Wildhorse Youth Mountain Bike Program
A 6-week MTB course for kids aged 6-11 in Cranbrook, BC
The Wildhorse Youth MTB Program is a six-week course to develop foundational mountain bike skills while riding the incredible green and blue trails around Cranbrook. The course places an emphasis on safety and fun while highlighting the importance of trail stewardship. Over 20 volunteer coaches, many certified by the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association, lead the program.
Ensuring that your child is placed in the right group is crucial for their confidence and enjoyment. Use the Rider Skill Categories described below on this page to help us place your child in the appropriate group.
2024 Youth MTB/XC Progam (Ages 6 - 11)
Duration: 6 Weeks (Sept. 10 - October 15th)
Time: Tuesday evenings 4:30 - 5:45 PM
Cost: $125 per registrant
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Location: Primarily Isadore Canyon Trailhead, with other locations occasionally used for starting (TBA)
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Prerequisites: Participants must be able to ride a two-wheel bike with hand brakes on dirt trails. Birthday must be within 2013 - 2018
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All riders will be required to undergo a bike & helmet safety check. Details will be emailed to participants before the season starts.
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All riders registered in the Youth Program will receive a Wildhorse jersey (Sizing Details Below)
Registration Details
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All participants require a Mandatory 2024 Wildhorse Membership & Signed Waiver. Click here to Become a Member.
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For help or questions about memberships, you can contact membership@bikewildhorse.ca
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If registration is sold out, please join the WAIT LIST.
Refunds & Support
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There will be no refunds after registration. Exceptions may be possible for extenuating circumstances, please contact program director.
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Financial support may be available for families facing challenges with the program's financial commitment. Please contact program director for inquiries.
Jersey Size Selection
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At registration, participants will choose their jersey size from Men's, Women's, or Youth options, with size charts provided for guidance. Visit this link for fit/sizing guide
For further inquiries or to volunteer as a coach, please email: wildhorseyouthmtbclub@gmail.com
Rider Skill Categories
1
Beginner
At this level, bikers will learn basic mountain biking skills to feel at ease on beginner trails with small obstacles like roots and rocks. Riders should be able to ride without training wheels and feel confident on dirt terrain using a bike with gears. Prior experience riding Padawan is highly recommended. Kids should be able to ride steadily for 10 minutes and spend 1 hour 15 minutes biking outdoors.
2
Novice
At this level, bikers will build on basic skills for better bike control. Trails vary from easy to moderate difficulty, featuring narrow paths, moderate to steep slopes, and unavoidable obstacles like rocks and roots. Riders should be confident shifting gears, switching from sitting to standing on different terrain, navigating corners at a moderate speed, and using brakes effectively. Riders must be able to ride Elephant Run comfortably and at a moderate pace for at least 15 minutes without stopping.
3
Intermediate
Riders here love a challenge and aren’t afraid of roots and rocks. The trails will consist of mainly blue terrain, with narrow paths, rocks, roots, and rollovers. Riders will improve basic skills to increase control, speed, and confidence on tough terrain. They should have prior mountain biking experience, be confident taking corners at a moderate speed, use their breaks, and distribute their weight. Riders must be comfortable riding Ewok and Roll at a moderate to hard pace for at least 20 minutes without stopping.
Thank you to our program sponsors!
