Everything Awesome

Whether you are looking to conquer a literal mountain or overcome a personal physical challenge, Everything Awesome is a premier outdoor adventure and rehabilitation organization based in the heart of the Peak District and Sheffield. Far from being a typical tour company, Everything Awesome blends high-octane adventure with expert coaching and specialized medical rehabilitation, creating an inclusive gateway to the great outdoors.

Here is a breakdown of what we here at Everything Awesome can do for you.

1. Master New Skills with Expert Coaching

At the core of Everything Awesome is a commitment to high-quality instruction. Led by Mini Mansell an instructor with an exhaustive portfolio of qualifications the organization offers structured coaching across a variety of disciplines.

• Mountain Biking (MTB): From “Jumps and Drops” workshops to the fundamental core skills, you can learn to navigate technical trails with confidence. We also offer MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) Level 1 and 2 courses for those looking to turn their passion into a professional qualification.
• Rock Climbing: Whether you are transitioning from “Gym to Crag” or wanting to learn the complexities of Traditional (Trad) climbing, they provide safe, expert-led sessions. We even offer ladies-only climbing sessions to foster a supportive environment for female adventurers.
• Paddlesports & More: You can book Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) taster sessions, navigation courses (like “Find Your Way in a Day”), and even archery lessons.

2. Experience Bespoke Adventures

Everything Awesome excels at creating unforgettable memories through guided experiences. If you aren’t looking for a “lesson” but rather a “journey,” they offer guided mountain bike rides through the rugged Peak District, “Waterfall Walks” (such as the stunning Middle Black Clough), and “Weaselling” (a unique Peak District activity involving scrambling through natural rock tunnels and boulders). These sessions are perfect for families, stag/hen dos, or corporate team building events where the goal is to bond through shared adventure.

3. Specialized Rehabilitation & Inclusion

What truly sets us apart is our “sister” mission in Neuro and Spinal Rehabilitation. We act as specialist Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs), working alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to support individuals recovering from life-altering injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and cerebral palsy.

We believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. If you have complex physical needs or use a wheelchair, Everything Awesome uses their specialized skill set to adapt activities like climbing or paddling to your specific requirements. We focus on the “Adventure Sports Specialist Rehab” model, helping individuals rediscover their identity and physical potential through nature.

4. Empowerment and Mental Well-being

Beyond the physical activities, Everything Awesome provides a space for personal growth. Our philosophy is built on “Challenge by Choice,” allowing participants to set their own limits and overcome fears at their own pace. This approach builds immense self-confidence and offers a powerful mental health boost, using the transformative power of the Peak District’s landscape to reduce stress and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Summary

In short, Everything Awesome provides the tools, the expertise, and the environment for you to “ditch the routine.” Whether you are an elite athlete looking to shave seconds off your descent, a beginner nervous about your first climb, or someone navigating a difficult recovery journey, we offer a personalized roadmap to help you experience the world in an awesome way.

Although the title does preclude a gender, i hope the message doesnt. The message being, go prepared. So many problems, just wont become a problem, if you are prepared for them.

The classic “gentleman’s pat-down.” Whether you’re checking your pockets before leaving the house or making sure you haven’t lost your soul (or your keys) at a funeral, this mnemonic has a surprisingly long history.

While most people use it as a quick checklist to ensure they have their essentials, its roots are a bit more “holy.”

The Meaning Behind the Phrase

The phrase is a mnemonic for the Sign of the Cross (the ritual gesture made by Christians, primarily Catholics). The movement of the hand corresponds to the items mentioned:

• Spectacles: Touching the forehead.
• Testicles: Touching the lower abdomen/waist.
• Wallet: Touching the left shoulder (where a man historically kept his wallet in an inside jacket pocket).
• Watch: Touching the right shoulder (referring to a pocket watch kept in the waistcoat).

Historical Context

• The “Pocket” Logic: The order reflects a time when men’s fashion was more formal. Most men were right-handed, so they kept their wallet in the left breast pocket (easy to reach with the right hand) and their pocket watch in the right waistcoat pocket.
• Pop Culture: You might recognize this from movies like Nuns on the Run (1990) or Austin Powers, where it’s used as a joke to help someone “fake” being religious. It also famously appeared in Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino.
• The “Pocket Pat”: Today, it’s mostly used by people who aren’t necessarily religious but want a rhythmic way to ensure they haven’t forgotten their gear.

For me, as an outdoor professional, this tends to mean, phone, keys, penknife and specs. (plus first aid kit as a default)

When working, this could include, compass, or bike pocket multi tool,

Of course, in 2026, the modern version is probably more like: “Phone, Keys, Wallet, Vape”—though that doesn’t quite have the same theological ring to it.

