A basic level of fitness is required
Age range 12 - 15
↓ Course summary
Course aims:
To provide an opportunity to get to know more about mountain biking and mountain bikes
To introduce you to a range of personal mountain biking skills
To develop an awareness of safe riding and reading the trails
To provide pointers for future skill development
Skills covered:
Bike set up
Bike checks
Kit and equipment
braking, and cornering
Low speed control
Balance
Riding off road trails
↓ Who is the course for?
This Youth First Step Mountain Biking Skills course provides a basic introduction to recreational mountain biking. You may have a bike, but are keen to get a sound introduction to the skills required to ride safely or have considered getting a mountain bike and would like to see what it is all about! This one day taster is an ideal opportunity to venture out mountain biking for the first day. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be a confident cyclist.
If you still aren’t sure what to expect, then check out our video clip which shows a group of our trainees with little to no experience progressing throughout the day. You’re definitely guaranteed a great day out!
↓ What equipment do I need to bring?
Hardtail mountain bikes, helmets, back packs and gloves may be borrowed from our extensive stores. We advise you not to rush out and buy kit for the course, but use it as a chance to find out what would best suit your needs. You are encouraged to bring your own mountain bike and personal kit. You should bring the following:
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Day rucksack
Small first aid kit
Warm cycle wear (fleece and thermals are ideal) and spares
Water bottle and / or flask
Notebook and pen
Personal medication and toiletries
Headtorch, plus spare battery
If you have items such as a bike repair kit, pump and basic tool kit, please bring them along.
↓ What does my course fee include?
Our catering is first class, noted both for the quality and quantity of the food that we provide. Your course is catered, so you will be provided with a packed lunch for the day. You may however wish to bring your own personal snack food for use during the course. You can fill a flask with tea or coffee at the Centre if required.
Your course is a one day course, so accommodation is not provided. However, we do have changing rooms, showers and lockers available for your use.
Current situation
As you are probably aware the current advice from the Northern Ireland Executive, Health Promotion Agency NI and Health & Safety Executive NI, as well as our expert group within Sport NI is that we cannot deliver any face to face courses for our customers including use of the Hot Rock Climbing Wall.
We know that you and many others like minded folk are very keen to get back on track with your plans to attend and complete a range of personal skills training and qualifications in a range of disciplines.
Believe us when we say we are equally keen to get outside with you and help you reach your goals and complete that journey.
How do we know? Because every day we get emails and phone calls asking when will courses resume and with every NI Executive mention of easing of restrictions the emails and phone calls are more frequent……