Program Details

We are offering the mountain bike program 1 night/week, either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights. Please only register your child for one night per week.

Program group sizes will be approximately 6-8 kids per group.

Programs for children 6-10 yrs:

• Will focus on developing the essential mountain bike skills.
• Kids will receive a great deal of instruction on how to ride mountain bikes during the program regardless of age.

Pre-requisite – children should come into the program with basic riding skills and feeling comfortable riding up and down trails with rough and uneven terrain and be able to ride for at least 15 minutes without stopping.

Programs for children 11 -17 yrs:

• Will involve more advanced skills but will also involve much more continuous riding.
• Riders in this group will also be exposed to different styles of riding and racing.

Pre-requisite -Participants in this group should be able to ride over rough terrain and be able to ride for at least 30 minutes without stopping

Assessment Week & Group Placement

The first week of the program will be used to assess each child’s skill, fitness and ability. It is very important that all participants attend their first session to ensure that they get placed into the correct group.

Children will be placed into groups with other riders of similar abilities, regardless of age.

Example: it is possible for your 9 or 10-year-old child to be moved into the older age categories based on their skills and fitness.

Parent’s Role

We need all the help of parents to make this program happen.

• Parent volunteers on bikes will assist coaches while on the trails. As there are many different levels of bikers, we need every rider to be accounted for and stay safe on the trails.
• Ensure your children arrive on time and are picked up at the end of sessions on time.
• Ensure that all necessary equipment comes with the rider & all equipment is in working order. No helmet, no ride, no exception.

Spring sessions – 6 weeks

• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evening groups
• 6:30pm to 8:00pm
• May 14 – June 20
• Max 6 riders per group
• Riders only ride one night per week

Fall sessions – 6 weeks

• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evening groups
• 6 pm to 7:30pm
• Sept. 3 – Oct. 10
• Max 6 riders per group
• Riders only ride one night per week

Equipment Requirements

• A functioning and well-maintained mountain bike with hand brakes
• properly fitting helmet is mandatory
• bike gloves
• eye protection
• water and snacks

Do a pre-ride safety check

Mountain Bike Safety Ground Rules

First Aid

• Each coach will carry a first aid kit with basic supplies and bear spray
• Each coach will create an emergency response plan to react to first aid situations.

Lead & Sweep Riders

The lead rider should be a parent volunteer coach or volunteer junior coach.

• • Must stop at all trail junctions to regroup.
  • Don’t proceed until the tail gunner rider has gotten to the junction.
  • This is very important to ensure that no riders get lost.
  • When leading a group call out i.e. “Day O”around corners and blind spots to ensure that other trail users and animals are aware of your approach.
  • Know who is in your group and how many kids – do regular head counts.
  • Kids must not take short cuts and must stay with the group. No Exceptions.
  • Always have an adult riding sweep

Pre and Post Ride

• Don’t ride on roads without a coach.
• Stay well away from parked and moving cars.
• Ride the stunts in a clockwise direction only.
• Stay within site of the meeting place.

Injury & Illness

• If you hurt yourself or don’t feel well tell your coach or an adult.
• Drink water when you get a chance.

Trail Etiquette

• Be aware of other cyclists and stay out of each other’s way
• Don’t block trails – don’t stop in blind spots, at bottom of hills, at the peak of a climb
• Never leave bikes laying on the trail
• Best place to stop is just past the top of a climb allowing enough room for other riders to group behind you
• Always yield to horses and pedestrians- slow right down or pull over and stop
• Be polite and respectful to other trail users
• Leave plenty of space between you and the rider in front of you – at least 4 or 5 seconds gap
• Only pass when there is room and it is safe to do so.
• When approaching hikers and bikers from behind notify the riders – “passing on the left” (or right)
• When meeting riders ‘head on’ both riders should slow down and move to the right to allow space to pass. If not enough space then be prepared to stop and pull off of the trail and yield to the other rider
• Yield to riders going uphill. It is easy to remount your bike when descending as opposed to when you are climbing

Leave No Trace

• Stay on trails- don’t cut corners
• Don’t skid
• Don’t ride when it’s too muddy
• Don’t litter
• Don’t frighten or endanger wildlife
• Watch for Wildlife

Be Good to Your Bike

• Keep your bike clean
• lubricate chain every few rides
• Never lay your bike down on the drive train side
• Leave other rider’s bikes alone

Enjoy the Ride

• This is not a race.
• There are all levels of riders – Don’t be discouraged if you can’t keep up with everybody
• Challenge yourself – be confident and try things even if they are hard and scary
• You will be amazed at what you are capable of
• Team work – Be supportive and encouraging of other riders “good job” “you can do it”
• Ask questions
• Have fun and try hard