Savy Mountain Riders Youth Program

2. Communication

 

The main form of written communication is by email. General program information updates, as well as group specific information from your group leader will be made through email.

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3. Program Details

 

The Youth program is a weekly riding program that will run starting in May and finish up in September.

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Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:45pm   May  - September 

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Location: Various locations around Red Deer will be used.  Details on each location can be found on the Where Do We Ride? page.

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Group Levels: We strive very hard to create groups with children of similar experience, bike ability, fitness and age. It is likely that we may make adjustments to the groups within the first 2 sessions, to ensure a positive experience for everyone. If you have any comments about the placement of your child in a certain group, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s Coach.

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Special Events: Throughout the program there may be special events and races to provide an opportunity to put their new skills into action. More details about special events will be communicated to you by both your child’s Coach and/or the Youth Program Director.

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4. Weather and Cancellations

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Some sessions may need to be cancelled due to weather conditions. Cancellations, and/or session modifications, will be made at the discretion of each group leader.  No groups will ride if lightning is present or when conditions are present that would cause long term damage and erosion to the trails. As conditions can change rapidly, decisions as to whether to cancel will be made 90 minutes prior to the session start time.  Typically, 1 – 2 sessions per program may be cancelled due to poor weather. Re-scheduling any cancelled sessions will be at the discretion of each group leader.

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5. Gear

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Below is a list of required equipment. It is important that your child have a bike that is a proper fit. If your child is riding a bike that is either too small or too big, it is very unsafe and additionally your child will struggle…no fun!

A second-hand/used bike is fine, as long as it is in good working, safe condition. Often it is the case that a used, quality brand bike (i.e., Rocky Mountain, Giant, Trek, Kona, Santa Cruz, Specialized, Scott, Spawn, Prevelo, Trail Craft etc.) that is in good working condition will be a better choice than a new bike of lesser quality (i.e., Costco, Canadian Tire, etc.). 

Used kid’s mountain bikes can be found on various platforms like: Pink Bike, Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji. 

There are many websites dedicated to bikes for kids.  Check out thebikedads.com, rascalrides.com or two wheeling tots.com.

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Required equipment:

• A mountain bike that fits your child. Please have the kickstand removed from the bike (they can cause more trouble than they're worth). The bike needs to be tuned up and ready to roll. Your child should:
  – be able to comfortably reach the ground with their feet while seated
  – be able to reach the brakes with both hands at the same time

• A safety approved helmet that fits your child. The helmet should be snug and sit level on the head, about an inch above the eyebrows. Please inspect the helmet to ensure the foam is not cracked and the shell is in good shape. The helmet must be a cycling-specific helmet with CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approval. Full face helmets are not appropriate.

• Bikes must have hand brakes (not pedal/coaster brakes).

• Closed toed shoes

• A pocket snack and water

• Appropriate clothing for the weather. Sunglasses and sunscreen for the bright days, long sleeves/jackets for colder days and bug spray as needed.

• Bike gloves are also recommended

• The first day of the program will be spent ensuring that bikes are in working order.  If there are any major mechanical issues with the bike, your child may not be able to participate (i.e. brakes not functional, bald tires).

• A good video for completing a Kids Mountain Bike Safety Check can be found on the Bike Dads website.

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6. Coaches, Leaders and Parent Helpers

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The Youth Program is coached by NCCP Cycling Coaches.  All of our leaders are experienced riders who enjoy coaching children. All coaches have been trained in the NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) Community Cycling Initiation. The responsibilities of the Coaches are to ensure safety of every child during each session and provide a fun and informative experience.

Each group requires the assistance from parent helpers. The role of the parent helper is to act as “tail gunner” or “sweep” to ensure the group stays together. A minimum of one, but no more than two, helpers are required per group, per session. It is important the parent helper be at, or above, a similar riding level in terms of ability and fitness of the particular group. Please coordinate with your group leader about being a parent helper. Anyone joining the group as a helper must have a SMR membership for insurance purposes.  A criminal background check must also be completed.  A free one-day membership can be obtained through your child’s coach.

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7. Volunteering

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SMR is a not-for-profit organization and as such we rely heavily on the contribution of our members as volunteers. Parents of participants are encouraged to volunteer.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Youth Program Director.

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8. Parent Responsibilities

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• Please ensure your child has safe, age-appropriate gear. Ensure the bike has received a tune up and is in safe working condition. Ensure the helmet is free of any cracks and fits the child snugly.

• If your child is going to be absent, send a message to your coach so no one is waiting unnecessarily.

• Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, and changing weather conditions. Layers are ideal. Full finger gloves are great from a safety aspect, as well, keeping little fingers warm. 

• Apply sunscreen and bug repellent as needed prior to the session.

• Please ensure your child has had a nutritious meal and a bathroom visit prior to their session, and send water and a healthy snack.

• If your child has a medical condition please inform their Coach regarding details prior to departure on the first day.

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9. Refund Policy

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SMR has a no-refund policy on all of its programs and membership fees.

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10. Contact

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If you have any questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Coach of your program. For general questions please contact us at Savymountainriders@gmail.com

 

 

Special thanks to the Rundle Mountain Cycling Club, an experienced bike club in Alberta that has provided guidance as we grow our Red Deer Club.