Archive for year: 2018

Happy Father’s Day to all of the mountain biking dads who are helping their children become a part of the wonderful sport of mountain biking. We have fathers from Hong Kong, Venezuela, Italy and Canada sharing some words and pictures. Be sure to follow these dads and their families on Instagram so you can keep up with the progression of these young riders. Many thanks to Steve “Chewy Gould, Marcos Guarapo, Lucio Stefani, and Jason Teetaert for participating.

Steve “Chewy” Gould, Hong Kong

Instagram: @trailripperslord_chewington_and_985_others | Website: Rider Learning

My name is Chewy and I’m a rider, racer, bike coach – and now a dad. I have spent a lot of time and effort prior to the birth of my Daughter CC, forging a lifestyle that enables me the maximum possible amount of time with my kid.

My business is to teach 2 to 5 year old children how to ride balance bikes. I do this this on weekends when my lovely wife Carmen is off work.

As a biking “lifer” I grew up with BMX, motocross and raced mountain bikes for the past 10 years – so it just felt right to share my passion with my little students and now my Daughter.

She is now 11 months old and I have had her on the bike since I noticed she could hold onto the handlebars at 7 months. I have an unlimited amount of energy (and seemingly lower back muscles of steel) for wheeling my daughter about on her Strider. I rarely carry her, seizing almost every opportunity to take her for a quick spin, if even only from the house to the car, we do it on two wheels. I often wheel her through the busy Hong Kong shopping malls and my favorite is peoples faces when they see my Daughter on her bike. At less than 1 year old, she is so tiny, people think it’s some kind of trick.

My goal as a bike dad/coach is for my daughter to have as much fun as I do with two wheels and hopefully travel the world meeting other like minded two wheelers.

Happy Father’s Day. Ride on.

Marcos Guarapo, Venezuela

Instagram: @el_shot

Being a mountain bike dad of two, Karina (4) and Marcos (8) – it’s the coolest thing that ever happened to me. It’s the ride of my life and I’m enjoying it every single day.

Our week goes between job, school, to-do lists, schedules, and all “Real life” that happens from Monday to Friday; but, when the weekend comes, we run as fast as we can to nature.

Share that passion for mountain biking with my loved ones is something a really enjoy. That precious moment when they left my hand for the first time by themselves, riding with nothing but the confidence that I made them feel, gave us that feeling of success and proud. Now they become savvy about themselves and their environment, more confident and brave. They developed that sense of facing a challenge instead of going chicken line, something that goes beyond the trails into their lives. These are the skills that will be with them for a lifetime.

Bring my family to amazing times together, ride in places they love and see their happy faces enjoying dad’s bbq on a bike park, are the things that I wanted from the moment I became a rider and now I have it. I’m planning to lead my pack to the trails as long as I can, because being an MTB family is not a destination, is a journey. I’m a Mountain bike dad and sincerely wish to my fellow bike dads around the world a Happy Father’s Day.

Lucio Stefani, Italy

Instagram: @Armin_Bike | YouTube: Lucio Stefani

Hello! We are Lucio and Armando. We’re a mountain biking father and son from the beautiful valley of Trentino, Italy at the foot of the Dolomites. Primiero. The father many years ago, began to ride in mtb to feel good about himself and live together with nature. When Armando was born, one of the first presents was a bike without pedals.

Now Armando at 8 years old. Together we started cycling between the trails of the Dolomites and we do not stop any more, every occasion is pleasant to ride in mtb, whether it’s a walk, a workout, or a cross country race. So much joy, a lot of happiness that we share on a daily basis on two wheels even with the mother who cycles with us.

Jason Teetaert, Canada

Instagram: @jasonteetaert

As a family living, working and playing in Vancouver, BC, Canada, how can one not bike? Both of our kids have taken to two wheels since we first introduced them to a run-bike at around age 2. Their first smiles on a bike involved taking the run bike off the beaten path – over roots at campsites or through the puddles during Vancouver’s rainy winter season.

