What is sessioning MTB?

Answered by Arthur Reyes

Sessioning MTB refers to the act of repeatedly practicing and refining specific skills or sections of a mountain biking trail. It involves breaking down a trail or a particular feature into smaller sections and riding them repeatedly to improve technique, build confidence, and push your limits. Essentially, it's all about honing your skills and becoming a better rider through focused and deliberate practice.

One of the great things about sessioning is that it can be done by riders of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to master basic skills like cornering or a seasoned rider aiming to conquer technical obstacles, sessioning allows you to focus on specific areas that need improvement. It's a way to fine-tune your riding abilities and gain a deeper understanding of the trail.

When sessioning, it's important to choose a section or feature that challenges you but is still within your skill range. Starting with something too difficult can be discouraging and potentially lead to injuries. Begin with smaller obstacles and gradually progress to more advanced features as your skills improve.

One of the main benefits of sessioning is that it allows you to break down a trail and analyze it in detail. By repeatedly riding a specific section, you can identify problem areas, experiment with different techniques, and find the most efficient line. This focused practice helps to build muscle memory and develop the necessary skills to tackle similar challenges on other trails.

Another advantage of sessioning is the opportunity to build confidence. By repeatedly riding a particular feature, you become familiar with it and gain a sense of control. This confidence can then be transferred to other parts of the trail or even different trails altogether. It's amazing how much progress can be made when you have the chance to repeatedly tackle a challenging section.

Moreover, sessioning allows you to push your limits and take calculated risks in a controlled environment. By repeating a feature, you can gradually increase your speed or try more advanced techniques, knowing that you have the opportunity to try again and learn from any mistakes. This progressive approach helps to build skills and overcome mental barriers that may hold you back on the trail.

To make the most of your sessioning sessions, it can be helpful to set specific goals. Whether it's perfecting a particular skill, improving your speed, or conquering a challenging feature, having a clear objective can provide focus and motivation. Additionally, recording your progress through video footage or keeping a riding journal can be a valuable tool for tracking improvement and identifying areas for further development.

In my personal experience, sessioning has been an integral part of my mountain biking journey. I remember when I first started, I struggled with steep descents and technical rock gardens. Instead of avoiding these features, I dedicated several sessions solely to practicing them. By repeatedly riding these sections, I gradually improved my technique, built confidence, and eventually conquered those once-intimidating obstacles.

Furthermore, sessioning has helped me become a more well-rounded rider. By focusing on specific skills like jumps, drops, or tight corners, I have been able to push my limits and expand my riding abilities. It's amazing to see how much progress can be made through concentrated practice.

Sessioning MTB is a valuable practice that allows riders to break down trails or specific features into smaller sections and repeatedly ride them to improve skills and build confidence. It offers a focused and deliberate approach to mountain biking that can benefit riders of all levels. By setting goals, analyzing technique, and pushing limits, sessioning can help take your riding to the next level. So, get out there, mix up your rides, and embrace the power of sessioning to become a better mountain biker.