Tailored Mountain Bike Skills Coaching

We tailor all our Mountain Bike Skills Courses to meet your individual requirements. We’ll create a bespoke course for you. Obviously we want to make sure we put together the right course for you or your group. Please Contact Us if you have any questions or would like any additional information regarding our courses.

Firecrest Mountain Biking are one of the most experienced Mountain Bike Skills Training providers in the UK. We have used our years of experience to pioneer and develop Mountain Bike Skills Courses for Mountain Bikers of all ages and abilities.

We've worked with thousands of riders looking to improve their skills and technique whether it's a on the way to achieving a personal goal or closing the gap in terms of speed and skills to their friends out on the trails with 'The System' we have the key to unlock your skills.

If you've been into mountain biking a while you've probably spent lots of your hard earned cash on the latest upgrades and widgets for you and your bike only to find that your still riding no faster. That's when Mountain Bike Skills Training can really make a difference. Often referred to by those in the know as "the ultimate upgrade" a Mountain Bike Skills Course will Firecrest MTB will get you riding faster with the confidence to ride the trails and get the most from your mountain biking.

Lots of the riders we work with have watched all the online tutorials and read all the online and magazine features to try and find 'the flow' but end up confused and over thinking what they are doing out on the trails.

We tailor your mountain bike skills course to you, 'the Firecrest MTB Skills System' lets us explain in a simple and understandable way what you need to do to improve. So you can find 'your flow' giving you an insight into the way that the elements of 'the System work together to make you a better mountain biker wherever your riding.

1-2-1 Mountain Bike Skills Course

Carol Mathews

As a newcomer to MTB riding, this was my  2nd session with Ian. He helped me to progress, and  I was guided to ride areas I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do alone. Throughout the session, Ian was always explaining the system of riding, equipping me with the confidence and knowledge to progress and enjoy my MTB riding.

Arthur Goetsch

Great day out - lots of fun and very informative. Definitely recommend!

Chris Ellis

My son has had two 1-2-1 lessons with Ian now and all I can say is “amazing”!  Years of knowledge, racing and teaching has given Ian the ability change your riding style and mindset with in a few hours.  The way Ian uses video to capture your riding and explain body position is extremely helpful. The best upgrade you could buy!! If we lived closer, we would attend weekly!  The trails at Rushmere are amazing too!! Thanks Ian! 

Emilio Tarallo

The course is amazing Ian is a brilliant tutor even for a novice rider like myself I learned loads and have booked for another session 

Sally Deane

My son and friends enjoyed their session with Firecrest MTB. Ian was really enthusiastic and informative, with excellent knowledge to help each rider improve. 

Oliver  Meentzen-Alldritt

Excellent skills training helped with my cornering and flow on the xc bike enabling me to carry more speed. Can highly recommend to those wishing to improve their times and technique. 

michael reynolds

Spent an afternoon with Ian and learnt quite a lot about my riding. I came away with lots to think about  concerning my cornering.
Cant wait to get back into it next time for the jumps.

Ian is very relaxed clear and concise in his instruction, and if your thinking of getting some tuition, then he should be your first stop.

Alex soignon

Very knowledgeable and interesting. Will help you to go further to the next step. 
I will recommend to everyone. 

Jamie Purser

I had my first session with Ian yesterday. It certainly won't be my last.

He's an excellent coach, who is equally passionate about mountain biking as he is sharing his knowledge and expertise. I found him immediately relatable, and the course material and his teaching methods simple and powerful.

I started the day a beginner and ended it with a solid skill base and respect for the trail. I will be booking a series of sessions with Ian  and hope to work with him for months and years to come. I can't recommend Firecrest Mountain Biking highly enough.

Fabrice Temmerman

Great session with Ian. Everything was explained in such a way that it really clicked when putting it in practice. My confidence has grown and I enjoy my rides a lot more. 

