Basic mountain biking course on the coast of eastern Helsinki

Learn the principles of a balanced and efficient riding technique!

The basic mountain biking course suits cyclists who have ridden a little off-road, or outdoor people taking up mountain biking. This hands-on course gives you what you need to carry on riding off-road independently and safely.

You can take part on an electrically assisted mountain bike, on a suspended or unsuspended mountain bike, or on a fatbike.

The trails and outdoor routes of eastern Helsinki suit many kinds of mountain biker

From the Vuosaari Paddling Centre you reach pine-needle trails, gravelled outdoor routes and challenging technical sections within a few minutes. Kallahdenniemi and Uutela are excellent places for mountain biking, and you can keep riding there after the course too.

Course programme

The course lasts 3.5 hours. The programme adapts to the instructor and the participants. The course covers the following topics:

• Bikes and equipment

• Cycling safety, group riding and hand signals

• A good basic riding position

• Controlling the bike with your body (leaning, controlling speed, riding bends and hills)

• Getting over an obstacle

• Washing the bike, a maintenance check and quick adjustments

You can join the basic course if you have already gained a little experience of off-road riding (25-75 hours) and one hour of continuous light physical exertion on your own or a rented bike is no problem for you.

Bring with you:

For the course you need your own mountain bike, a helmet, and your own snacks and drinking water.

• Participants can rent a fatbike from Natura Viva at the special price of €39 / 3.5 h.

Dress in cycling or outdoor clothing suitable for the weather. Loose trouser legs are not suitable for cycling.

• Clothes for breaks and a change of clothes

• A waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers

• Gloves and footwear suitable for cycling

• A hat.

Further information:

• The instructor is a trained Natura Viva guide (mountain biking instructor training)

• Vuosaari Paddling Centre - Harbonkatu 13, 00980 Helsinki

  • Parking spaces along the street, and easily reached by public transport

• The price includes the instructor's services during the course and a course diploma.

• The course can be paid for with Epassi directly in the online shop - read about using other exercise benefits!

• Natura Viva has liability and legal expenses insurance. Participants are responsible for their own leisure-time accident and sports insurance.

From the basic mountain biking course to a Natura Viva season pass!

We support you in carrying on with the sport - after completing the course you get a free two-hour bike rental at the Vuosaari Paddling Centre, or a discount of the same value on Natura Viva's season pass!