Kids and Youth Mountain Bike Coaching

We are excited to support the next generation of mountain bikers through our young rippers club evening sessions.

Little shredders looking for that next level up? Parents, unsure how to support your little one progress on their mountain bike?

ALine has you covered.

The ALine evening sessions are designed to take your little one through a series of evening sessions that help them advance, develop and grow in confidence as a rider with other like minded MTB crazy kids. We do this through proven and structured methodologies and by creating a social and physical environment for the little rippers to thrive.

Is this course for your young rider?

Firstly, it is worth noting this is not a ‘learn to ride’ course. Attendees are required to be able to ride and negotiate their way down red grade trail (not including doubles or drops), including descending, and riding back up to the top again (note: this is of course within reason and appropriately paced). Riders need knowledge of how to use brakes, gears, a dropper seat-post if fitted, and be able to descend a trail whilst in a stood up position on the bike (i.e., not sat down riding).

Parents are not supposed to accompany the rider, however you are encouraged to stay local, perhaps go for a ride yourself, or enjoy some food at a local delicatessen. If you or your little one is nervous, please get in touch and we can discuss your or their fears and how we can mitigate these. Please feel assured, no rider will be asked, nor put in a position where they feel pressured into any mountain bike feature they are not comfortable with. A fundamental philosophy at ALine is that we learn best through positive experiences, and so this will continually drive session aims and plans. ALine has 10+ years of designing appropriate mountain bike coaching sessions, and we pride ourselves on getting this balance, just right.

Age range: This is difficult to say as kids grow at such different rates, however 8-14 is a guide. Essentially, your little shredder needs to be able to comfortably fit and control a 24” wheeled mountain bike or above. If you’re unsure, please reach out and we will be happy to discuss.

What to expect from the club?

• This is a mountain bike descend/skill focused club - please bare this in mind as this is not an XC or fitness focused club

• Solidifying mountain biking fundamentals / body positioning / car park skills / cornering / creating flow / managing jumps (table tops) are the main topics covered

All riders will need to be self-sufficient for each coached session. This includes:

• be comfortable to be with the group for 1hour through the session

• wearing appropriate clothing

• have appropriate protective equipment, including a helmet, knee pads and gloves as a minimum. All additional protective gear is highly recommended but not essential.

A backpack (or a way of transporting listed items themselves) that includes:

• snacks and hydration

• a basic bike repair tool (e.g., multi-tool)

• bike specific spares such as inner tube and/or puncture repair kit and a pump

Pre-requisites

• Can ride red grade terrain, not including the main features. For example, can safely get down the tracks at Grenoside, Parkwood, or Lady Cannings without hitting any of the jumps, but wants to progress on their mountain bike

• Be willing to learn in a group environment, up to 8 riders.

YOUr little riders WILL NEED

• A fully functioning bike fit for purpose, including brakes and gears - all in good working order.

• Appropriate safety gear including a helmet, knee pads and gloves.

Details

Meeting location - Sheffield locations including Grenoside woods and Parkwood Springs

Session time - 5.45pm - 7pm

Course Dates - Tuesday evenings: 29th April, May 6th, 13th, & 20th

Cost - £44.00 for all 4 sessions (i.e., £11 per session)

For cancelations, a minimum of two weeks is needed for a full refund*. If you cancel within this time, the booking may be transferable to another ALine product or get a full refund* ONLY if the place can be filled by another rider, otherwise we will will not be able to offer any refund. Any queries, please contact ALine. Cancelations made once the first session has been run will not be able to be refunded.

Note: * all course refunds are subject to a small admin fee of £2.

Book NOW

Who is running the course?

James and Joe are new to ALine but not new to supporting Sheffield’s youth progress on a bike. They have volunteered at the Hillsborough Pump Track for a few years, supporting those not lucky enough to have their own bikes access the free equipment and use of the track.

They are both very approachable and have a wealth of knowledge the young riders will be able to soak up. They are both British Cycling trained and have shadowed ALine extensively to ensure that everyone they coach gets an authentic ALine experience, however with their own twist.