Trail Kids Beginner Mountain Bike Clinics

The Beginner Mountain Bike Clinics are part of the Loppet Foundation’s Trail Kids year-round programming. 

These clinics are designed for youth who have no experience riding single track trails. If you are new to the Trail Kids program, these clinics are highly suggested before taking one of the six-week evening sessions. Mountain bike clinics will be held primarily on open grassy areas with some single track riding at the end of each session. During clinic practices, participants will be coached by trained Loppet Trail Kids coaches on a variety of mountain bike skills, so they can become safe and confident riders. Fundamental Skills include:

• Ready/neutral position for descending hills
• Side/Side bike body separation
• Pedaling/shifting efficiently
• Controlling speed and braking safely
• Cornering confidently
• Handling obstacles and rocky terrain
• Riding with vision
• Ratcheting

Participants will be tested at the end of the session on different bike skills and will be able to move up in levels if they progress through additional tests throughout the season. For a full description of our mountain bike skill level progression, view the Trail Kids MTB Skill Level Guide.

Equipment/Bike Rental

Equipment Needed: All participants will need their own mountain bike, helmet, and water carrier. Bikes need to have both front and back wheel brakes on the handle bars (no peddle brakes or kickstands allowed). Tires must have tread and be wide enough to ride safely on mountain bike trails. For more on mountain bike equipment, view the Trail Kids MTB Equipment Guide.

Loppet Bike Rentals: Trail Kids has a limited mountain bike rental fleet for those who do not have one for an additional fee of $30. If you need to rent a bike, make sure to select this add-on when you register (as supplies last).