We want to train your kids in the coolest part of the day.  We will do our best to utilize our local, shaded trees.

Yes, we have good reception most places. You will almost certainly be able to view your child's location via GPS. Coaches will often share a GPS track with parents and guardians. 

Absolutely, a proper bike helmet is required at all times when on the bike--no exceptions.  Children without proper safety equipment will not be able to participate.

Yes. The basics of riding a bike are a prerequisite, but mountain bike specific skills are not–that’s why you’re coming to the camp!

Perhaps. We will be taking their skills to the trails to learn a beginner level of age appropriate mountain biking. We will first start in the grass to do some skills and assessments.  Next, we will warm up on the gravel nature paths.  Finally we will hit the trails where skills allow. The kids will be split up into different levels, and we have already chosen three levels of trails/courses.  Exact location will be announced before each day.

We really hope this doesn't happen, but we will make that call as soon as possible, either the night before, or worst case scenario, the day of. We know that you paid for and made plans for your child to be with us daily, so if we have to cancel practice, we will still host your kids at an alternate location, and come with indoor activities like games, puzzles, and cards.  Our instructors all have babysitting experience.

We believe this age group will have a level of listening skills, coordination, and strength to be able to be coached.  NICA teams take students starting in 5th or 6th grade.  Prior to that, it is great if kids have some background and confidence.

We will bring Welch's style fruit snacks, but if your child has allergies or another preference, please send snacks they can enjoy safely.  Also every child should have a very good breakfast.  Pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or grain cereal are great options. 

Please pack one water bottle or camelback style hydration backpack, which we can refill.  Equally important is that your child arrives to camp already well hydrated.  Please have your child drink plenty of water the night before and the morning of.  There is a bathroom at Hamilton Green Belt.  You should also consider electrolytes to help replace critical sodium lost to sweat.  Nuun or LMNT are good brands that are not full of sugar and chemicals.

Safety is our number one priority. If a child gets hurt, we will immediately stop our activity and help the child with whatever first aid is needed.  Scrapes and bumps can be common in learning how to mountain bike, but for anything more serious, we will call the guardians and any other help needed.

We will use redirection, natural consequences, or behavior modification. For example, the child may not get a turn to choose a path or lead the group. If the misbehavior becomes too difficult to manage, unsafe, or affects the rest of the camp, then we will call the guardian.

A mountain bike with knobby tires at least 24” in diameter. A “full suspension” or rear shock is not required or even recommended as they are unnecessary weight. At this age, the lighter the bike, the more success they will have. Proper tire pressure.  

We will do our best to help them address it, but it’s possible you may have to visit a bike shop before the next camp day (they can usually address this while you wait). If you have an extra inner tube that fits your bike size, pls send with the child and we’ll use if needed.

This is our goal!  If there is enough interest to continue training with us, we will create a program starting in the fall

Absolutely not.  For safety reasons there will be NO jumping allowed.

Safety, terminology, trail etiquette, respect for nature, riding skills, confidence, and hopefully a love of the sport.