Arthur Webster Jones In 1984 David Allen Kolb created the Experiential learning theory, this theory is separated in to a four-stage cycle. The first part is concrete experience, this is a new experience or an experience that has already occurred. With concrete experience, the person learning the content engages in the task. Therefore, Kolb believed that learning is more efficient and useful when the individual gets involved with the task or activity they wish to learn, and it is not useful to the individual to read or watch the content. Therefore, to acquire knowledge and individual must actively engage with the content. The second part of the four-stage cycle is reflective observation this is when an individual after taking part in concrete experience reflects on it. This part of the theory allows the individual to evaluate and discuss the findings with others. Kolb Believe that this stage allows the learner to find out similarities and differences between everyone’s findings from the concrete experience. The next part of the cycle is abstract conceptualisation. This part is where the individual tries to conclude by reflecting on the discoveries through concrete experience and reflective observation. This means the individual learns to classify concepts and form their own conclusion to the task. Finally, the fourth stage of Kolb’s cycle is active experimentation. This stage is all about testing the individuals by returning to the task with the aim of applying all their new experiences and conclusions. They will be able to make assumptions and will have learnt more and have improve on the task. In this essay I am going to explain some of my own experiences with Kolb’s Experimental learning theory well I have been going mountain biking, I will discuss some of my problems and mistakes when mountain biking and how I have learnt from them while using the experimental learning theory. I will be exploring how I have learnt from the experimental learning theory how I learnt from my equipment I bring on the trails and some preplanning which I could have carried out. When going mountain biking, I applied Kolb’s experimental learning theory and started with getting some concrete experience. I went out to some local mountain bike trails on a relatively cold day, I was New to these trails, so I didn’t know what I had ahead of me. I was riding ‘naked’, which is where you do not ride with a backpack and only have the resources on your bike such as water bottles and tools. As I am a quite experienced rider, I did not feel I had the need for backpack to carry first aid supplies, food, extra water and spare clothes. I found while riding that I didn’t want to try some of the harder trails Because I was not prepared, and I thought if I got injured or had a mechanical issue that would be a problem. Therefore, I Felt after the ride but if I was more prepared, I could’ve attempted hard to feature or ride put the fear of getting injured makes my ride less enjoyable After completing my ride or I went and reflected on my experiences while out on the trails. I found that on these trails I should have Bought a backpack as the route I picked was a lot longer than anticipated due to mechanical Problems. I did not have the proper equipment to deal with a pinch flat, I could have used a tubeless repair Kit while on the trail, but I do not have Room on my bike or person to carry one when riding without backpack. So, I got stuck and had to wait for another rider to pass so I could borrow Their equipment. This was me using reflective observation to allow me to identify my problems on the trail. Next, I used abstract conceptualisation to draw conclusions on my experiences. I felt after the ride that the discomfort of wearing a backpack outweighs the effort and time a lost riding and having fun time on the trails was not necessary. It also shows me that sometimes Having more equipment than you think you need such as first-aid kits and spare tools and not having to use them is better than having to walk back to the car with a flat tire. When I returned to the same trials the following week, I decided to purchase a thicker tire while also carrying a backpack filled with extra tools such as a tubeless repair kit and a pump so in the small chance that I do have a puncher or A different mechanical problem I will be able to carry on my ride relatively quickly. I also found that the extra water I carried in my backpack was a nice addition As I did not have to save my water as much as I knew I had spare which made for a more enjoyable ride. I also learned from the whole experience the next time I came that bringing some equipment especially first-aid kit is essential when going out on the trail as you never know what might happen. This it’s backed up by Kolb when he says, “Experiential learning posits that learning is the major determinant of human development and how individuals learn shapes the course of their personal development.” (Kolb, 1984). A second area of my bike ride that I applied the experiential learning theory is Preplanning. When I went on my ride I did Very little preplanning Such as checking the weather and the Trail conditions. I built concrete experience from this as when I went for my ride it started to rain Which I had not prepared for. This made the ride less enjoyable as I was quite cold after 15 minutes of rain. I also didn’t check the riding conditions such as things like local Facebook posts on conditions of the trails and whether they were open. After the ride I reflected on my experiences and I asked myself would I have had a more enjoyable ride if I had done just a little bit more preparation. As One of the trails that I really wanted to ride was closed so I had to do and less advanced ride. If I had checked the conditions, I would’ve known that it was closed which would’ve been safer as I would not have to ride the trail blind. I also feel like checking the conditions of the trail essential for safety as now I have learnt that if I had a mechanical issue and it was very cold and wet and I was a long way away from where I planned to be could be very dangerous as I could get stranded somewhere I am unfamiliar with with out proper safety equipment, warm clothes or away back to the car. Therefore, I have rent from my concrete experience and reflections that I was always planning and do things such as check the weather and the state of the trails. Learning this was important as the next time I went out I checked if the trails were open and if they were rideable at this time of year which makes the ride more enjoyable as I was not let down and it makes it a lot safer. I also Checked the weather before and made sure that if it were to rain, I would be prepared. In this instance Kolb’s experimental learning theory worked very well as I learnt that if I was not prepared for the ride, I would have less enjoyable time while also not being as safe as I could have been. From my experiences I can agree with Kolb when he says “ The process whereby knowledge is created through transformation of experience”( Kolb, 1984, p. 38), This is exactly what happened when I went mountain biking as I was not prepared for the ride and so I suffered the consequences which made me learn that spending a little more time preparing is more safe and you will not regret it if anything goes wrong. In conclusion Kolb’s experimental learning theory is a very useful process while trying to learn in an outdoor environment. I have found through mountain biking that it is very useful to advance your skills while still staying safe. Well mountain biking a lot of different things About safety and preparation for adventure or outdoor activities. I have also found that Going back after abstract conceptualisation and using active experimentation was an almost vital part as I’ve got to see how much more I enjoyed the ride when I was more prepared, it also feels a lot safer when I go out on rides where I know where I’m riding which makes Kolb’s theory very useful for outdoor activities and I can safely go out mountain biking after learning that I should always be prepared and have the right equipment. Overall, the experimental learning theory is very necessary and important role of being safe While in New environment or activity.   References 1. https://educationaltechnology.net/kolbs-experiential-learning-theory-learning-styles/ Kolb, 1984, p. 38). 2. https://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html (Kolb, 1984). 3. https://www.toolshero.com/toolsheroes/david-kolb/ (2009) Experiential learning theory: A dynamic, holistic approach to management learning, education and development.