I want to experiment with hosting an online practice jam for MTB Practice Lab subscribers. I'm interested in your reaction to it.
Here's my draft:
What is an online MTB practice jam?
A Practice Jam is a time-limited event held in a private online forum where registered participants agree to practice one or more MTB skills throughout the Jam, for example, for two weeks or a month.
At the start of a Jam, everyone posts what they plan to practice, how often, where, etc. Everyone posts updates on their sessions throughout the Jam, including photos and videos. Participants can ask for feedback. Discussion of practice strategies is encouraged.
What are the main benefits of an online MTB practice jam?
Being part of a small, focused group can help participants turn their practice intentions into actual practice sessions.
You can learn more about effective practice strategies by trying to put them to use rather than just reading about them.
It's more fun and social since you are part of a group.
It's time-limited (two weeks? one month?), so you're less likely to procrastinate working on your skills. And having a fixed start and finish time makes it easier to commit and, therefore, more likely you'll follow through.
It doesn't have the drawbacks of a face-to-face group practice jam: time and location limitations, pressure to perform in front of a group, and significant expense. (Of course, a face-to-face MTB practice jam would have several advantages over an online practice jam, e.g. immediate feedback from an instructor, much better social experience, etc.)
Questions? What are the pros and cons? What suggestions do you have to make it better?
Yes, that can be fun. And efficient! And there's nothing like engaging with a group to reach an objective. I'd say a month, if it is to be a group thing. Videos, definitely- images & movement speak a lot! Would everybody be practising the same skill?
I think they are a great idea. They keep you accountable since you have to show your progress to the group. One month seems about the right length of time if someone is practicing a few times a week which is realistic. Griff, maybe you should do rear wheel hops! 😉
Great Idea Griff. Hoping something like this will help me stay committed to the practice. If this motivated me to practice not sure I could find any cons . The pros would be for me, a sense of completion . Keep the Jam short and simple and then maybe progress to another level if we wanted to take it further or deeper into the skill or practice, little steps that would be my suggestion.
I'm adding a comment to this discussion about the fact that we actually held our first online practice jam back in Nov/Dec 2022. Here's a link to my post about it:
I think it is a great idea. Maybe we can post a short video of our progression?
I'd be down with this. Maybe a zoom session midway or at that end to share progress?
Yes, that can be fun. And efficient! And there's nothing like engaging with a group to reach an objective. I'd say a month, if it is to be a group thing. Videos, definitely- images & movement speak a lot! Would everybody be practising the same skill?
I think they are a great idea. They keep you accountable since you have to show your progress to the group. One month seems about the right length of time if someone is practicing a few times a week which is realistic. Griff, maybe you should do rear wheel hops! 😉
Great Idea Griff. Hoping something like this will help me stay committed to the practice. If this motivated me to practice not sure I could find any cons . The pros would be for me, a sense of completion . Keep the Jam short and simple and then maybe progress to another level if we wanted to take it further or deeper into the skill or practice, little steps that would be my suggestion.
Feedback is always useful and encouraging.
Us non-media types would need to gear up for such a thing........get with it.
I presume that quite a high standard of photography would be necessary.
Is anyone interested in ebike technique?
I have found, to my horror, that ebikes have not translated well to technical riding. It seems to need a whole new set of skills.......and attitudes.
I am in. Great idea.
I think this is a great idea - ohhh accountability is a good thing - a month long would be perfect! Count me in Griff!!
We're launching!
https://mtbpracticelab.substack.com/p/join-our-first-online-mtb-practice-jam
Sounds like a good way to focus on my practice! I’m psyched!
I'm adding a comment to this discussion about the fact that we actually held our first online practice jam back in Nov/Dec 2022. Here's a link to my post about it:
https://mtbpracticelab.substack.com/p/beta-test-our-first-online-mtb-practice-jam