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Lessons & Clinics

Private Instruction

Lesson Pricing

  • Half Day (3hr) Lesson: $215
  • Full Day (6hr) Lesson: $395
  • Discounted Day Pass: $40
  • Discounted Rental Bike: $100

Lesson Pricing

  • Race Academy #3 with Kyle Strait : $249

ABOUT OUR PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Meet Walker Shaw

Coaching Director

My name is Walker Shaw, and I’m happy to be offering mountain bike instruction at both Rock Creek and Ride Kanuga bike parks. Whether it’s your first day riding mountain bikes or you’re looking to take your riding and race craft to a new level, we have something for you. 

I’m 27 and have been living in WNC for almost 20 years. I’m a huge fan of this area and all the amazing riding this place has to offer. Growing up, I played a wide array of sports and ultimately cycling became my passion. Originally, I raced BMX on the national circuit before making the switch to primarily mountain bike racing at the age of 16. Mountain biking has given me the opportunity to travel to some amazing places and meet some lifelong friends. 

I’m excited to share my cycling knowledge both on and off the bike with you!

Racing Career Highlights:

  • 5 x USAC Collegiate Individual National Champion
  • 1 x USAC Junior National Downhill Champion 
  • 1 x Sea Otter Classic Elite Downhill Winner 
  • 2 x UCI Downhill World Cup Elite Finals

Whether your goal is simply to become more comfortable on your bike, more efficient riding difficult terrain , or improve your overall riding speed, we have something for you. Our mountain bike instructors will tailor each lesson to your current skill set and goals.

Walker Shaw

Meet JACK BROWN

Coaching Assistant

My name is Jack Brown and I’m excited to be offering mountain bike instruction at Rock Creek and Kanuga. I’m excited to combine my racing and riding experience with my exercise science degree to offer you the the best possible coaching experience fit to what you are looking for. I am 22 years old and grew up in Athens, GA. I moved to Brevard 4 years ago to attend Brevard College, where I have recently graduated with a degree in exercise science. After falling in love with the area, I have decided to make western North Carolina my home. I have ridden mountain bikes for the majority of my life and have raced for the past 10 years. Since moving to Brevard, I have been lucky enough to take my riding career to the next level. I have competitively raced enduro on the national and international level for the past 5 years. Beyond racing, riding for fun and progressing as a rider is what keeps me coming back for more and is ultimately the reason I ride bikes. I look forward sharing my experience with you at the parks! Racing Career Highlights:
  • 2nd – 2024 USAC Enduro National Champs
  • 3rd – 2023 USAC DH Collegiate National Champs
  • 3 x U21 EWS Top 10
  • 2021 U21 BME Overall Winner

What to expect

  • Bike evaluation
  • Core skills assessment
  • Personally tailored instruction
  • Individual attention to your goals and needs
 

Equipment Recommendations

At Ride Rock Creek, safety is always our top priority. Our coaching staff generally recommends a full-suspension bike with disc brakes. However, jump-specific hard tails may be appropriate for dirt-jump sessions. Full-finger gloves, knee/elbow protection, and full-face helmets are also strongly recommended. Some equipment is available to rent and the rest is available for purchase on-site at the Ride Rock Creek shop if needed.

 

RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICY

All coaching sessions must be booked in advance to ensure a time slot and/or specific coach. A 48-hour cancellation policy is enforced for a full refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of a booking forfeit 50% of the booking cost.

 

Additional Rider Policy

Add additional riders to any private session at $35/hr. Please contact us prior to booking for additional rider requests.

Walker Shaw has been working with my 7 yr old and his progress has been nothing short of amazing! Walker is very professional, patient, punctual and an amazing coach! My boy loves him! My son went from riding out of control on a cart path to safely crushing the green jump lines, riding miles on end (while standing up, thanks to Walker) within a month. Now we are able to really enjoy our time together on the trails, local pump tracks and jump lines together in a much safer and more enjoyable manner. I would recommend using Walker for any of your coaching needs. He’s helping me now as well and I’m 45. I’m riding better than I ever have and clearing jumps I’ve never cleared before with confidence. Walker has the knowledge and experience to know when to allow my son to take the next step as well. Walker is an incredible coach, rider and person! Cheers!
Rodney Keller⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My son has been taking lessons with Walker Shaw at Ride Rock Creek. It has been a great experience for him. Walker makes lessons a lot of fun and also has the technical skills and patience to help him progress at a pace that he is comfortable with. He loves Ride Rock Creek and everyone who works there is friendly and helpful!
Nicky Ackerman⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been wanting to learn to jump, so I looked around and found a young man named Walker Shaw (ask for him). He was very helpful, shared his knowledge and his enthusiasm about biking is contagious. The bike park is amazing. Great helpful staff and product available for purchase. The shuttle driver was nice and got us to the top safely each time. The drive is short and steep but fun. since I was learning, I focused on one trail repeatedly. Not having to pedal really made my day. Worth the money. I will be back. 😊
Christine Myers⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My son has been doing lessons with Walker Shaw at Rock Creek and Kanuga. Walker is great with him and has encouraged him to progress at his own pace. My son appreciates Walker’s encouragement to hit new features in a progression that builds on previous skills. As a parent I appreciate that Walker knows what my son is capable of doing and will encourage him but will communicate if he is not ready to hit a feature (then they come up with a plan for the next lesson).
Rebecca McCord⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been riding bikes for a while and I recently decided to get some coaching at Kanuga. They were able to set me up with Walker Shaw who helped me work on the fundamentals of jumping for a two-hour session. I already had a good amount of experience but his knowledge was definitely next level. Walker was also fun to work with. He gave me a lot more confidence in jumping. We worked on my form, timing, and speed. It was a really good experience and I can't wait to get coaching from him again.
Josh Stephens⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kanuga Bike Park offers an exceptional experience with a variety of thrilling jumps and tech features. To maximize your enjoyment, consider investing in private lessons. Walker Shaw is not only a talented pro rider, but he's also an excellent instructor, helping me reach a level I couldn't have imagined just a few months ago.
Brent Seher⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lessons