Their passion for the bumps and puddles involved into rolls, drops, and jumps. Now at ages 9 and 12 the two brothers can seen riding with friends or with their dad – on the Northshore, Whistler or in Pemberton. Bike camping trips along the Kettle Valley, riding in Jasper are also already on these kids riding logs. I wish that one could look into the future and see where two wheels might take these kids.

As a father – we make choices in what we do with our kids. Some Dad’s will watch the ball game or play catch in the backyard with their children. Our backyard just happens to have some of best mountains in them – so we ride them! I grew up on the prairies, some of the flattest land of Canada and took up mountain biking around the same time as the kids. As they have grown, so have their skills. I have also had to learn how to keep up on the steeper, rocky, drops, and jumps. They go off to bike camp every summer for skills development, and I am quick to get them to teach me the new skills they have acquired… out of necessity to keep up.

Tyson Henrie is a tall, soft-spoken guy who enjoys the best Utah’s outdoors has to offer. During the winter months, he’s on skis coaching at Utah’s Sundance Resort. But as soon as the trails dry out, he’s riding mountain bikes with a group of young girls and boys as the head coach of the Outlaw Bike Team. The Outlaw Bike Team is a kids’ mountain biking team for young riders aged 7 to 18. The name of the game for these groms is gravity-based riding which focuses on the following disciplines of mountain biking: all-mountain, enduro, downhill, dirt jumping and freeride.

Based along the southern end Wasatch Front in the Utah Valley area, the group consists of three separate age/skill levels – MegaShredders, MegaSenders, and the competition team.

By teaching riders the proper techniques for body positioning, braking, and cornering, members of the Outlaw team build a foundation of skills upon which advanced techniques can be applied. Riders on the team who can execute the basics with proficiency are encouraged to increase their skill sets and move on to racing where the trails become technical due to features such as the grade of slope, table and gap jumps, ladders and bridges, rock gardens, and switchback turns.

One thing that makes Outlaw Bike Team notable is the fact that the coaches are experienced, competitive mountain bikers themselves. This provides them with the perspective for guiding the kids. However, sometimes the coaches’ own competitions take a backseat. Tyson says, “With so many kids it’s really hard for me to race. I’m too competitive. So if I can’t give it everything – it’s not worth it for me. It’s tough for me to get my training in with all the kids.”

The Outlaw Bike Team’s Three Different Levels Of Mountain Biking

The Outlaw Bike Team consists of three different levels of riders. The first of them, the MegaShredders, consists of kids aged 7 and up. Kids on this level don’t need to have a full suspension bike, but in order to race, they do need to have a USA Cycling License and a full complement of gear. According to Tyson, “We have multiple, various levels of the team. So for the younger, less experienced kids, it’s not a requirement to compete. If they want to, it’s available.”

The next level up, MegaSenders, is the intermediate group. This team has built upon the mountain biking fundamentals needed in order to move up a level and begin competing. Members of this team (which is also for kids age seven on up) need to adhere to the same regulations and licensing requirements as the MegaShredders. Fall training at this level is available for riders who want to continue to enhance their skills.

As the kids move up through the team levels, the main goal is safety and confidence. Tyson tells us, “Just focusing on those basics have helped them a lot. I’ve noticed the kids are much more comfortable in the air – and they get that part. But for them to ride a technical trail, fast, is a whole different story. That just goes back to the basics of getting them solid in the fundamentals so they can feel comfortable riding anything. My job is to hold them back slightly without letting them know that I’m holding them back so they can slow it down a little bit and be perfect, and then they can add the speed later on.”

Finally, there’s the competition team. This is the team’s highest level. It’s for kids aged nine and up, all of whom must have graduated from MegaShredders and show that they have advanced mountain biking skills. Members of this team need to have a full suspension bike and train often.

Although actual mountain bike training for the competition team lasts from March to November, many of the kids train year round. Outlaw has created an additional training program for them that consists of weight lifting and running. In addition to being a skilled coach in mountain biking and skiing, Tyson also has years of experience with coaching kids in the gym. “The kids can join our training program. They pretty much go year round. We create better athletes that way.”

