dirtschool - latestnews

Dirt School back in Wales

2010-01-31T16:20:39+00:00

We’re very glad to anounce that Rowan Sorrell will be teaching classes for us again in 2010. He’ll be leading our Trail School, Jump School and Downhill classes, as well as a new lesson for 2010 – the All Mountain School. Rowan had a nasty accident last year but is now back to full speed and is looking forward to getting stuck back in. Check out the new dates in our XC, Downhill and Freeride sections of the site.

Rowan doing what he does best.

Glentress Still Closed

2010-01-15T15:18:53+00:00

We’d heard rumours that Innerleithen was cut off from the rest of the world due to the snow we’ve had recently, and that the local Supermarket in town was down to canned food and limes. It would appear that Glentress has also taken a direct hit with a massive snowball. Let’s hope we can get out on our bikes soon, eh?

The Freeride Area

NEW Weekend Camps!

2009-10-26T17:12:10+00:00

Breaking news! We’ve just launched our first winter weekends. Including a bed, homemade food, a Dirt School coach and a guest speaker on the Saturday night. You’ll leave with all you need to know and ready to go for the summer. Split into three, our weekends are Base (Yoga, fitness, technical skills and fitness advice), Head Camp (psychology of performance, confidence and raising your game) and finally the Body Camp with a nutritionist, a bunch of give-a-ways and a focus on how to keep yourself going and get the most out of all the hard work you’ve put in over the season. Whether you’re a racer, a keep-fit addict or an enthusiastic rider, there’s loads in there for you.

Go on, book yourself in and reap the rewards!

Scottish Elite Academy News

2009-10-05T20:30:37+01:00

The intake for my Scottish Academy have just opened for application. There will be limited spaces for a few Scottish Elites and Juniors aiming at World Cup and World Championship success.

Deadline for applications is the 12th October. Following this, some invites will then be sent out to attend the selection day on the 24th October.

Click Scottish Cycling to download your forms.

Please get me on chris.ball@scottishcycling.org.uk if you need anything else.

So if you think you’re a World Class Scottish rider get your applications in now!

Good luck!

Chris

5 Stars from Moredirt.com

2009-10-02T16:56:41+01:00

If you’re not sure whether or not to come to Dirt School check our most recent review from the good guys over at More Dirt.

They joined Andy for a Private session on the jumps at Glentress and really found a benefit to their overall riding. Although Andy’s head is now struggling to fit into his helmet, we’re really pleased to see the Dirt School love out on the world wide web. Do you need more of an excuse to come?!

Feature in MBR

2009-10-01T19:54:48+01:00

For the last year I’ve been writing the fitness and riding sections for MBR Magazine. So, for this winter I thought it’d be cool to try and help you guys out too. If you want to feature in the hallowed pages of the MBR ‘Body’ section and have a burning question on anything training or health related, send it to me and I’ll try my best to answer it and publish the results in the mag – complete with an answer! Go on, email chris@dirtschool.co.uk for your 15mins of fame.

Gift Vouchers - The best present ever.

2009-08-29T06:58:52+01:00

We’ve recently been inundated with questions about vouchers so until our home page redesign is finished (keep your eyes peeled) here’s the lowdown. We regularly take out riders who’ve received a voucher as a present from someone who knows they love cycling but are stuck for a gift idea. Every time we hear how great a present it is and how a few hours tuition can make such a difference to their enjoyment of the sport.

We do vouchers for private half day and full day classes as well as our group full days. All you have to do is email Andy at andy@dirtschool.co.uk with what you want and he’ll get one straight out to you! The perfect present for any mountain biker is really that easy to get a hold of.

Scottish MTB Development Consortium Update

2009-08-29T06:32:25+01:00

The sustainable development of mountain biking in Scotland – a national strategic framework.

Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005
Determination by the Scottish Mountain Bike Development Consortium

The Scottish Mountain Bike Development Consortium, as the Responsible Authority, after consultation with the consultation authorities and full consideration of the likely environmental effects of The National Mountain Bike Framework, has determined, under Section 8(1) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, that The National Mountain Bike Framework is unlikely to have significant environmental effects and that a Strategic Environmental Assessment is not required.
Statement of Reasons

The Scottish Mountain Bike Development Consortium (the Consortium) carried out a detailed screening assessment of the National Mountain Bike Framework (the Framework). The Consortium concluded from the screening assessment that the National Mountain Bike Framework was unlikely to have significant environmental effects.

The screening assessment highlighted that the strategic objectives of the Framework emulate those of relevant plans, programmes and strategies of members of the Consortium which have already undergone full Strategic Environmental Assessment. The National Mountain Bike Framework does not introduce any major new issues or direct actions that are not considered within these pre-existing Strategic Environmental Assessments and which concluded that no environmental effects were likely.

The screening assessment stressed that the Framework’s objectives and proposed actions are based on the core principle of sustainability, and that the Framework promotes the sustainable and responsible use of Scotland’s outdoors. The Framework encourages sound environmental planning and management, and the need to avoid and mitigate negative impacts on the natural and cultural heritage.

Through the promotion of increased participation in mountain biking, the Framework will have a positive impact on people’s physical health and mental well being. In addition, through the promotion of mountain bike facilities and opportunities close to where people live, and the encouragement of sustainable travel (including cycling) to mountain bike centres, the Framework will impact positively on climate change and reducing CO2 emissions.

The consultation authorities, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency agreed that the Framework was unlikely to have significant environmental effects. The third consultation authority, Scottish Natural Heritage, is a member of the Consortium and as such provided their informal views on the likely environmental effects of the National Mountain Bike Framework. Scottish Natural Heritage agreed that the Framework was unlikely to have significant environmental effects.

On the basis of the above reasons, the Scottish Mountain Bike Development Consortium determines that the National Mountain Bike Framework is unlikely to have significant environmental effects and does not therefore require a Strategic Environmental Assessment.

Date of determination – 28/08/09
SEA Gateway screening number – 00415

College Course Up and Running

2009-08-29T05:39:54+01:00

We’re really pleased to announce that a project we’ve been working on for months has finally begun. Called BASE (Borders Academy of Sporting Excellence) Downhill, the Level 3 BTec course offers top young riders the chance to live the full time athlete lifestyle whilst gaining up to 240 UCAS points at the same time. The is a fantastic development and in fact, the first of it’s kind in the world. To be in at the deep end, delivering the lectures, sessions and riding whilst also developing the whole programme is really a dream come true. Check out Base college for course info and application details.

Andy Wins Scottish Champs!

2009-06-17T16:45:11+01:00

Congratulations Andy. Dirt School’s very own Mr Barlow has just taken the gold at the Scottish Elite Championships ahead of a strong field in Ft William. A great addition to the growing Dirt School trophy cabinet for sure.