Cycling Off Road OAS 4-9
Mountain Biking
The Scout Cycling Team provide support for youth to progress through OAS Cycling Off-Road (Mountain Biking). This is done mainly through our Team’s activity program and supporting major events. Skills can be picked up through other methods, but we find the Demonstration, Instruction, Coaching and Testing on the Trails we do as the safest way teach, coach and verify skills.
The Attack Position
Sometimes also called the Ready Position, this is most basic Mountain Biking Skill. Being able to ride in the Attach position is core for OAS 4 Cycling Off-Road, but it is also an essential skill for all cycling.
Riding in the attack position is the base skill and starting position for most Mountain Biking skills such as drop-off, step-ups, berms, manuals, bunny-hops and jumps. It is also useful when encountering obstacles on the road and when bicycle touring.
The Attack Position:
- Loosen up. If you're in balance, you can loosen up and allow the bike to move around underneath you and track the terrain.
- Look ahead: Look at where you want to be next.
- Stand up. Out of your seat, knees slightly bent
- Weight distribution. Keep your weight over the pedal
- Pedals level. Lets you stand up tall, and avoids pedal strike on obstacles
- Elbows out: Arms relaxed, elbows slightly bent. Allows the bike to move around underneath you
- Engage your core.
- Cover your brakes. Hand on the grips, 1 or 2 fingers on the breaks so you are read to adjust your speed.
A useful video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Od21Q4Ro_I
State Cycling Team Activities
The Scout Cycling Team has qualified and trainee Mountain Bike Leaders who can run a variety of mountain biking courses and events:
Come & Try Mountain Biking (OAS Stage 3-4)
The Scout Cycling Team beginner mountain bike offering. The focus of the three hours is on getting a taste of mountain biking. Participants need to be comfortable with general bike riding. Open to Scouts, Venturers, Rovers & Leaders. Older Cubs may also be eligible but should contact the team first. Group bookings are available for Come & Try MTB events. Each session can have up to 16 participants
Intro to MTB (OAS Stage 4-5)
The Intro to Mountain Biking is the core Scout Cycling Team offering, giving riders a foundation in all the key skills and techniques for mountain biking. Throughout the day riders will learn techniques to overcome obstacles such as jumps, drop-off, step-ups, berms, rock gardens and more. Open to Scouts, Venturers, Rovers and Leaders who are already confident riding a bike.
Intermediate MTB Skills (OAS Stage 6-7)
Intermediate Mountain Bike Skills focuses on refining core mountain bike techniques for riders with existing experience. This will include riding on more advanced terrain and a greater focus on technical features such as berms, rock gardens and larger step-ups and drops. Participants must have previously completed the Intro to Mountain Biking (or have contacted the team at state.cycling@scoutsvictoria.com.au for confirmation of their existing mountain bike skills).
Intermediate Ride days/weekends (OAS Stage 6-7)
These are mountain bike events aimed at riders who already have intermediate mountain bike skills. Generally, no formal instruction will be provided, and the focus is on riding and enjoying the terrain. Participants must have previous mountain biking experience and be comfortable riding blue trails. If unsure, contact the team at state.cycling@scoutsvictoria.com.au