Developing Friendships Through Teamwork

One of the most important parts of coaching the Outlaw Bike Team’s competition level is the teamwork that develops between the kids. “A lot of them will work really hard to help out their teammates and bring them along. It’s been really cool to see. They have upped their game because they love the sport so much and they enjoy being a part of it. But they’ve also learned that they can do what they previously didn’t think they could do,” said Tyson.

Parent Involvement

Many of the parents of Outlaw Bike Team’s riders are very involved in the sport. Some of them are experienced mountain bikers themselves. “The parents are a huge part of the team. Biking is a great opportunity for the parents to be involved. A lot of times the dads ride with us. Unless I ask them not to! They are extremely supportive. For something like this, with how young the kids are, it’s almost mandatory that they are around or close by. Just in case something happens – you know, if the bike breaks, the kid gets hurt, or something happens – the parents are there to support that,” stated the coach.

Team Sponsorships

Sponsors are what keep the Outlaw Bike Team running. Some of them include Commencal Bikes, Level 9 Sports, 2nd Tracks, Demon United, Leatt neck braces, Fox Suspension, Kenda, and 6D Helmets. Of them, Commencal Bikes is the main sponsor. Coach Tyson tells us, “Recently, five of our athletes – Dylan Flinders, Fred LaRiviere, Finley Kirschenmann, along with Luke and Alex Mallen, were named to Commencal’s Junior Cartel program. That means they get a lot of support from Commencal, and then they gotta show up at races and perform as well. And on top of that, they support the rest of the team with bike maintenance at the big events we go to.”

Future Plans

In the immediate future, all three of Outlaw Bike Team’s levels will be competing in the sport. There are some big plans in place for the Competition team. “We’re hoping to get Dillon [Flinders] to World Junior Champs. Some kids are going to the Pro GRTs and we’re going to Whistler For 3 weeks. Lots of good plans. That’s our ultimate goal – to provide whatever level of coaching and riding is needed for kids in Utah. If they want to go to the World Cup, then hopefully we can provide that base for them to get there,” said Tyson.

Join a NICA Mountain Bike Team – When a friend talked me and two other girls into joining the East High Mountain Bike Team the summer before my seventh grade year, my dad was overjoyed. When my friend and the other girls gave up on the idea, he made me stick with it. The only kid my age on the team, a boy, was a fast biker, so my dad and I ended up riding way behind everyone else at practice. It was lonely, but at least the fast kids couldn’t see me huffing and puffing.  Dad kind of became obsessed with the idea of mountain biking, so every time the family went somewhere, we had to take our bikes with us.

A Part of the Team

I was too shy to take them up on the invitation to ride (there’s no way I could keep up). But now I had someone to look for at the races, and some inspiration for preparing for them. Being part of the East High team helped me meet other kids as well. Even though I still practiced at the back of the pack, the other kids on the Jr. Development team starting noticing me. Saying hi to me in school and giving me high-fives. Which coming from 8^th grade boys is pretty cool for a 7^th grade girl. That first year, there were no other girls on the team to race with. But I did end up seeing my best friend from pre-school at one of the races and got to stage with her. When you join a NICA mountain bike team you’ll meet new people and make friends at your school. 

The East High Mountain Biking Team

NICA has leagues for several states across the country. The East High MTB team was started in 2012 and is part of the Utah High School Cycling League. This group of riders and coaches know how to have a good time. Follow the East High Mountain Biking Team on Instagram to keep up with the antics.

Racing Challenges

Riding is fun, but racing never gets easy. In my second year, when more kids my age joined, I was no longer the slowest. I even kept up with some of the boys. I had been through two races, but I still I got nervous at the beginning of every race. The first race of my second season was in Vernal. I was frightened because I started in the front row of advanced and intermediate girls. It was an early morning start and  when the time came to line up I felt sick to my stomach.

