagrams and sometimes additional supporting videos or images to help with understanding of the technique required.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely. Private lessons start at $250 and group courses at $150. This is an affordable way to get fast feedback from a professional coach on your riding without the time commitment of booking in a course/lesson or associated costs with getting there. Perfect for people without access to a professional and qualified coach. Lastly this is a great way to augment a coaching lesson you have already had, or try the feedback and my coaching style before committing to an in-person course or lesson.
How much is it?
Online coaching starts at $30 for a Quick and Dirty Thirty – a quick review and short coaching notes and video overlay if required.
Pro Session/s coaching includes a comprehensive 1-2 page report, coaching notes and links to various online aides or videos to help you in your progression. Pro sessions start from $75 for one video upload and $200 for three.
What type of skills or features can you review?
Anything from Grade 1 -5 (Green to Black diamond obstacles) Including – Corners, drops, steeps, root sections, trail flow, small jumps, table top jumps under 2 meters long and essential skills like front wheel lifts, rear wheel lifts, compressions, endos, wheelies, and manuals. Get in touch if you are unsure.
What will you not review?
Objectional material, gap jumps, tricks, slopestyle and double black diamond runs. Fuzzy video, obscured or partially obscured frames and images.