Shifting Gears in Partnership with Endurance United - Youth MTB

Introducing youth ages pre K to 12th grade to the fun of the outdoors and trails for a lifetime! Shifting Gears and Endurance United share a common vision in promoting outdoor fun and enjoyment for all riders by building confidence, resilience, and character who are connected to an outdoor community. All riders are welcome realizing for some kids that might be preparing to compete in a race and for others it might be a leisurely ride with the family. Teaching kids perseverance and resilience through setting goals and doing hard things!

Season 1:
April 23rd-JUNE 13th (8 weeks)

Tuesdays: Mini Cogs, Gear 1 and Gear 2

Thursdays: Gear 3 and Gear 4

Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Cost: $150-$200

Season 2:
August 19th-October 9th (8 weeks)

Mondays: Gear 1 and Gear 2

Wednesdays: Gear 3 and Gear 4

Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Cost: $150-$200

Registration for New Riders Opens Saturday Feb 10

Where: While the event lists Carver Lake Park as our location, we ride several other area trail systems. We frequently ride Carver Lake Park, Lebanon Hills, Sunfish Lake Park, Kinnickinnic State Park, Salem Hills, Battle Creek, Lake Elmo, and Willow River.

Gear 1: Beginner Mountain Biker. This grouping is for kids who have little to no trail riding experience, are usually in grades Pre-K-3, can perform some basic bike skills. Goals of this level are basic skill building, trail awareness, trail etiquette, trail turns, and boatloads of fun! Adult Rider require

Gear 2:Beginner+ Mountain Biker. Kids with have at least 2 years of trail riding experience, are usually in grades 2-5, can perform basic bike skills like braking, shifting, controlled stops, riding out of the saddle, uphill climbs, etc. Goals of this level are mastering uphill/downhill stance, quick turns, riding more challenging terrain, etc. Youth riders in this group should be able to ride 2+ miles of single-track trail in one outing. Adult Rider encouraged but not required.

Gear 3: Intermediate Mountain Biker. Kids with 2-3 years of trail riding experience, are usually in grades 4-8th, can perform advanced bike skills like bunny hops, rock garden and elevated platform riding, etc. This level will understand most riding and some bike park terminology. This grouping can typically ride most of the trails at the various tracks that we will go to throughout the season. The goals of this group is to continue to build upon their established riding foundation, gain confidence through longer distance riding, and work on more advanced skills. Youth rider in this group should be able to ride 5+ miles of single track in one outing. Adult Rider encouraged but not required.

Gear 4: Advanced Mountain Biker. Kids with 3-4 years of trail riding experience, are usually in grades 4-12th, and have graduated all three prior levels of Shifting Gears. Skills we will be learning in this gear will be front wheel lifts, back wheel lifts, drops, riding off and lifting off feature drops, and steep uphill climbing. Youth Riders in this group should be able to ride 7+ miles of single track in one outing. No adult rider needed.