Half Day lesson

Full Day lesson

Half Day Guided Laps

full Day Guided Laps

Clinics

Race Academy #3:

Dual Slalom Clinic with Kyle Strait
Dual Slalom Focused Setup, Skills, and Speed

Overview

Unlock your racing potential with our Race Academy. Designed for beginner to advanced riders (ages 12+), this clinic offers personalized coaching in a focused, small-group environment to improve your riding skills, form, and overall performance on the track.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your bike setup, develop better cornering techniques, or shave seconds off your lap times, this camp is for you. We’ll focus on key aspects like line choice, corner speed, and track strategy—all while providing you with tools to track your improvement. 

This clinic will be coached by Kyle Strait and Walker Shaw 

Clinic Details

Target Riders:

  • Beginner to advanced riders, ages 12+.
    Basic race experience is required (*Note you do not need to have ANY slalom race experience, just any mountain bike racing experience!) — this clinic is for those looking to learn how to race slalom, whether it’s your first time in the gate or you’ve competed before! 

 

Group Size:

  • 15 rider cap to ensure an optimal coach-to-rider ratio, providing personalized feedback and plenty of one-on-one attention.

 

Focus Areas

  • Proper Bike Setup: Get your bike dialed in for peak performance. We’ll cover fit, suspension settings, tire pressure, and adjustments to improve handling and comfort.
  • Skills & Form: Improve your riding form, posture, and technique to increase efficiency and control.
  • Speed & Times: Use targeted drills to help you improve lap times and speed.
  • Feedback: Professional & immediate feedback to help build your progress and refine your skills in real time

 

Tracks:

  • We’ll focus on the Ride Rock Creek Dual Slalom track, providing an in-depth look at how to approach each section, from tight corners to rhythm sections to gate starts. Riders will have the chance to run multiple laps, work on specific skills, and analyze their results.

 

Day Pass Included:

  • Each participant will receive a day pass to access the park

 

Schedule:

  • Coming Soon

 

Why Join This Camp?

  • World-Class Coaching: With a small group size, our world-class coaches will provide personalized feedback, helping you refine your technique and improve your results.
  • Targeted Performance: Focus on areas that matter most: speed, form, bike setup, and track strategy.
  • Track-Specific Learning: With attention on the race track, you’ll have the opportunity to master the nuances of each section and gain deeper insights into how to tackle different features.
  • Small Group Environment: The rider cap ensures you get plenty of individual attention and allows you to progress at your own pace.

 

What to Bring:

  • Your bike (ensure it’s in good working condition and)
  • Full-Face Helmet (mandatory) – available for rent in the Ride Rock Creek shop if needed
  • Pads & Protective Gear (knee, elbow, chest, back, gloves, goggles, etc.)
  • Water bottle & snacks – Sandwiches for lunch will be provided
  • Comfortable Riding Apparel
  • Notebook or Phone for Notes (optional, to track feedback and improvements)

 

Pricing:

  • Cost: $249
  • What’s Included:
    • Full-day coaching and training session
    • Park access with a day pass included
    • Small group, personalized coaching
    • Photo & video recap of the camp
    • A focused, high-energy environment to level up your riding
 

Contact Us:

If you have any questions or would like more details, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Registration:

To ensure the best experience for all riders, spots are limited to 15 participants. Don’t miss out—secure your place today! 

Register Here!

About Your instructors

Meet Walker Shaw

Coaching Director

My name is Walker Shaw, and I’m happy to be offering mountain bike instruction at both Rock Creek and Ride Kanuga bike parks. Whether it’s your first day riding mountain bikes or you’re looking to take your riding and race craft to a new level, we have something for you. 

