Never too early for a kid to learn how to mountain bike

A program aimed at introducing kids between the ages of 8 and 16 to fun and safe mountain biking will soon open for registration.

Sign ups start at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 on Sault Cycling Club’s Kids Shredding Singletrack website.

“The environment is non-competitive and kids are not pressured to try any skill outside their comfort zone,” Sault Cycling Club said in a news release.

Sessions will take place at Hiawatha Highlands (780 Landslide Rd.) and run every Monday from May 6 to June 17 at 6:30 p.m., with the exception of Victoria Day.

Participants will be grouped according to skill level.

“Each night will start with a brief discussion and demonstration of a skill or technique, then the group will ride the Hiawatha single track trails, stopping at features where they can practice and develop the featured skill,” Sault Cycling Club added.

“The focus will be on fun, but there will also be some learning going on.”

To participate, your child must:

• Be a 2024 member of the Sault Cycling Club (your membership or order number will be required to complete your registration),
• Have access to a mountain bike in reasonable repair (a bike check form will need to be completed and signed by the parent or a bicycle mechanic),
• Wear a helmet, and
• Be fit and motivated to ride between 6 and 10 kms of singletrack trail in an outing.

Registration will be first come, first served.

The number of participants will be limited by the number of ride leaders. Parents who are familiar with the trails are welcome to volunteer.