The Progression Guide – September

A Monthly Online Skill Builder Series

SEPTEMBER EDITION 2025 – HOW TO DROP

Dropping into a feature can feel intimidating at first, but with the right technique, it becomes one of the smoothest and most rewarding skills in mountain biking. A drop is any spot on the trail where the terrain falls away—rather than simply rolling down, you guide your bike off the edge and land with control. When done correctly, drops shift from being scary obstacles to flow-building opportunities.

Mastering drops is a powerful confidence builder. It unlocks access to more trail features and teaches bike-body separation, a skill that carries into every part of your riding.

The truth is, drops don’t have to be scary. With practice and progression, they transform into one of the most fun features on the trail. Once you’re comfortable, each drop becomes a chance to ride with more confidence, style, and flow.

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Building Skills: Beginner to Host of The Progression Guide

Howdy Folks, As you know, my name is Kevin Owens. I got into riding bikes somewhat late compared to the kids I see out there now. I started around 7th grade and just took my dad’s rigid 80’s bike with rim brakes and started building jumps in the woods with friends. I just went straight into mountain biking—no BMX or other discipline for me.

It took me at least a year after I started riding before I found Highland. I forget who recommended I go there, but after my first day riding Highland, I went home to buy a used downhill bike that night; I was obsessed! It was around 2013 when I first visited, and it just had such a chill welcoming vibe to the mountain, and it still does to this day.

When I first started riding, I never had any coaching and figured everything out myself. After one of my first significant crashes, I remember hearing, “Don’t put your arms out, you gotta tuck and roll.” That is probably the best advice for crashing, and it definitely helped me a lot through my learning phase.

PROGRESSION AS A RIDER

NE STYLE – Power Hour – Slope Course; otherwise known as the victory lap, was and always will be all the rage for a 14 year old, so that was definitely a big milestone for me. After that, I was primarily focused on racing, and whenever I had clean race runs, which was not as often as I liked. I was always proud of that feeling of getting a top to bottom run.

I am definitely most proud of my control and form today compared to my racing days. Like I said, I was never coached. I could always ride a bike well, but when I started coaching, I really started to perfect my riding form and control. I am and always will be chasing the feeling of a truly perfect downhill race run. No matter what, I can always see areas for improvement in my own riding. Chasing perfection as I increase speed will always be a goal of mine.

I started coaching freestyle skiing my freshman year of college and decided to go into bike coaching that spring. I loved ski coaching and figured I would love coaching biking too, and I was right. I have learned endless amounts about my own riding, but one of the biggest things I learned is that I love sharing my passion for biking with others. I have also learned that coaching was one of the best things for my riding, slowing down and working on my own form and skills as I coach allowed me to progress once I felt like I was plateauing as a rider. I always come back to the fact I never had a coach, I love to be able to provide guidance for riders, something I never had myself.

As a rider who loves to get lost in the world of line choice and how to ride faster, I love a bit of advice from DH World Cup Racer Reece Wilson. He was getting interviewed in a track walk and was asked what he looks for in lines on a track. He said something along the lines of, “When I walk a track, I try to do it as quickly as possible just to get a rough idea of the track layout. I don’t worry about lines, I focus on keeping my head up and always looking ahead, ready for whatever is thrown at me. Lines will always change.” It sometimes doesn’t matter to get lost in the intricacies of suspension, bike setup, or line choice when proper riding techniques can take you as far as you need.

Progression Guide Reflection

It has been really cool to host The Progression Guide. I have never done something like this video-wise, so it has been a fun learning experience. Probably the topic that resonates most with me is cornering. I love working on cornering constantly—it’s something the best riders in the world will never stop working on. I am always fascinated by trying to figure out the fastest way to ride a corner and carry the most speed. It has definitely shaped me into the rider that I am today. I am very lucky to be able to have made a career out of coaching here at my favorite bike park. Since Highland has always been my home bike park it feels great to be able to inspire the next generation. Since Highland’s trails are so flowy I think that formed some of my riding style, I always am trying to pump and flow smoothly everywhere at Highland. When I would go racing I would try to smooth out DH race tracks as much as I could and pump and double as much as I could. I don’t think without learning that flow from Highland trails I would have been able to translate that to my racing.To me, progression means taking your time to really understand what tricks, skills, or features you are doing. It’s easy to just do something; it’s a lot harder to understand the movements behind a successful jump, drop, or trick.

Looking Ahead

My goals are to ride mountain bikes for as long as I possibly can, explore and see as much of the world as I can on my bike, and to share the joy of biking with as many people as possible. I also want to get back to racing downhill. No matter what skill level you are, take a lesson. Even if you are already riding most of the hill, or if you have never been up a chairlift with a bike, there is something all riders can learn from riding with a dedicated coach. If I were face to face with the 15-year-old version of myself, I would beg him to take a lesson.

Something for Every Rider

No matter your age, ability, or goals, Highland’s training programs are designed to meet you where you are—and take you further than you thought possible. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to dial in advanced technique, there’s a path built for your progression.

Find Your Ride
Your perfect first step into downhill. With rentals, lift access, and pro coaching included, this all-in-one package makes your first day stress-free and unforgettable. Walk away with the skills, confidence, and excitement to keep chasing the ride.

After School Program & Kids Camp
Kids progress best when they’re having fun. These programs give young riders a safe, social environment to learn the fundamentals, make friends, and discover a love for the sport. The result? Stronger skills, new confidence, and a stoke that lasts all season.

Summer Camps
Multi-day camps turn progression into momentum. Riders stack new skills day after day, tackling more technical terrain and learning the independence to explore the mountain with confidence. Perfect for kids and teens who want to take it to the next level.

Adult Ayr Academy
Progression doesn’t stop when you grow up. Ayr Academy gives adults the chance to break through plateaus, refine technique, and push their riding further than ever. With focused small-group coaching, you’ll get the guidance you need to ride with more speed, style, and control.

Women’s Gravity Weekends
Confidence grows faster in community. Led by experienced female coaches, these clinics create a welcoming environment to sharpen skills, try new features, and celebrate every win together. From cornering to jumps and drops, it’s progression with support built in.

Private Lessons
For maximum focus and fast results, nothing beats one-on-one coaching. Your goals set the agenda—whether that’s cleaning a tricky feature, mastering bike body position, or finding race-day speed. Every minute is dedicated to your progression.

From first-day beginners to seasoned riders, Highland has a training program to guide every step of your journey. Progression isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s for everyone. And it starts right here.

Grab the lowest price of the season! 2026 Season Passes go on sale October 1, and when you lock yours in early, you can ride the rest of 2025 too. Don’t wait—prices increase after closing day. Score bonus laps this fall, keep progressing on the trails, and spend more time with your crew before the end of the season. Highland is all about community, adventure, and good times—and your season pass is the ticket to it all. Mark your calendar and get ready to roll into 2026 ready for another year of progression and riding.