Loam Lessons

Happy Spring Reno! A little earlier than usual, but we’ll welcome the sunshine and high temps just in time for 7pm sunsets ☀️❤️🙏

While the mountains and foothills are still drying out, there’s plenty of good dirt and views for your spring legs on Peavine Mountain. Who’s getting after it?! 🚴‍♀️

🤘🤘🤘

Let’s talk pedals!

While it seems like a silly word (“pedals”) what you wear on your feet and where you place them can make all the difference.

✨This is why I recommend all beginners start with a quality FLAT pedal - not a clipless setup (AKA clip-ins) and a good grippy MTB shoe.✨

The reason is because your foot should host the most quality real estate on that pedal - with the ball of your foot over the center of a wide pedal. This will help give you more “weight in the feet” power since MTB riding depends on a grounded and balanced bike, which starts with YOU putting that weight in your feet!

->Questions or comments on feet or pedals? DM me! It’s time to get out and ride 🚴‍♀️

✨The “Ready” Position✨

☄️What is it and why would you use it?

I like to say “Bend everything in your body over your bike and make sure you look up!”

The details? Standing up out of your saddle on level pedals, bend your elbows to 90 degrees, bend your knees (keep them wide) and the most helpful one..HINGE at your hips to bring your chest down toward the bars all while you keep looking up.

🌟Why is it helpful? This fundamental position on your bike is your best friend for tackling any technical terrain as it keeps you low and balanced and allows the bike to move beneath you. The ready position is also a precursor to cornering and gets you in the right position to be able to properly lean the bike in a high speed corner.

🏁Do you use it all the time? No, as our bodies should be dynamic on a bike, but learning this true fundamental position will help you gain more confidence as you grow and find your balancd in all the other positions you will experience.

➡️ Want to learn more? Reach out today to schedule a lesson and practice in a safe progressive way. Everyone learns differently, but BICP technical skill progression has a proven track record and will not disappoint! ✨

LOAM
noun

A fertile mix of soil, rich in organic matter that is spongy to the touch and retains moisture but is not wet. Ideal for growing food and plants OR riding your bike through glorious single track in the woods. 🌲🚴‍♀️🙌

✨Biking all comes down to balance! ✨

A simple thing really, but when you are out of your saddle (off the seat!) finding your position over the bike for the optimal balance makes all the difference! ❤️ You can find your balance point when standing tall and climbing, or low and slightly back for decending. The ultimate ready low position is ideal when handling downhill or technical parts of the trail. 🌲

Stay focused and balanced (lower than you think with weight in your feet) and you will have so much more fun!!

Hi I’m Coach Karaline! ​I’m a BICP certified coach in the Reno/Tahoe area with over 5 years experience working with beginners and intermediate riders to progress their mountain biking skills in a fun, safe, and adventurous environment.

I started Loam Lessons in order to coach individual and small group lessons after working with several groups and non-profits in the area including Tahoe XC, Biking is Believing, and YBONC.

Helping beginner women progress safely to become hooked on this sport is a passion of mine - so reach out today if you want to practice the fundamentals or just go for a ride!

♥️

Fall officially starts September 22nd! 🍁🍂
If you’re like me, you search out the good dirt and enjoy cooler days and nights for long rides with friends. 🚵‍♀️

Reach out today to schedule a lesson while the conditions are just right ✨ and LET’S RIDE!

www.loamlessons.com (link in bio)

For all my trail running friends - check out this new race in Nevada City! A 5K or Half Marathon. Should be a fun one!

Champion Mine Trail Race The Champion Mine Trail Race is on Sunday October 12, 2025. It includes the following events: Champion Mine Trail Race Half Marathon and Champion Mine 5K Fun & Fitness Run/Walk.

Calling all ladies! The Nevada County Women’s MTB Clinic hosted by is now live for registration. This is one you don’t want to miss! 50 women, 2 days, all levels, food, friends and fun on Nov 1st + 2nd. From beginner riders to advanced, you’ll have the opportunity to be coached at your own level and it’s a great weekend to learn allllll the skills. ✨

This one is a special one for me as it’s my third time coaching and I actually got started myself with progressive skill building at this clinic. ❤️

There will be optional camping, amazing meals, fireside chats, and coaching from pro racer as well as others

So grab a girlfriend, register with the link in my profile, and come learn from the best at a weekend event you will never forget ✨🌄🚵‍♀️

YBONC ladies clinic is open for registration! This is one of my FAVORITE MTB clinics of all time. Check it out and message me with any questions!

2025 Women's Mountain Bike Skills Clinic in Grass Valley, California — Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County YBONC presents the 2025 Women's Mountain Bike Skills Clinic in Grass Valley, CA with bike fit and skills development with pro instructors

Mountain biking shouldn’t be scary or intimidating to learn. Loam Lessons provides step by step progressive skills that build your confidence while you have fun!

Reach out today to learn how to safely shred and fulfill your trail goals ✨