How to Tell the Weather from Clouds

High-Level Clouds (Above 20,000 ft)

–

• Cirrus: Thin, wispy “mare’s tails.” Fair now, but rain likely in 24–48 hours.

• Cirrocumulus: “Mackerel scales.” Change in weather coming.

• Cirrostratus: Thin veil, creates a halo around sun/moon. Rain/snow in 12–24 hours.

Mid Level Clouds (6,500 – 20,000 ft)

• Altostratus: Gray sheet. Steady rain/snow arriving in a few hours.

• Altocumulus: Fluffy balls. On warm mornings, signals afternoon thunderstorms.

Low-Level Clouds (Below 6,500 ft)

• Cumulus: “Cotton balls.” Small means fair; vertical growth means storms.

• Stratus: Flat gray blanket. Gloomy with drizzle or mist.

• Stratocumulus: Lumpy and dark. Storm brewing or front passing.

Dan’ger Clouds

• Nimbostratus: Dark and thick. Steady, prolonged rain.

• Cumulonimbus: Towering with anvil top. Heavy rain, lightning, and thunder.

• Wall/Shelf Clouds: Wedge-shaped. Severe winds and potential tornadoes.

Quick Tips

• Vertical Growth: Atmosphere is unstable; expect a storm.

• Dark Color: Cloud is heavy with water; rain is imminent.

“

A question i see asked

Why would anyone pay for guided outdoor activities?

Hiring a professional guide for an outdoor activity—whether it’s mountain biking through rugged terrain, rock climbing a granite face, or navigating a complex backcountry trail—is often viewed by beginners as a luxury. However, the value of a guide extends far beyond simply showing the way. It is an investment in safety, skill acquisition, and the overall quality of the experience.

1. Safety and Risk Management
The most critical value a guide provides is risk mitigation. The outdoors are inherently unpredictable; weather can shift in minutes, trails can be washed out, and equipment can fail. A certified guide is trained to read these variables and make informed decisions that keep participants out of harm’s way.

Beyond environmental awareness, guides are typically trained in First Aid, Typically Advanced Outdoor First Aid. Should an accident occur, having a professional who can stabilize an injury and coordinate an evacuation is the difference between a minor setback and a life-threatening crisis. They carry the heavy first-aid kits, emergency communication devices, and repair tools that the average hobbyist might overlook.

2. Accelerated Learning and Technical Mastery
When you pay for a guide, you are paying for a “fast track” to competence. Trial and error is a slow and sometimes painful way to learn an outdoor sport. A guide provides real-time coaching, correcting your form on a mountain bike or teaching you the most efficient way to plant your trekking poles.

This professional instruction prevents the development of “bad habits” that are difficult to break later. For complex sports like rock climbing or downhill mountain biking, a few hours with a guide can equate to months of self-taught practice. You aren’t just paying for the day; you are paying for a foundation of skills that you will carry into every future adventure.

3. Local Knowledge and Hidden Gems
In the age of digital maps and trail apps, it is easy to think you know a landscape. However, digital data lacks nuance. A guide knows which trails get too muddy after a rain, which viewpoints are best for sunrise, and where the local wildlife is most likely to be spotted without being disturbed.

They provide a layer of interpretive education, sharing stories about the local geology, flora, and history. This transforms a physical workout into a deep, meaningful connection with the environment. You aren’t just passing through the woods; you are understanding the ecosystem you are standing in.

4. Logistics and Peace of Mind
Outdoor adventures require a mountain of logistics: gear rentals, permits, transportation, and meal planning. A guided service often handles these “invisible” tasks. This allows the participant to remain in a state of flow, focusing entirely on the activity rather than worrying about whether they packed enough water or if they are parked in a legal zone.

Conclusion
Ultimately, paying for a guide is about maximizing the “return on adventure.” By offloading the stress of navigation and safety to a professional, you free your mind to fully engage with the beauty of the natural world. Whether you are a novice looking for a safe introduction or an intermediate athlete looking to level up, a guide provides the expertise that turns a good day outside into an unforgettable one.

If you have ambition to become a Mountain bike instructor/leader/coach then the MIAS pathway is idea.

We here at Everything Awesome have been running MIAS courses for many years with many hundreds of coaches around the UK enjoying employment due to the qualification gained with us.

This syllabus is designed as a modular training program to take a rider from Level 1 (Fundamental) to Level 3 (Advanced/Elite) based on the provided Assessor Skill Level Sheet.

Course Title: Advanced MTB Skills & Technical Mastery

Duration: 3 Progressive Modules (Level 1, 2, and 3)

Objective: To develop proactive, technical, and safe mountain bike handling through the mastery of braking, balance, and obstacle clearance.