It was the longest five minutes in my life until the horn blew and the race began. In the first 50 feet of the course, a girl cut in front of me and fell off her bike, causing me to brake and fly over my handlebars. I had been warned about slamming my front brakes, but well, you don’t always remember those things in the middle of a race. On the ground, I thought of the moment Kira Crowell went down in her race at Mammoth. So I decided I wanted to finish my race. I wasn’t in much pain, only shock, and luckily no one had run over me. SoI got up and started again. I was hyperventilating because I was so stressed about getting my spot back, so it took a while for me to start going full speed again. I never got back to the front of the line, but I did finish the race, which was the important part.

Jr. Devo to High School Transition

When you move from being a Jr. Devo to a High School racer, your season almost doubles, and so does the fun. This previous season, the coaches put in extra effort to make sure there was a lot of team bonding. Tons more kids joined and it isn’t easy to get to know 35 kids. Instead of just doing practices every couple of days, the coaches organized a lot of adventures as team bonding activities. The first was a cookout/campout. Former team members were invited, and everyone, whether they were experienced riders or not, went for a quick team ride. The uphill was hard, but the downhill was much better because at the end of it, s’mores were waiting for everyone. Some kids even camped out that night.

Adventure and Accomplishment

You might want to join a NICA mountain bike team if you like adventure.  The biggest adventure of the preseason was towards the end of the summer. The coaches were confident the team could take on a big ride and we piled in cars and shuttled up to the famous Crest trail. Crest is a twenty plus mile ride that begins close to 10,000 feet. We were all proud that after training all summer, we made it up Puke Hill without puking (though there were some who had to push our bikes). The first few miles of the ride have a lot of climbing and not much oxygen. But all the miles of downhill, through beautiful alpine country makes it worth it. It’s about the best thing you could do with your summer, and not a bad way to way to start your high school year.

We all support each other

It certainly helps to be confident about a sport. But one of the great things about mountain biking is everyone works at their own pace. We all support each other, whether we’re on the same team or not. At that Vernal race my 8^th grade year, when I was breathing heavy and trying to get my spot back, I was cheered on by one of the senior boys on East. He got up early, for the first race, and was cheering all of us on. This lesson stuck with me.

The first race of this season was nerve-racking, but racing in the morning meant I could get it over with and cheer on everyone else. When we were climbing down the mountain to find a good spot to watch the race at Powder Mountain, four of us found a giant wooden spool. We rolled it to a spot along the course, stood it upright and spent the next 5 hours cheering everyone on through a megaphone one of our teammates had brought. We may have cheered loudest when an East High racer came through, but we made sure to cheer everyone on. I learned that cheering on kids helps the riders a ton. When you join a NICA mountain bike team you’ll be amazed at the support and encouragement you receive. 

Team bonding

You might want to join a NICA mountain bike team for the fun times you get to have with friends.  As important as team friendships are for when you’re racing, the most fun part of being on a team often comes before or after the races. This year, the high school kids traveled to Moab and Cedar City for two races.  These trips were full of hanging out in the hot tub, swimming, and playing ping pong. Of course, we also did some awesome fun rides in red rock country.

We ended the season in Cedar City, the state championships, where we got a team house and spent the weekend together. The first few nights were mellow (we had races, after all), but as the weekend went on, we saw discovered some of our teammate’s true colors. Half the team pulled an all-nighter after the races were done. We made sure not to wake any adults up so we could continue our games. Everybody slept on the way back home, probably dreaming about the fun team bonding the night before.

The best part about being on a mountain biking team is you never have to say “just me” as you pass someone going in the opposite direction. Whether it’s with your parent, other kids, or a coach, you’ve always got someone to help push you up the mountain or yell with joy as you descend.

Interested in how joining a NICA team can affect your life?  Check out our interview with Hannah Finchamp, Pro mountain biker and NICA alumna.