I’m 28 and have been living in WNC for almost 20 years. I’m a huge fan of this area and all the amazing riding this place has to offer. Growing up, I played a wide array of sports and ultimately cycling became my passion. Originally, I raced BMX on the national circuit before making the switch to primarily mountain bike racing at the age of 16. Mountain biking has given me the opportunity to travel to some amazing places and meet some lifelong friends. 

I’m excited to share my cycling knowledge both on and off the bike with you!

Racing Career Highlights:

  • 5 x USAC Collegiate Individual National Champion
  • 1 x USAC Junior National Downhill Champion 
  • 1 x Sea Otter Classic Elite Downhill Winner 
  • 2 x UCI Downhill World Cup Elite Finals
kyle strait

Meet Kyle Strait

Professional Mountain Bike Racer & Athlete

Kyle Strait is a renowned freeride and slopestyle mountain biker. He emerged as a prodigy—starting competitive racing at age 12 and entering the first Red Bull Rampage at just 14. He earned his place in history by winning Rampage in 2004 and again in 2013, becoming the first-ever two-time champion of the event. Impressively, he’s the only athlete to have competed in every single edition of Red Bull Rampage since its inception. Beyond racing, he and his wife, Rachel Strait, contribute to the trail community by hosting the Strait Acres Invitational.

Racing Career Highlights:

  • Won Red Bull Rampage in 2004 and again in 2013
  • First-ever two-time Rampage champion
  • Unbroken Rampage Streak: The only rider to compete in every single edition of Red Bull Rampage (2001 through 2023)
  • 2004: 3rd place in Crankworx Slopestyle 
  • 2004: 3rd junior men’s downhill at UCI World Championships.
  • 2006: 3rd place in Crankworx Slopestyle
  • 2012: 1st place Sea Otter Dual Slalom
  • 2023: 6th at Red Bull Rampage
  •  
Walker Shaw has been working with my 7 yr old and his progress has been nothing short of amazing! Walker is very professional, patient, punctual and an amazing coach! My boy loves him! My son went from riding out of control on a cart path to safely crushing the green jump lines, riding miles on end (while standing up, thanks to Walker) within a month. Now we are able to really enjoy our time together on the trails, local pump tracks and jump lines together in a much safer and more enjoyable manner. I would recommend using Walker for any of your coaching needs. He’s helping me now as well and I’m 45. I’m riding better than I ever have and clearing jumps I’ve never cleared before with confidence. Walker has the knowledge and experience to know when to allow my son to take the next step as well. Walker is an incredible coach, rider and person! Cheers!
Rodney Keller⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My son has been taking lessons with Walker Shaw at Ride Rock Creek. It has been a great experience for him. Walker makes lessons a lot of fun and also has the technical skills and patience to help him progress at a pace that he is comfortable with. He loves Ride Rock Creek and everyone who works there is friendly and helpful!
Nicky Ackerman⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been wanting to learn to jump, so I looked around and found a young man named Walker Shaw (ask for him). He was very helpful, shared his knowledge and his enthusiasm about biking is contagious. The bike park is amazing. Great helpful staff and product available for purchase. The shuttle driver was nice and got us to the top safely each time. The drive is short and steep but fun. since I was learning, I focused on one trail repeatedly. Not having to pedal really made my day. Worth the money. I will be back. 😊
Christine Myers⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My son has been doing lessons with Walker Shaw at Rock Creek and Kanuga. Walker is great with him and has encouraged him to progress at his own pace. My son appreciates Walker’s encouragement to hit new features in a progression that builds on previous skills. As a parent I appreciate that Walker knows what my son is capable of doing and will encourage him but will communicate if he is not ready to hit a feature (then they come up with a plan for the next lesson).
Rebecca McCord⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been riding bikes for a while and I recently decided to get some coaching at Kanuga. They were able to set me up with Walker Shaw who helped me work on the fundamentals of jumping for a two-hour session. I already had a good amount of experience but his knowledge was definitely next level. Walker was also fun to work with. He gave me a lot more confidence in jumping. We worked on my form, timing, and speed. It was a really good experience and I can't wait to get coaching from him again.
Josh Stephens⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kanuga Bike Park offers an exceptional experience with a variety of thrilling jumps and tech features. To maximize your enjoyment, consider investing in private lessons. Walker Shaw is not only a talented pro rider, but he's also an excellent instructor, helping me reach a level I couldn't have imagined just a few months ago.
Brent Seher⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ride ROCK CREEK

298 W Rock Creek Rd
Zirconia, NC 28790

Contact Us: info@riderockcreek.com

828.844.1143

Shop & Shuttle HOURS

FRIDAY-SUNDAY:

10am-6pm

Riding is only permitted during these times

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Rental hours

FRIDAY-SUNDAY:

10am-5pm

 

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