2nd coaching session from Ian and I'm really pleased with my progression.
We tackled jumps on sunday and despite my innate feelings of trepidation I very quickly realised that having that immediate feedback really helps with the confidence building.
Pretty soon i had forgotten about how intimidating the task was I was to busy enjoying myself!!
Ian is an excellent and hugely experienced teacher and really goes into  the science behind the techniques to help you understand the why and the how 
Lots more to come for me cant waif to continue 

Srik Reddy

Ian’s passion is infectious!  He comes armed with a wealth of experience, knowledge and anecdotes to inspire.  I booked in 3 one-to-one sessions to try to get a solid base and feel comfortable trying, what for me is, a new hobby/sport.  He provides technical, emotional and cerebral tips and grounds them with why they are important.  Have absolutely loved every minute of it and will be back to have more soon.

chris atkins

I had 3 sessions with Ian & learned so much from him to improve my technical riding and confidence.  Highly recommended!!

Ellie Boggis

Love love loved my 2 sessions with Ian! Having the sessions has improved my riding so much! Ian is incredibly knowledgeable and has a real gift in breaking things down so I can understand what I need to be doing. Ian has also really helped with my rider confidence allowing me to push myself more than I have been able to previously. I highly recommend getting a session with Ian, the results are immediate and he’s just a really lovely guy too! Thanks ian :) 

Guy Clark

Ian really knows his stuff and his passion and experience shines through. He managed to progress this 59 yr old from someone who avoided anything that involved wheels leaving the ground to someone able to tackle jumps and drops with confidence inside a couple of hours.  I can’t recommend his skills courses highly enough.

David Whittingham-Jones

Ian is a great coach combining theory and practical brilliantly. I have had a few lessons with him now - both 1-1 and small group - and learn new skills every time which I benefit from immediately. Would heartily recommend!

stephen huxter

What a great session! I loved every second of it. Can't wait to book again. Ian is a great teacher.

steven edmonds

The best by far.  World class racer or total beginner Ian has  the over 25 years experience  and a lifetime of experience. he will get you where you want to be. Thank you Ian. I never knew I could be this  good.   Simply an amazing insight and dedication to the sport. 

Desislava Dragieva

Took my son for a session with Ian today. He was so impressed and happy after the session. He said that his skills have improved a lot and feels very confident in his ability. He had a blast and will definitely try to return for more !!
Thank you

Dan Jones

Every coaching session with Ian is the best experience.

Ian has been coaching me for around 3 or 4 years, and in that time my skill level has shot up. I went from riding a cross country bike to riding the most demanding of tracks in the UK and overseas, and it's all thanks to the skills and confidence that Ian has instilled in me. 

he not only gives you the physical skills to get down these tracks, but the mental ones. Showing you how to confidently read any track you go to and to get down it in one piece and (importantly!) down it fast. 

I would and do recommend coaching and especially Ian to every one I meet. 

Don't stop at one session! Ian is continuously improving his teaching methods so that you can continuously improve your riding

Hugh Moss

The short version is: I booked a 3 hour 1-2-1 session for my 11-year-old son, who came away very happy with the progress he's made.

The short version doesn't do justice to the detailed thought that lies behind the success. Ian has distilled all his experience into a formula that makes sense and works. There's a science behind what he is teaching.

To begin with, my son found it hard to makes sense of all the parts of Ian's theory, but then as it was all put into practice, it fell into place and made sense. The fact that there was sound reasoning behind what Ian was teaching made it easier to discard the conflicting information that he'd seen on YouTube.

Ian was patient and encouraging, using video to good effect to help show how to improve the technique.

All in all it was a very worthwhile lesson and my son will be returning for more very soon. 

Pete Owen

Ian is a fantastic coach - I got a huge amount from the three hours I spent with him and will definitely be back for more!

Jason Taylor

Great informative MTB course, run by the very knowledgeable Ian. Would highly recommend for those wanting to improve their bike skills.

Max Cheshire 

had one session with Ian and seriously noticed a difference in my riding. I feel in more control, technically better and confident which allows for speed. looking to go back in a couple of weeks for a refresher to make sure my riding is on point. would seriously recommend to anyone who's wanting to get better at bikes. 

Paul King

Super friendly and really educational, I learnt a lot and managed to overcome my fear of jumping! 
Thanks again Firecrest and will be heading back soon! 


Craig Clayson

I've had group and 1-2-1 session recently. Ian breaks items down, explains clearly and very encouraging. 