Mountain Biking SkyPark At Santa’s Village – At a 5,700 ft. elevation in southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, you’ll find the revitalized SkyPark At Santa’s Village. Originally opened in 1955, this small renovated winter-themed amusement park features a dozen beautifully crafted mountain biking trails the whole family can enjoy.

Where: 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
When: Open year-round. Check online for exact days and if trails are open due to recent weather conditions
Why: There’s a bike park here among other fun activities.
Who Its’ For: Mountain biking families who want to try something new.
Learn More: www.skyparksantasvillage or call 909.744.9373

During a recent trip to California, our family of four made the 1.25 hour trip from Anaheim to surf the dirt on our mountain bikes at the SkyPark At Santa’s Village. We were also able to experience more of the park’s offerings. The drive up from San Bernardino into the forested mountains was impressive by itself. We ascended over 4,500 feet in the span of just 20 miles on CA 18. Upon arrival you will have to pay your entrance fee(s) and exchange signed liability waivers in return for fabric admission wrist bands. Your daily fee is good for all the park’s activities all day long.

Upon entering the park, you’re immediately transported to the North Pole. Before you lie Santa’s House, St. Nick’s Patio and Grill, as well as the attractions Arrow’s Adventure and Silver Bells Skating Pond (roller skating during warm months). The bike park trails are accessed on the looker’s right of the park after you enter.

Did Someone Say Bike Park!?! Mountain Biking Skypark At Santa’s Village

Off To Neverland

The mountain bike park’s signature trail is an advanced jump line called Neverland. Be sure you and your kids can ride all the features on Sleigh Ride and Arrow before you take this one on. Neverland is accessed from the top of Row Upline and it’s two-thirds of a mile long. Some of the take offs on the table jumps have sculpted lips to give you extra boost; there is a bridge with a small step-up; and an expertly built step-up/step-down whale tail. Get the speed right to make the jump onto the whale tail.

Again, there’s more on this trail to discover when you have the opportunity to experience this bike park in person. All this being said, I’m just an intermediate rider, but by the end of the day, I was able to do a few of the jumps and features that looked too difficult when we first arrived.

Comet

Comet is another advanced trail in the park. It also starts at the top of Row Upline and heads north. Although it does not feature a gnarly rock garden, this trail has the most steep and technical sections in the bike park. There are tight turns, exposed roots and an elevated ladder feature with a tilted 90º turn. Truth-be-told, I walked a few parts of this one. It was plenty tough. The return route takes you past another skills park and Ladybug Pond.

Deck The Halls

We also rode part of the intermediate trail Deck The Halls. This was more of a cross country trail as opposed the to flow trails in the park. After about halfway through, one of my sons and I opted out and connected to the Row Upline trail so we could ride Arrow again.

This mountain biking zone can accommodate riders of all ages and abilities. There is a balance bike trail near the center of the village – bikes and helmets are provided. And, the trails Pipeline Road and Reindeer Return meander along the lower elevations of the bike park. The multi-use trails Pond Road and Fantasy Forest Multi Trail can also accommodate less aggressive mountain bikers.

“The trails were wide enough so you could focus on the features and not just staying on trail like thin singletrack. Almost everything was rollable. The trail designers and builders went out of their way to make the mountain biking trails family-friendly. The pedal up was nice because you could ride side-by-side and still pass or get passed. All the other riders at the park were polite and friendly.” – Mom

You’re Gonna Pedal – And You’re Gonna Like It!

The kids didn’t mind the uphill pedaling at all. Our 11 year-old put in about five laps before heading our to discover the park’s other offerings. Our 14 year old could not get enough of the Neverland trail. When stopping for a quick chat with the bike patroller, I mentioned how much we were enjoying their trails. He told me that they were in the process of building a beginner level mountain bike trail from top-to-bottom with optional advanced features on the sides.

Explore the bike park at your own family’s pace. You’ll have a great time if you do simple out-and-backs on the multi-directional trails or ride all the trails. You’re nestled in a gorgeous forest with dense trees and great dirt. We really lucked out during our visit because it rained quite a bit a couple days before. The ground was tacky, not greasy – and all the man made features were in excellent condition.

