Mountain Bike Skills Workshop – October School Holidays

This course has been cancelled due to unexpected leave taken by our trainer. We apologise for the inconvenience and will refund participants in due course.

Ready to hit the trails? This fun, hands-on course will help your kids (and you) develop the skills and confidence to ride off-road safely. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to enjoy Canberra’s beautiful spring riding season on green-level mountain bike trails. 🚵‍♀️🌿

Course Dates & Times

This program runs over four sessions during the September–October school holidays:

• Tuesday 30 September 2025

• Thursday 2 October 2025

• Tuesday 6 October 2025

• Thursday 9 October 2025

Choose one of two session times when booking:

• Session 1: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

• Session 2: 2:45pm – 4:15pm

Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for sign-in, bike checks, and briefing.

Who Can Join?

• Ages 8+

• Parents are welcome to participate alongside their children (must have their own ticket, bike, and required gear)

• Riders must already be able to confidently ride a bike for at least 2km on hard surfaces or bike paths

What You’ll Learn

Over four progressive sessions, you’ll build core mountain biking skills in a supportive, small-group environment.

Bike Safety & Readiness

• Conducting pre-ride safety checks

• Understanding bike setup for different terrain

Foundation MTB Skills

• Stability & balance: body position for flat, climbing, and descending

• Controls: smooth braking, gear shifting, and maintaining cadence

• Terrain awareness: choosing the best line, spotting features, and reading the trail ahead

• Direction control: maintaining line, obstacle avoidance, and cornering at low and higher speeds

Trail Maneuvers

• Front and rear wheel lifts

• Hopping and pedal lifts

• Roll-downs over small obstacles

Location

We’ll be riding on the Centenary Trail’s single tracks and fire roads between Forde and Hall.

Meeting point: Centenary Trail Entrance, Harry Seidler Crescent, Taylor (between Alistair Knox Terrace & Berry Mann View)
Parking: Free on-street and off-street parking available on Harry Seidler Crescent
Facilities: No toilets or water onsite – please bring everything you need

What You’ll Need

• A serviceable mountain bike suitable for green-level trails:

  • Working front & rear brakes (no pedal brakes)

  • Gears (no single speeds)

  • Cross-country tyres (no road tyres)

  • Ideally, front suspension

  • If your bike doesn’t meet these requirements, you may be able to borrow one from our Bike Library (subject to availability)

• An ASNZ-approved helmet

• Gloves and closed footwear

• A filled water bottle (that can be carried on your bike)

• Sun protection (hat/sunglasses, sunscreen applied before the session)

• Snacks for the break (optional but recommended)

• Lightweight rain jacket if wet weather is expected

Pre-Course Equipment Check

All bikes, helmets, and footwear must be inspected and approved before the course begins.

• Where: Bike Library, 100 Sutherland Crescent, Taylor

• If you cannot attend beforehand, let us know so our trainer can meet you early on day one. Please note: If your equipment doesn’t meet safety standards, you will not be able to ride, which may result in missing the first session.

Your Instructor

Tony “Tone” Watson is a certified Mountain Bike Instructor with AusCycle and the International Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association (PMBIA). With over 30 years of training experience, Tony has raced cross-country and gravity enduro events across Australia, representing the Australian Defence Force Cycling Team.

Tony is also a qualified personal trainer, has studied Sports Science, and holds a Working with Vulnerable People Card in the ACT. He has extensive experience coaching children and adults, including those with autism and ADHD. A Gungahlin local, Tony knows the Centenary Trail like the back of his hand and can’t wait to share it with you.

🌟 Spots are limited – secure your place today and get ready for an unforgettable school holiday adventure!  

💛 Need a little help to join this course?
We believe everyone should have the chance to ride! If cost is a barrier, you may be eligible for a subsidised spot through our Pedal It Forward program.

👉 Apply here: Pedal It Forward Application Form

Pedal It Forward helps Canberrans experiencing financial hardship access our cycling programs – because cycling should be for everyone!