This skills DVD looks interesting

I've always loved the skills aspect of mountain biking and enjoy any book or movie on the subject. Favorites have included
Mastering Mountain Bike skills
Ned Overend's book
One of my favorites, the out of print Single Track Mind. I was so bummed when I lost this book. Can't remember if I lent it to someone or just misplaced it, but I'd had it at my office and moved offices and then couldn't find it.

I just saw this DVD in Bike.
Fluidride:like a pro
It looks really interesting.

Of course reading a book or watching a movie or putting one under your pillow is going to improve skills. In movement sports that can only be accomplished by two things. Repetive movements and time. I've found that it takes up to 2-3 weeks for specific movements to become integrated as 'second nature' where you can implement them without having to think about it

The downside too, is that not practicing these movements regularly for me leads to a noticeable decrease in skills. Did the new years day ride. Cold and out of practice and feeling stiff and disconnected.

I'm a huge proponent of the better ride skills clinics and the basic practice routines Gene shows. My favorite is the endless drill. Basically just a figure 8. But this simple drill creates the muscle memory and integration of the body positioning, weight shifts, and hip twists that absolutely make or break your cornering.

Havent done it in months. It takes just a few minutes and can be done on any flat place.

Even my basic lofting of the front wheel skill is going to hell.

If I do these drills consistently about once or twice a week, I will notive a big jump in cornering comfort and downhilling comfort in about 2 weeks. It's just like something clicks, and can feel the balance during subtle shifts of the rear wheel as it drifts in a corner or slides off a wet root.