Bike Skills

Dec. 5th
On the Island of Oahu Joe Lawwill instructs his first clinic away from the mainland! We were treated to great weather and a great group of local riders in our first Hawaii Bikeskills clinic. The location was at a local MX/MTB park.
Bill Barnfield, owner of Raging Island Surf and Cycle Shop, was a big help to Bikeskills. He not only found us a place to hold the clinic, but recruited the students as well. Mahalo to Bill. By the way, if you’re thinking “Bill Barnfield… isn’t there a big wave surfer and legendary surfboard shaper with that same name?” The answer is: Yes, its the same guy! In fact, Bill and his shop are so cool, he and the shop are “must sees” next time you’re in Hawaii. First things first: if your bike isn’t properly set up, you simply won’t get the most out of it - or yourself. One of the fastest ways to get better and be safer is knowing what’s right when it comes to everything from starting from bar width and stem length, to rear tire pressure and compound.
	Big wave legend, World Masters DH Champion in 2000, and all around great guy, Bill Barnfield and his Raging Isle Surf and Cycle shop.

Bike set up perfectionist, Joe Lawwill, teaching Jimmy how to dial-in his bike for optimal performance and control.

World Champion Technique: Joe demonstrates a “J-Hop.” The J-Hop is the safest method of clearing vertical obstacles.

The students were treated to an instruction loop that included everything from steep, off-camber downhills, slippery root sections, to bogs filled with mud as sticky as peanut butter.

Perhaps not most people’s idea of the best conditions for a “nice” bike ride, this day was all about teaching and learning. Difficult and demanding situations make it a lot easier to demonstrate, teach, and test skills progression.

Which brings us to this: if you find yourself thinking about a taking Bikeskills clinic but are concerned about the weather or trail conditions, keep in mind that the more challenging the circumstances, the more we’ll be able to teach and the more you’ll learn!

A few members of the Haleiwa clinic. Missing are the Good Doctor and Bill Barnfield the later who’s on the other side of the lens. And yes, the water really was that blue!

Thanks again to Bill, the students, and most of all, the people of Hawaii and their Aloha spirit.

Mahalo!