🚀 ACA Quick Start Guide

Everything new riders need to know — from basic skills to race-day readiness.

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📖 About This Guide

This guide is based on the Arizona Cycling Association (ACA) coaching framework. Whether you're brand-new to mountain biking or just new to racing, these fundamentals will help you ride safer and smarter on the trail.

3 Common Elements

The following three elements are common to all skills and should be practiced at all times on the bike. Master these first — everything else builds on top of them.

Head Up. Eyes Scanning Ahead.

In order to execute maneuvers or skills, a rider must first scan the trail and take in all available information. This allows them to quickly develop a plan and be prepared to execute that plan with success.

"See, Plan, Do!" — Scan the trail ahead and recognize obstacles. Focus instead on the path to success, and the bike will follow.

Why it matters: The bike follows your eyes. Where you look is where you go — so look where you want to go, not at what you're trying to avoid.

At Least One Finger on Each Brake Lever

Riders should always have at least their index finger on each brake lever. This allows them to use the brakes without unnecessary delay.

Smaller hands / rim brakes: This may be modified for riders with smaller hands or those using bikes with lesser brake systems. Bikes with rim brakes may require three fingers to stop effectively. Riders in this situation should keep their speed under control, begin braking sooner, and leave extra distance behind other riders.

Level Pedals When Not Pedaling

Riders should ride with level pedals (one foot in front of the other) whenever they are not actively pedaling. This keeps the pedals clear of obstacles on the trail and allows the rider to maintain balance more easily.

Why it matters: Pedals that hang low can catch roots, rocks, and trail edges — causing crashes. Level pedals also lower your center of gravity and give you a more stable, balanced stance over the bike.
⚡ Quick Reference – 3 Common Elements
  • Head up — Eyes scanning ahead. See, Plan, Do.
  • One finger on each brake — Always ready to slow down.
  • Level pedals — Keep them even when you're not pedaling.

🎥 Skill Videos

Watch the ACA skills video playlist to see these techniques in action. Seeing a skill demonstrated makes it much easier to practice on the trail.

Open Full Playlist on YouTube ↗

✅ Ready to Race?

📅 Race Schedule

See all 2026 race dates, locations, and details for the ACA season.

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✍️ Register

Sign up for the team and complete your ACA registration before the first race.

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🌐 ACA Resources

Visit the official ACA Rider Resources page for forms, guides, and more.

arizonacycling.org →