Vaska Prostova

Still can’t believe how Ian transformed my riding in just a few hours! Stuff that I have struggled with for years finally felt easy with Ian’s simple and effective tips. Also he is such a nice guy and made me feel at ease straight away. Can’t wait for my next session and to see how far we can take my riding by the start of next race season. 
Thanks a lot Ian! 

Steve Downes

Ian is a wonderful coach. As a complete MTB newbie last year he taught me how to enjoy riding XC trails. This year he taught me how to jump a MTB. I'm not the typical MTB newbie as I'm the wrong side of 60. You're never too old to start MTBing, especially with Ian to show the way.

Aaron Whitfield

Had a 3 hour 1-2-1 beginner MTB training with Ian in October-23. Excellent coach. Friendly and easy to work with. The training session was fun and tailored to what I wanted to get from it. Ian is very experienced and knowledgeable and was a great coach. Good teaching method. Uses video recordings and live sketching to analyse your riding and help you understand and improve your technique.  He also provided advice on bikes and equipment. Very efficient service. Highly Recommend!

Oscar  Kehoe

My son loves having lessons with Ian. Oscar has participated in group lessons and individual ones. Ian is amazing. Incredibly knowledgeable, kind and patient. 

fantastic jumps and drop session. Thanks Ian

Laura Webb

We booked a one to one with Ian for my son’s 13th birthday as he had a new bike, he absolutely loved it and learnt so much. He had so much fun and Ian made it very enjoyable for him. We would definately recommend and will book again.

Karen Cutbush

I arranged 1-2-1 training with Ian to set me up for navigating jumps.  I am an "older" rider taking up MTB with the introduction of e-bikes.  I ride mostly trails, and jumps are my nemesis when it comes to confidence and injuries. 
I enjoyed my afternoon with Ian, his training and direction was on point. He not only delivers on technique, but also mentality when riding technical terrain and jumps which I found very helpful.  
By the end of the session I was jumping further without fear and left feeling super confident.
Thanks Ian for a great training session.  I will not hesitate to recommend to my friends.  

Nathaniel  Cagliarini

We travelled for my 12 year old son to have a 1-2-1 with Ian. He had a great time and learnt a lot from the session. Definitely well worth the travel and will book again. 

Simon Webb

Coaching hot my aims exactly. Highly personable with great technical understanding. Built my skills quickly and I had great success - rejuvenating!!

Chris Cook

I had a great first lesson, it’s been  a long time out of the saddle and wanted to start the right way! Ian is very easy to get along with, and instructs in a manner which is very easy to understand. Left feeling very positive and with lots of knowledge. I shall be booking more in the coming weeks and months. Can’t wait!!!

Dom Haines

As always a brilliant session with Ian getting me back up to speed. His teaching methods and video analysis are next level! 

Marco Rabbini

A great gift for my birthday, and looking to book a follow up session soon. When you hit the sweet point of putting the advice into practice you can feel the difference, so good. 

Ewan Elliott

Ian is an incredible coach - friendly and knowledgeable, and his ability to provide tailored guidance is remarkable.  I would highly recommend Ian for anyone seeking a transformative MTB experience, whether you're a novice or seasoned rider. Thanks, we will be back!! 

Chris  Bostock

Brilliant tuition. Never had lessons before. Just what I needed to give me things to practise. 

Ollie Cacchioli

Ian is a brilliant instructor. Have absolute confidence in him, he knowledgable, enthusiastic and responsible. 

Marcio Schmitt

It was a great coaching session 🙌
Will be booking another session with Ian 

steven Edmonds

The lesson was great fun and I learnt a lot. Ian is a great teacher Thank You. I will definitely be back for more.

Sam Hayman

Brilliant day with Ian improving my jump skills. Loved it

Nigel Marriott

I had a 121 session with Ian and found it really useful. He gave me some tips that were simple to implement but made a huge difference. I now need to practice them before going back for some more advice.

Andy Sutch

Hi Ian, thankyou for the lesson yesterday, it was revolutionary for me and has left me with a 100% positive outlook on what we worked on, can't wait for to practise and book another course.

