Mountain bike champs of the future will learn the skills guaranteed to give them speed, control and, most of all, to thrill spectators wherever they ride as the festival’s first ever jump skills session takes to Forestry Commission Scotland’s dirt jump park near Nevis Range base station, Fort William, from 9am on Saturday March 14.

Riders aged between 12 and 16 with off road experience are invited to learn the ropes and the tricks of the trade under the expert supervision of the team from Edinburgh based Dirt School, Scotland’s leading mountain bike coaching company.

Workshops will be aimed at two levels – New Jumpers and Intermediate / Advanced Jumpers. Workshops for both will include straight jump sessions followed by 4 Cross and drop offs training. Riders can take one or both of the classes and following the morning sessions all Jump Jam School participants will be invited to take part in a crowd pleasing skills showcase finale, a real spectacle to round off the 2009 Fort William Mountain Festival.

In the exciting finale of the Jump Jam riders will be graded on their style on the jumps by the other participants. This will be followed by a 4 Cross knockout where participants can put all the skills they have learnt into practice. There will be prizes for ‘Best Jump’, ‘Most Improved Rider’, ‘4 Cross Champion’, ‘Best Riding Moment’ and ‘Best Rider of the Day’.

The two New Jumpers and Intermediate / Advanced Jumpers workshops each cost £12.50 but numbers are limited so book early. Access to the post lunch free sessions and entry into the afternoon finale is free to all workshop participants.

Mike Pescod, Festival Director is thrilled to announce the arrival of the
Jump Jam School saying; ‘The Jump Jam will really end the festival on a high note bringing high-flying mountain bike riding entertainment to the final day of the Fort William Mountain Festival. Riding the jumps is the most exciting way to use your bike and will revolutionise your downhill and cross country riding and under the careful guidance of the guys from Dirt School participants will be promised a session to remember while spectators can enjoy an afternoon of breathtaking jumps and 4 Cross racing.’

This event is organised by the Highland Mountain Culture Association Ltd and sponsored by Off Beat Bikes, the West Highland Wheelers, No Fuss Events, and supported by Rescue Medics and Dougie Pryce. With expert coaching from the full time professional mountain bike coaches at Dirt School, your skills level will go as high as you want and make sure you have safe landings.

Entry Forms are available at http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk/workshops.asp or by calling 01397 700 001. Booking in advance is essential.

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