Boulder - After School - Riding Adventure - 6 Wednesdays

Level: Intermediate/ Proficient → this is mainly offsite riding
Age: 8-13 years
Capacity: 10 children
Time: 4 pm to 6 pm
Dates: Sept. 7th, Sept. 14th, Sept. 21th, Sept. 28th, Oct. 5th, Oct. 12th
Location: ONLY on Sept. 7th: Cornerstone Church in South Boulder. We will share the meeting locations for the rest of the events after the first session, so we can tailor the rides to the level of the group.

Do you know how to ride a bike and want to go on some riding adventures? Let’s explore trails and learn to overcome the unexpected. There are endless routes to take in this camp, the only thing standing in our way is how far we can go. Riding on paved and unpaved trails, we’ll pick a location, learn how to read maps, navigate traffic on the trails and roadway intersections, change a flat tire, ride to the bike parks, and maybe even get ice cream or get our feet wet in a stream. There are countless surprises along the way and loads of fun.

Description of an Intermediate/ Proficient rider:

Focus: intermediate/proficient riders have fun riding bicycles in a group environment and in a real life setting. In this camp we will ride 7+ miles off site.

 For example:

• situational awareness: where to ride, what to look for, rider in front/behind me, pedestrian protocol, stop signs and traffic lights…
• individualized skills and drills in enclosed parking lot on the first day
• trail etiquette, rider technique, road safety, rider safety, and bicycle safety
• varying terrain: paved vs. dirt roads
• deepening the rider's stamina and positive outlook on riding

We reserve the right to decline your child’s participation in this class if we feel their riding ability will endanger themselves, the group, or will impede planned group activities. If you have any doubts about your child's riding ability, please contact Mike at 720-828-5936 or consider the novice / intermediate riding camp. Based on our experience kids of different ages have different endurance levels and also different needs in terms of skills to develop. Exceptions to these age-specific groupings can be made with instructor approval. 

The first day will be primarily drills in an enclosed parking lot to make sure we can ride as a group. Exercises and drills are then determined individually based on each individual and need within the group environment. Starting the second day of camp, we will ride between 7 to 12+ miles each day in a non-competitive, supportive group ride. That distance is a conservative distance based on our experience trail riding with kidsDepending on the meeting locations (TBD), we will ride and explore various areas and bike-friendly roads (paved/dirt) as we ride to planned destinations. During these rides, safety and situational awareness will be the focus: what to look for, react to and be prepared for. Riding a bicycle safely goes far beyond pedaling and riding on the trail. We cover a lot in this class while also having fun. We will ride through amazing trails, parks, streams, and to fun destinations. They will learn how to change a flat, navigate controlled traffic patterns and more. We are exposed to a variety of situations that require the students to grow as confident riders during the week. 

Intermediate/proficient rider - PREREQUISITES: In order to take part in this riding class, every student must start the week confidently and comfortable able to: 

• Turn/steer – be able to ride in a straight, controlled line or follow a path, 
• Stop – know how to stop, know when to stop, anticipate stopping so not every stop is an emergency stop 
• Control speed – ability to control speed with various terrain changes or within a group. Example: Safely ride downhill able to stop at end if needed
• Have stamina: Class is 3 hours a day, every day and we are active, so stamina/mental fortitude is needed, but we aren't training for the olympics either, we ride, but we also keep it fun. 
• Should be able to stand: If your child is hesitant to join this group, but you feel they are capable, tell them not to stress.