Geoff White

Had a MTB skills lesson with my 13yr son,  got straight out to the trails, had very good instruction, plenty of practice on trails and jumps with video feedback. We both felt safe, learnt a lot,  and keen for more!
Clearly has a lot of experience in training different ages, abilities  and experiences of riders.  would definitely recommend Ian

Paul Dilley

Ian has researched his subject thoroughly and finely tuned his teaching over the years, and this is very apparent when working with him. He imparts a great deal of information at the start, to such an extent that you feel overwhelmed, but as the day progresses it all becomes clear, especially when your jumps, drops, cornering are dissected in slo mo on the tablet. I went mainly for more confidence on drops and jumps and came away with better corner speed, a better understanding of jumping and my own personal hang up, drops with a new found confidence. 
I now ride off drops with a great deal of confidence, safe in the knowledge that I know what I am doing and why, and just as importantly what to do if I don't get it quite right!
Thank you Ian for a very enjoyable and informative Session.

Another great lesson from Ian, easy to understnd and goes through the procss with clarity and at a pave suitable for you.
The video part of the training is fantastic and allows you to see where you are going wrong or doing right.
look forward to practising and next catch up in September

Gus Bartolini

Excellent briefing and run through of the “system” prior to commencement of the course. Ian instills confidence in his students and takes time to walk through the trails before riding them. Can’t wait for the next 1-2-1.

LIONEL SHERMAN

Ian is able to analize skill levels and explain clearly how to progress using both theoretical models that are comprehensible and practical drills that inspire 

Mark Dial

Brilliant, Ian was extremely knowledgeable and patient. I was booked in for jumps and drops but he managed to taylor the training to suit my needs with a focus on downhill thrown in. I'll be booking in more sessions for sure

Andy Sparkes

Being a triathlete, I turned up with nominal fitness, but recognised that my skills were all in straight line cycling with little variation. Getting an E-MTB which is heavier than my classic MTB, I knew that I would have to learn how to get the most out of this exciting machine. Ian is friendly, knowledgable, explains in laymans terms what can be otherwise difficult concepts. I felt safe and motivated to "give it a go", and over the course of the session, I learned that MTB skills have moved on to reflect the new bikes, better components and different approaches to positioning. Ian showed me how to descend left and right turns, S-Bends, all in the Woods. I was nervous when I first saw them, but Ian broke them down into bite-size sections and progressed at my pace, trying many times or moving on to the next section. Putting all sections together was a moment to make you smile as I learned by doing. Importantly I didn't learn the course, but learned how to read the course, meaning I can go to a new place and apply the skills I have now learned. To top it off, I have not dared any jumps since a child (many moons ago now). Yet, with some pointers to add to what I had already learned, and Ian demonstrating that what I have learned applies on a slope, and putting it all into action, gave me a great feeling and a big smile of success. I could not have done this without a coach seeing my current status and building on it over the session as I would have kept my bad habits from my old MTB days. So I have started from scratch, had a great session, with lots of things to try near to my home, and I will definitely recommend this to anyone who wishes to get it right first time. As I write this a day later, I am still smiling as these skills will help me on my Tri-Bike as well as the principles apply. Thanks Ian.

Greg New

Great day riding and invaluable time tuning up my riding-  absolutely recommend some coaching with Ian.

Clare  Murray 

Great morning developing my mountain bike skills. Ian is very knowledgeable and tailored the coaching to my needs. I loved it. 

Jez Pugh

Booked two sessions with Ian to try and hone my skills, been riding for 20 years but always knew I could continue on learning, and oh my word yes there is so much still to know with new riding techniques. 
Highly recommend whether you are a complete beginner or and old bugger like me. 

steve Edmonds

What a great lesson Thank you so much Ian, I will certainly be back for more

Sarah Isaac

My son (12yrs) loved the 1-2-1 session.  Ian engaged at his level and had his full attention and respect.  He learnt techniques to help him move to the next level safely.  Will definitely be back for more sessions.  

Jack Truby

Had an amazing 121 lesson and learnt so much would recommend this to anyone, 
It massively helped my confidence and can't wait to try out everything I learnt 
Thank you 

Jacob Harris

Rhys Booth

I had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the session. 
Ian was super helpful and really look forward to doing some on the Devo sessions in the future.
Would highly recommend.