SkyPark can also rent mountain bikes at very reasonable rates if you cannot bring your own equipment. They also have a small bike shop on site so minor repairs and maintenance can be taken care of during your visit.

When You Visit SkyPark At Santa’s Village, Plan On Spending The Entire Day

Certainly, you should get to SkyPark At Santa’s Village as early as you can and plan on staying late. Their days of operation vary, so be sure to call ahead to make sure they are open when you plan your trip. That being said, there’s a lot to do. After a few laps in the bike park, our 11 year old was ready to see if the rest of the park could wear him out. Here is a list of other attractions in the park.

Arrow’s Adventure –

Kids and adults can ride pedal cars along a track of varying terrain. One of our kids said, “The cars were easy to pedal because they were geared. They were fun and fast.”

Blitzen’s Bungee –

The automated bungee/trampoline hybrid system allows jumpers to get a bird’s-eye-view of the adventure park.

Discovery Playscape –

A playground featuring playhouses, an obstacle course, mini zipline swing, and a spider web composed of thick ropes.

Frozen Falls Climbing Tower –

A 30 foot outdoor tower with climbing holds and automated belay system.

Magic Tree Bouldering Room –

Interior bouldering with 12 foot walls suitable for climbers of all abilities. Our youngest told us, “You could climb on the ceiling and the arch in the boulder room. And, the floors were padded.”

North Pole Express Train Ride –

Cruise through the park on an electric powered train with four passenger cars.

Serrano Archery Range –

Do your best to hit a bullseye with real arrows at the archery range

Silver Bells Arena –

Ice skating in the winter and roller skating / roller blading in the warmer months

Strider Balance Bike Trail –

Kids 8 years old and younger can hone their skills on balance bikes on a dirt track. Helmets are required and provided as well.

Zipline –

600 feet long and 30 feet high. Our youngest thought the best part of the zipline was jumping off the landing platform to the ground with the assistance of the automated belay system. At any rate, the staff members managing the zipline were trained with fitting harnesses properly. They communicated via walkie-talkies to ensure fun and safety for each participant. SkyPark’s harnesses looked brand new. Of course, staff made sure guests did not allow the equipment to touch the ground so it could be used properly and safely.

Make Sure Ole Man Hangry Doesn’t Stop By

In addition to all the fun activities at SkyPark, they also have St. Nick’s Patio and Grill. The menu had a wide selection of foods. To list, salads, tacos, sandwiches and burgers just to name a few.  St. Nick’s Patio and Grill made it easy to make sure you keep the kids’ energy up with good food. We stayed for lunch and dinner. In truth, we all enjoyed our meals. Equally important, SkyPark also has the Pedal Pub, an on-site watering hole where those of age can enjoy a cocktail, beer or glass of wine.

Add This Destination To Your Nice List

You have many activities to choose from in southern California. However, if you have a mountain biking family who likes try something new, We highly recommend SkyPark At Santa’s Village. As has been noted, it’s a wonderful change of pace from all the expensive, big crowds and big hassle theme parks. Without a doubt, the park was very clean and staff members were always quick to answer questions or offer a polite greeting.

Mountain Biking Skypark at Santa’s Village = Better than Disneyland!?!

Surprisingly, our 11 year old said SkyPark was better than Disneyland. I asked him if this was really true. He said. “Yes. Because I get to choose what I want to do on a lot of things. I can ride the trails I want and go as fast as I want in the bike park. I can choose my route in the bouldering room and it’s up to me if I make a bullseye at the archery range”. Well said, kid.

Similarly, my wife and I really enjoyed being in the woods, in the clean air without hoards of people. Of course the park operates at capacity around Christmas time, but for mountain biking families who enjoy exploring off the beaten path, make sure you put SkyPark At Santa’s Village on your list of places to ride.

We highly recommend mountain biking SkyPark at Santa’s Village families that want a super fun and active day. Check out our Trails and Destinations page for more ideas for family mountain biking adventure.