Youth Bike Clubs
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Our Bike Clubs ride weekly in the spring and fall. Each session typically meets one afternoon per week for 6-8 weeks. Rides are 1.5-2 hours in length. There is a Ride Leader and Sweep for every group of 6-8 kids.
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Elementary & Middle School After School Bike Clubs continue to be overwhelmingly popular and fill up almost instantly once registration opens. In 2023, over 300 kids were out on the trails weekly during spring and fall.
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Our Flying Squirrels program served 82 girls and Vamos Outdoors Project saw 208 Latiné students at the waterfront pumptrack and on Galbraith.
Scholarships are available upon request and, when possible, bikes may be loaned out to those in need.
PREREQUISITES TO RIDE WITH US
After School Bike Clubs are for beginners through advanced mountain bike riders!
Each bike club is unique and has different criteria. Participants must:
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Be confident riding a bike on easy trails, shifting gears and braking.
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Have a Mountain Bike with functional front and rear brakes and multiple gears.
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Wear a helmet (No Exceptions)
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Be dropped off by an adult at trails with bikes and gear
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ITINERARY
We will depart our meeting location and ride for about 1.5-2.5 hours with breaks for snacks and water. Participants will ride trails suitable for the stamina & skill level of the group.
Looking for a Scholarship? Have a bike to donate?
Contact youth@wmbcmtb.org
BEFORE YOU RIDE
ALL PARTICIPANTS NEED
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Mountain Bike with functional front and rear brakes and multiple gears.
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Please have your child’s bike checked out by a qualified bike mechanic at one of our great bike shops in town. Have them check the brakes, drivetrain, tires, headset, shocks (if applicable) and overall condition of the bike. Bike shops offer this service at no charge.
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Helmet in good shape (No Exceptions) * Remember, if your helmet has been impacted by a crash while riding, replace it asap.
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Snack - please make sure your child brings a nourishing snack, possibly two if they tend to be hungry after school and while exercising
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Hydration pack with water or bike bottle that fits on bike cage (non glass)
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Depending on CDC guidelines: Mask that covers nose and mouth, fits well and is suited for activity.
CLOTHING & NECESSARY ITEMS
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Good, stiff soled shoes - no sandals, boots, or crocs!
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Rain jacket
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Warm (thermal/not cotton) undershirt, and one other non cotton warmer layer.
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Parents: Kids can get cold and possibly wet. Having warm and dry clothes and appropriate layers will help them enjoy and appreciate being out in the elements. Please prepare your child with what they will need to enjoy themselves in any kind of weather. You know your kid best! Please check the weather forecast ahead of time and help them gather what they need for success.
OTHER HELPFUL ITEMS (NOT REQUIRED)
Bike gloves, Galbraith Trails Map, bike pump, patch kit, spare tube (that is the right size for their wheel) tire levers, Allen wrenches/multi tool, knee and elbow pads, protective eyewear.
OTHER DETAILS
WMBC After School Bike Clubs welcome kids of all abilities! We do our best to provide peer groups of similar skill level. Instruction will be limited to the basics - braking, shifting, ready (attack) position, standing "level pedals", etc.
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Biking and being outdoors are good for physical and mental health! Don't see a club for your youth? Consider forming a new club! Connect with us at youth@wmbcmtb.org for more info.
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Have a bike to donate? Help us get bikes to kids in need!
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We have a private Facebook group for parents/guardians with youth programming dates and way to connect with others in the community.