Gavin Nash

Ian at Firecrest Mountain Biking was absolutely fantastic with my son, Dylan. His calm, encouraging approach really helped build Dylan’s confidence on the trails. Ian’s instruction was clear, patient, and perfectly tailored to Dylan’s level. By the end of the session, Dylan was riding with more skill and a huge smile on his face. Highly recommend!

Harry Bailey

An absolutely brilliant 1-2-1 with Ian, with so much fitted into the time. If, like me, you've reached a point where you can't seem to progress on your own, Ian is brilliant at spotting the areas where you're strongest and weakest, and breaking it down into simple steps to improve on.

Ian is very friendly and approachable, and a wealth of mountain biking knowledge. Highly recommended 

Charlie  Setford

A fantastic first coaching session for my teenage son and his friend, both very confident riders but self taught. Ian was brilliant, continuously assessing them on various parts of the trails and jumps within the park giving detailed feedback to refine their technique in language they could understand! They both took away some valuable tips which will certainly help them continue to progress. We’ll be back!

Tailored Mountain Bike Skills Coaching

We tailor all our Mountain Bike Skills Courses to meet your individual requirements. We’ll create a bespoke course fo...

Booking Conditions 
 
The contract for your off road skills course/training package is with Firecrest Mountain Biking hereinafter referred to as the provider. These booking conditions, together with the information contained in the prospectus and booking form, form the basis of your contract.

All possible care is taken to see that you have a happy and successful mountain bike skills course. The booking conditions below seek to explain as clearly as possible the responsibility undertaken between us when you make, and we accept, a booking.


 
1. To make a booking

Reservations can only be made directly with Ian Warby who will provide you with a booking form.  This booking form must then be completed and signed by the person accepting the booking conditions on behalf of all those named on the form. Both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts. Bookings are accepted at our discretion.

2. Our price policy

The prices given in the prospectus are the expected cost of the package described and will be confirmed when you make the booking. Once the booking has been confirmed in writing, we guarantee that we will not increase the price of your course.

3. If you cancel your booking:

Cancellations will only be accepted in writing from the person who signed the booking form. We can accept no responsibility for cancellation charges arising from correspondence delayed or lost in the post.

Should you be forced to cancel your booking, cancellation charges will be applied as follows:

*Note: In the event of participant cancellation up to 4 weeks prior to the course fees will be refunded less a cancellation charge of £25. Within 7 days 50% of course fees will be refunded and within 48hrs no refunds will be made.

4. If we cancel your booking:

Provided all monies have been paid we will not cancel your training course unless we are forced to do so:
i)	due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control which could not be avoided even with 
all due care having been exercised, or what is usually known as “force majeure” (see clause 12) 
	or
ii)	because the minimum number of bookings needed to operate the skills course has not been reached.  In this case participants will be notified of the cancellation as soon as possible.

If the skills course is cancelled all monies paid will be refunded without interest. We will NOT pay any compensation or be liable to refund you any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking. For bookings from overseas this includes visas, vaccinations, non-refundable connecting flights etc.

5. If we change your booking:

Circumstances may require some changes to be made at any time to the particulars of your skills course. Any such changes will be held to be of a minor nature. We will not materially change the value of the training course and the original theme will be retained.

6. Before you make a booking

Participants should be aware that cycling both on and off road is a potentially dangerous activity, and that they undertake the training course at their own risk. 

The provider shall not be responsible for participants’ actions or for injury, damage to property or other loss due to an inadequately serviced or maintained cycle or other personal equipment or any other matter beyond their control. We regret that participants under the age of 14 years who are not accompanied by a Parent or Guardian cannot be accepted.

Before making a firm booking for the training course, intending participants MUST make certain it is appropriate to their physical abilities. In addition, pre-existing medical or mental conditions or learning or physical disabilities, whether or not these are controlled by medication or are currently dormant, must be declared before booking. The provider shall not be responsible if any participant is unfit for the training course. Any participant suffering from diabetes, asthma or any other condition requiring medication shall ensure that the provider is aware of this. It remains the responsibility of each participant to disclose the existence of such a medical condition. The provider will not be held responsible for any failure to do so.