Module 1: Foundations of Control (Level 1)

Focus: Establishing safe habits and basic bike-body separation.

• Braking Fundamentals: Correct sequencing (rear before front); achieving 75% front/25% rear distribution without skidding.
• Drivetrain Management: Basic gear selection for varying terrain; eliminating cross-chaining.
• Static Balance: Introduction to the “Track Stand” (5-second hold) and weight movement around the bike.
• Vertical Mobility: * Basic pedal kicks and front wheel lifts over 10cm objects.
  • Introduction to hopping and bunny hop principles.
• Terrain Navigation: * Descending slopes up to 30degree and climbing up to 20.
  • Handling small drop-offs (up to 15cm).
  • Clearing roots and logs under 12cm.
• Cornering Basics: Body positioning (inside pedal up, weight on outside foot, knee tracking).

Module 2: Proactive Handling (Level 2)

Focus: Increasing height, steepness, and shifting from reactive to proactive riding.

• Advanced Braking: Complete use of both brakes to full potential; demonstrating individual modulation to avoid lock-ups.
• Proactive Shifting: Smooth gear transitions and an understanding of cadence and gear ratios relative to terrain.
• Balance & Air: * Extending Track Stands (5–10 seconds).
  • Front wheel lifts to 30cm; clearing 15cm obstacles.
  • Executing a stationary two-wheel hop and speed jumps (7.5cm).
• Technical Descents & Climbs: * Handling 30 degree – 45 descents and 20 – 30 climbs.
  • Drop-offs between 15cm and 50cm.
• Advanced Cornering: Applying cornering fundamentals through switchbacks.
• Trail Obstacles: Clearing medium logs and ruts (12–15cm).

Module 3: Technical Mastery (Level 3)

Focus: Elite-level maneuvers, extreme terrain, and fluid movement.

• Precision Control: Maximum power braking with full modulation; “instinctive” proactive shifting.
• Extreme Balance: * Comfortable 10-second+ Track Stands.
  • Extreme weight shifts (e.g., body behind rear axle for steep descents).
  • Stationary hops with lateral (side) movement or rotation.
• High-Level Maneuvers:
  • Front wheel lifts to 50cm; clearing 20cm+ objects.
  • Effortless bunny hops over 7.5cm+ objects.
  • Speed jumps over 10cm+ objects.
• Elite Terrain:
  • Steep descents 45 and climbs over 30
  • Drop-offs exceeding 50cm.
  • Clearing large obstacles (logs/roots over 15cm and complex ruts).
• Dynamic Cornering: Maintaining speed and technique through complex, linked series of turns (hitting apexes and accelerating out).

Assessment Methodology

Each module concludes with a practical evaluation. Students must demonstrate:

1. Consistency: Performing the skill correctly 3 out of 3 times.
2. Safety: No loss of control or “sketchy” landings.
3. Fluidity: In Level 3, the assessor looks for “flow”—the seamless transition between different skills.

Title: Mastering the Dirt: What to Expect on a Beginner Mountain Bike Coaching Course

Mountain biking is often perceived as an adrenaline-fueled pursuit reserved for daredevils, but at its heart, it is a skill-based sport where technique trumps bravado. For those new to the sport, or road cyclists trading tarmac for trails, a beginner mountain bike coaching course is the single best investment you can make—often far more valuable than a carbon fiber upgrade.

The Morning: Foundations and Safety

Most courses begin not on a mountain peak, but in a flat, grassy car park. The day typically starts with the “M-Check,” a systematic safety inspection of the bike to ensure the wheels, brakes, and drivetrain are trail-ready.

Once safety is established, the coach introduces the most critical concept in off-road riding: Body Position.

• The Neutral Position: Standing tall on the pedals with level cranks, keeping your weight centered. This is your “home base.”
• The Attack Position: Lowering the chest, bending the elbows, and looking up. This prepares you for rougher terrain.

Riders will spend the first hour drilling these postures, learning to separate their body movements from the bike. You will learn that unlike on a road bike, a mountain bike needs room to move beneath you.

Mid-Day: Core Controls

As the group moves to slightly more varied terrain, the focus shifts to controls—specifically braking and gears. Beginners often fear the front brake, believing it will send them over the handlebars. A good coach will debunk this myth immediately. You will learn “modulation”—the art of feathering the brakes rather than grabbing them. Drills will teach you to use the front brake for stopping power and the rear brake for control, all while dropping your heels to brace against the deceleration.

Gear selection is next. You will learn to anticipate the trail, shifting before a climb starts to avoid the dreaded “crunch” of changing gears under load.

