The Program: The Freewheelers Youth Mountain Bike Program is a seven week skills development program with a choice of a cross-country or downhill focus. This program provides a safe and fun atmosphere that will instill confidence in these young riders and incorporate the importance of trail stewardship. The program is instructed by over 50 volunteer coaches and many of our coaches have completed Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association training. 

 

The seven week Cross Country program is open to children aged 5-15 for kids who wish to develop and master essential mountain bike skills. Riders MUST be able to ride a two-wheel bike independently on dirt trails. After an initial evaluation session Coaches will organize kids into small groups based on a combination of age and ability.  The program is based at the Kimberley Nordic Centre, but other locations such as the Nature Park, Lois Creek and Mark Creek are often used. The program runs on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 from May 16-June 27th. 

 

The seven week Freeride program is based at the Bootleg Mountain Recreation Site on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30pm from May 18- June 29th and offered to youth aged 9-15 and develops more free ride skills and techniques at Bootleg Recreation Site. A full face helmet, knee pads and gloves are mandatory, and body armour is highly recommended for all groups. There are 4 programs offered: beginner, intermediate, expert and advanced/race. Basic MTB competency is required, and a full suspension bike and ability to ride all black trails at Bootleg are a pre-requisite for the advanced group. Coaches will do their best to place riders in the appropriate group based on a combination of age and ability and group composition may change over the program. PARENTS ARE EXPECTED to help deliver the downhill program by providing a shuttle truck and driving  shuttle service or other on-site support for AT LEAST TWO SESSIONS and for liability reasons are also required to be club members.  

 

All youth program participants must complete the annual membership registration (free for youth, coaches and volunteer parents). The Kimberley Trails society has made the purchase of a Trails Pass ($40) mandatory for all participants as well, you will see this additional charge at checkout. You can have this fee refunded by participating in one of the trail build nights that KTS will organize through the year.

 

In addition to the satisfaction of seeing young riders improve over the seven week program, volunteer coaches get some sweet swag and priority registration for their own children into the program. Please contact us if your family is interested in the program but the financial commitment is a challenge, we may be able to offer some support. For more information about any aspect of the program and/or to volunteer for coaching please contact us with any questions at freeewheelerscoach@gmail.com. 

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All riders registered in the Youth Program get a KF jersey.  If you would like one for your child you can purchase below from any new stock that we receive.