Fall Youth
MTB Programs
2024
Our after-school mountain bike program empowers youth through a deliberate curriculum progression which teaches bike skills and life skills. Students build confidence to overcome obstacles on and off the trail and acquire skills to grow into the best version of themselves as riders and humans. We strive to cultivate strong relationships and meaningful connections to nature. Plus, we have a lot of fun!
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM : Sept 9th - October 14th (Weekly)
Sessions are open to Kinders through 8th graders and are held from 5 - 7 pm Monday - Thursday evenings, and all day on Fridays. Students meet weekly at the main Lunch Loop Trailhead for each session.
RIDE OF PASSAGE : October 10th - 13th, 2024
A physically demanding, multi-day camp on the Kokopelli Trail designed to challenge teens as we explore what it means to pass through adolescence into adulthood. We will learn about rites of passage in different cultures, create our own along the trail, and return with a better understanding of our capabilities and who we are.
This is a supported trip. Teens will carry a daypack and ride sections of the Kokopelli Trail with instructors each day, while other instructors will transport all group and personal gear via vehicle to the designated camping spot and set up camp so it is ready when the riding group arrives.
Each day will consist of 15-25 miles of intermediate - advanced riding. Teens will challenge themselves and encounter many opportunities on and off the trail to develop perseverance, resilience, and camaraderie.
General Itinerary :
*Note, the following itinerary is a general overview and subject to modification. Daily activities and ride distances might vary based on weather conditions, group fitness/ability level, or other considerations.
Thursday :
Drop off at 8 am at the Main Kokopelli trailhead in Loma, Colorado.
Ride : From Mary's to Rabbit Valley Road (Approximately 15 miles)
Camp : Rabbit Valley
Friday :
Ride : From Westwater Road to Hwy 128 crossing
Camp : Dewey Bridge
Saturday :
Ride : Top of the World - Hideout Canyon
Camp : Polar Mesa
Sunday :
Ride : Whole Enchilada
Drive back to Colorado. Pick up exhausted teens from Kokopelli Trailhead around 5:30ish
Camp begins and ends in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Detailed itinerary and packing list will be sent to registered students.
Pre-trip meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 1st from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Open to students 14 - 17 years of age. Minimum of 4 students needed to run program.
Riders of all ability levels, who have a desire to build skills, confidence, community, and connection to nature are welcome!
New riders to the sport have very little experience riding mountain bikes on off-road trails.
Beginner riders are eager to learn all mountain bike skills fundamentals and focus on developing confidence on the bike.
Intermediate riders should be proficient in using both front and rear brake, shifting efficiently, and descending out of the saddle with parallel pedals.
Advanced riders should be comfortable using front and rear brakes, descending out of the saddle with level pedals, and be able to comfortably/confidently navigate intermediate single track with some fitness.
*A minimum of 4 riders required to fulfill groups. Group size is limited to 8 riders.
Each child is responsible for their own equipment, including a correctly sized mountain bike in good working order and properly fitting helmet.
What to Bring
A properly functioning mountain bike. This is critical! Stop into a bike shop before your lesson to make sure that everything is properly adjusted and working.
A good-fitting helmet with a safety rating certified for mountain biking. The helmet should be free of any dents, cracks, or defects. It is recommended that helmets are replaced every 2 years.
Close toed athletic shoes or mountain-bike specific shoes.
A pack containing the following items:
Clothing appropriate for the weather : warm layers, rain jacket, light breathable clothing,
Water,
Snacks,
Bike gloves,
Sunglasses,
Sunscreen,
A tube that fits your tire, tire levers, and a mini pump. A quick-link that fits your chain is also a good idea.
Excitement to learn!