Afternoon: Cornering and Trail Flow

The afternoon is usually dedicated to the skill that separates flowing riders from twitchy ones: Cornering. Instructors will teach you to look where you want to go (avoiding “target fixation” on rocks or trees) and to lean the bike while keeping your body upright. This maximizes tire traction. You might practice on cones first, learning to open your hips and point your belly button toward the exit of the turn.

Finally, the group hits the trails. This is where the magic happens. You will apply your new “toolkit” of skills to real-world features—rolling over roots, navigating small drops, and keeping momentum through berms. The coach will ride sections with you, providing real-time feedback and often video analysis.

The Takeaway

By the end of the day, the transformation is usually visible. The “death grip” on the handlebars relaxes, and fear is replaced by calculated focus. A beginner course doesn’t just teach you how to ride a bike; it teaches you how to read the trail, managing risk so you can access the reward of flow.

10 Essential MTB Skills for Beginners This video is relevant because it visually demonstrates the exact body positions, braking techniques, and cornering drills discussed in the article, offering a perfect visual recap of a typical beginner syllabus.

We offer some awesome introduction courses

We have had the above logo for a long time, and felt due for any update, this is the version i am leaning towards.

The Peak District offers some of the UK’s finest natural riding, characterised by gritty technical descents, stunning high-moorland singletrack, and steep, rocky challenges. The terrain is split between the rocky “Dark Peak” (north/east) and the slippery-when-wet limestone “White Peak” (south/central).

Want to ride these trails with an expert guide? Check out our MTB Guided days

Here are the 5 best mountain bike trails in the Peak District to target.

1. Cut Gate (The “Bog of Doom” Classic)

Often cited as the best natural trail in England, Cut Gate is a high-moorland epic that connects Langsett Reservoir to the Derwent Valley.

• Best For: Adventure riders seeking remote wilderness feels.
• Difficulty: Hard (Technical & Physical).
• Start Point: Langsett Barn Car Park or Fairholmes.
• The Ride: This is a serious undertaking that crosses exposed moors. The climb is a technical test of traction, while the descent is a fast, rocky thrill.
• Insider Tip: Avoid in wet weather. It holds water badly (earning the nickname “Bog of Doom”) and riding it wet damages the sensitive peat. Save this for a dry spell or hard frost.

2. Jacob’s Ladder (The Technical Test)

This is perhaps the most famous single descent in the Peaks, usually ridden as part of a loop from Edale or Hayfield.

• Best For: Technical riders who love rock gardens.
• Difficulty: Very Hard (Expert technical skills required).
• Start Point: Edale Car Park.
• The Ride: The loop usually involves a steep tarmac or gravel climb up from Edale to Rushup Edge, but the main event is the descent back down Jacob’s Ladder. It is steep, loose, and filled with large gritstone steps and boulders. It demands full commitment and suspension travel.

3. The Ladybower Loop (The Versatile Classic)

A route that can be adapted for intermediate to expert riders, circling the iconic Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs.

• Best For: Mixed ability groups and classic scenery.
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (depending on variations).
• Start Point: Fairholmes Visitor Centre.
• The Ride: The standard loop uses the bridleways around the water, but the real gold lies in the climbs up to Lockerbrook. The descent from Lockerbrook to the reservoir is a fast, rooty, and rocky “screaming mile.”
• Extension: Stronger riders can add “The Beast” of Hope Cross—a notoriously rocky and technical descent that drops you towards the Snake Pass.

4. The Great Ridge & Cave Dale (The Scenic Tech)

Riding the ridgeline between Mam Tor and Lose Hill offers some of the most photographed views in the UK.

• Best For: Views and loose limestone technicality.
• Difficulty: Hard.
• Start Point: Castleton.
• The Ride: Climb up the broken road (an old road destroyed by landslides) to Mam Tor. Ride the ridge to Lords Seat, up past Eldon Quarry and then drop into Cave Dale.
• Warning: Cave Dale is limestone, meaning it is incredibly slippery when wet. It is steep, narrow, and walled in by cliffs. Ride with caution.

5. Lady Cannings & Stanage Edge (Flow vs. Grit)

A mix of modern “flow” trails and ancient technical gritstone on the Sheffield fringe.

• Best For: Riders who want a trail-centre feel mixed with natural riding.
• Difficulty: Blue (Lady Cannings) to Red/Black (Stanage).
• Start Point: Ringinglow (near the Norfolk Arms pub).
• The Ride: Lady Cannings Plantation offers purpose-built flow trails (“Blue Steel” and “Cooking on Gas”) which are smooth, bermed, and rollable—rare for the Peaks. Combine this with a loop out to Stanage Plantation for a contrastingly raw, rocky, natural descent that drops you off the famous gritstone escarpment.

Links to some of the best MTB trail GPX files