8. Bookings are accepted on the following understanding:

The participant’s booking is accepted on the understanding that he or she realises the hazards involved in this kind of skills coaching including injury, loss of or damage to property including cycles, inconvenience and discomfort. The whole philosophy of this type of skills coaching is one that allows alternatives and requires a substantial degree of flexibility. The outline itineraries given for each session must therefore be taken as an indication of what is to be accomplished and not as a contractual obligation. Changes in itinerary may be caused by local conditions, mechanical breakdown, weather, sickness or other unforeseen circumstances. No refund will be given for services not utilised.  It is a fundamental condition of joining the training course that a participant accepts the need for this flexibility and acknowledges that alterations and their results, such as inconvenience, discomfort or disappointment, are possible.

It is necessary that a participant abides by the authority of, and co-operates with, the organisers, and their agents/representatives.  Signing the booking form signifies the participant’s agreement to this, and we reserve the right to terminate without notice the skills coaching arrangements of any participant who commits an illegal act when or whose behaviour is such that it is likely, or that of any accommodation owner or manager, or other person in authority, to cause distress, danger, damage or annoyance to other customers, employees, property or to any third party. In all cases
9. Our liability to you

We promise to ensure that all parts of the training course we have agreed to arrange as part of our contract are provided to a reasonable standard and in accordance with that contract. We accept responsibility for any personal injury or death caused to you as a result of the proven negligent acts and/or omissions of Ian Warby, staff, agents, suppliers and sub-contractors. The provider shall not be liable for any damages caused by the total or partial failure to carry out the contract if such failure is:

i)	attributable to the participant or any member of his or her party, 
	or 
ii)	the fault of a third party unconnected to the provider 
	or
iii)	a result of unusual or unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the provider or the supplier of the service in question which could not have been predicted or avoided even after taking all reasonable care (see clause 12 Force majeure) 
	or
iv)	the fault of any person who was not carrying out work for us (generally or in particular) at the time.

Where the provider is found to be liable for damages in respect of its failure to carry out the contract the maximum amount of such damages will be limited to the price paid for the training course. Where the damages relate to the provision of accommodation, any compensation payable will be further limited by the Paris Convention 1962. Any arrangements made by the participant that are not part of the training course are entirely at his or her own risk.

10. Should you have a complaint?

In the event of problems arising during the training course, participants should try to resolve them directly with Ian Warby, staff, and/or their agents/representatives. If the problem cannot be resolved at this time an incident report form will be completed, a copy of which will be given to you. 
Complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures of the provider under which the complaint will be investigated by a senior official from the club within a given timescale. Should an amicable solution not be agreed an appeal will be handled at committee level.

11. Special requests

Any special requests made on your booking form are noted, and though we do our very best to comply with these we cannot guarantee they will be provided.

12. Force majeure

This is the term applied to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances that are beyond our control. Compensation payments do not apply to changes, cancellations or curtailment caused by reason of war, threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activities, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, floods etc or similar events. We cannot accept responsibility where the performance or prompt performance of our contract with you is prevented or affected as a result of such circumstances.

13. Data Protection Act

In order to process your booking and ensure that your booking arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information you provide such as name, address, any special needs/dietary requirements etc. 

This information if required must be passed on to the relevant suppliers such as accommodation providers etc. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information whilst in our hands.

14. Marketing

Photographs, likenesses or images of participants secured or taken on any of our training courses may be used by the provider without charge in all media for bona fide promotional or marketing purposes.


Firecrest Mountain Biking

Firecrest Mountain Biking are passionate about Mountain Biking and as one of the pioneers of Mountain Bike Skills Instruction and Coaching celebrating 25yrs of coaching in 2023! Making Firecrest MTB one of the most experienced MTB Skills Instruction and Coaching Providers in the UK so you’ve come to the right place to improve your skills.

We have used our wealth of experience to create a range of Enduro, Jumps and Drops, E-Mountain Bike, Downhill (DH), Cross-Country (XC) Mountain Bike Skills Courses along with our Young Rider Development Programme – DeVo and Adult Development Programme for Mountain Bikers of all ages and experience.

About us

We’d love to hear from you! Find out how to contact or find us below.

Get in touch

Firecrest MTB

Tailored Mountain Bike Skills Coaching

We tailor all our Mountain Bike Skills Courses to meet your individual requirements so we will create a bespoke skills course for you. 

Our events

Our events

Our events