Mountain Biking for Kids- Fundamentals!
This program is currently unavailable. Click here to view all of our current programs.
This program will cover the fundamental skills that all riders need to have to be safe and have fun on the trails. We all know that kids do not always listen when their parents try to teach them, so why not give our Pros a shot?
Our instructors will use a progressive approach to safely teach riding position, bike/body movement, braking and shifting just to name a few. Our goal is to make your child a more confident rider wherever they may be, on the trails or in the neighborhood.
Skills to be taught include:
Ready/Neutral Position, Bike/Body movement, Braking/Shifting, Climbing/Descending, Reading the Trail, Intro to Turning, Wheel Lifts
Requirements:
A safe and working mountain bike with hand brakes (not coaster brakes). We highly recommend having a local bike shop do a safety inspection if you are not sure.
All participants must have a properly fitting bike helmet - No helmets meant for other sports like skiing or hockey
Schedule:
Session 5:
The first class, 8/17, will be at Town Forest park in Simsbury.
The second class, 8/25, will be at Cowles Park in East Granby.
This program is in partnership with East Granby Parks and Recreation.
About our instructors:
About Justin Olewnik:
Coach Justin Olewnik is a 10 year Simsbury resident and is an avid cyclist who enjoys both road and mountain biking. He has been mountain biking for over 20 years and is excited to share his passion for bikes and trail riding with kids and adults alike. From his experience as a lifelong athlete, Justin values the importance of focusing on fundamentals to improve your skills. Whether you just picked up a bike or have many miles under your tires, Justin believes all riders can benefit from focused coaching to improve bike handling, confidence, and performance so that your next ride is your best ride. He is PMBIA Level 1 certified and Wilderness First Aid certified.
About Mike Niziolek:
Mike Niziolek is a Simbury resident and has been an avid mountain biker for more than 20 years. In addition to his passion for riding he is a certified K-12 educator. Mike has taught at Somers High School for 17 years and has been involved with coaching youth sports and activities most of his career. Mike is always looking to improve his own riding, attending clinics and seminars and is excited to help others learn and enjoy the sport of mountain biking. He is PMBIA Level 1 certified and Wilderness First Aid certified.