"Here's a question, four months later, how would you rate yours and your wife's skill level and abilities as a result of the trip?"
Wow...There's a set up question, break out the darts!! But, it's a great point that I like to reflect on as I look back at the season.
I bought my first sled in Feb of 2010. My RMK Assault 155 in Dec of 2012 and my first Pro RMK in January 2014. I ended last season, basically not getting stuck where I shouldn't be getting stuck. You probably have to really suck to understand that statement but it was the best way for me to describe it at the end of 2014. I went into this season wanting to learn how to sidehill, make downhill powder turns and ride faster in the trees (head up and looking for lines while riding). My wife was a second year rider and her first sled is a PRO RMK 600. She wanted to make powder turns and "not get stuck as much."
Riding in the Northeast, we can't safely get into the woods until about 80-100" have fallen to cover the stumps and down trees. IMO... So my trip to BBA mid January was perfectly timed for a return to good snow in the Northeast. We went out thinking BBA had the aspects of an instructional riding camp. BBA wants to be thought of as one but they are not. They are school of hard knocks, climb into deep powder, ride and we'll work with you....if you want. That worked for us but may not work for everyone/every couple.
Riding in multiple days of epic conditions and terrain here's what I came back with:
-Brake control, Brake Control & oh ya...BRAKE CONTROL!
-Mastered downhill powder turns (40+ per day in both directions)
-Heads up riding/looking for lines
-Foot positioning on hillclimbs
-Sidehilling for 2 miles at a time in perfect conditions at all speeds
-163's can just do more than a 155.
Most of these things were "learned out there" and executed back home. When you come back home, after a few rides your doing these things second nature and you start to push yourself in these elements.
My wife had a steep learning curve...She got stuck every 3 ft for the first hour, every 10ft for the second hour and then was climbing bowls and hills the rest of the first afternoon. When she came back and we got into the trees, I'd say she had lots of confidence to mash the throttle and work her way out of jams but she wants/needs to go back out West.
We're going to Dan Adam's Next Level Clinic next January. That will be great for her. They are a school...PERIOD. We'll also go back to Burandts for some big mountain riding. The guide's were insanely good guys/riders & instructors when asked.
For me: I finished this year 5X the rider I was last. Tons of room for improvement still. I credit the trip out west for a ton of fundamentals I learned and put to use. Can't wait for next year.
For my wife: I'd say she's well on her way to becoming a confident woods rider. Next Level Clinic for her will be AWESOME.
Long answer but it no way to give a short one....
