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MTB CLINICS

Why sign up for a Mountain Bike Skills Clinic?

Our Mountain Bike Skills Clinics are designed with riders of all levels in mind. No matter where you are in your riding, we are eager to help you develop your skill set and have fun.

 

Clinics are offered seasonally in the Spring and Fall. We host Fundamentals Clinics, Climbing Skills Clinics, Spring Refreshers and more. Build a strong foundation for mountain biking through continuous practice - these clinics are great for all levels, including more advanced riders. This is a non-competitive, inclusive and supportive environment to work on your skills. 

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Being place-based allows us to introduce or reacquaint families with public spaces to enjoy time outside. All of our programs are mobile and utilize public parks and trail systems within 20 minutes of Portland, ME. Expect clinic locations to vary depending on the season and trail conditions. 

 

Bigger clinics aren't the right fit for everyone, so we're committed to keeping these groups small to provide the best opportunity to build confidence and get plenty of individualized instruction. All of our clinics are held in small groups of 5-8 participants.

 

Using playfulness and fun as the lens for all skill development, at any age, provides balance and space for growth. We use a combination of structured drills, demonstrations, group trail rides and games to practice technical skills and improve body awareness. Skills clinic range from half day (2-3.5 hours) to full day (4-6 hours). 

 

Never had formal instruction? Beginner? Feeling a bit "stuck" with your riding and ready to progress? Returning to the sport after life events, an injury or childbirth? Not feeling in control of your bike? These are all awesome reasons to sign up for a skills clinic?

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All clinics are taught by Effie (she/her), who is a PMBIA Certified MTB Coach, Wilderness First Responder and possesses a depth of knowledge about Southern Maine trails. 

 

Fundamental Skills Clinics are open to all levels but for safety purposes participants must be able to comfortably balance and ride a bike and have the physical capability to ride for up to 45 minutes at a time. No trail experience is necessary. Required gear includes a well-tuned bike (hand brakes, 4+ speeds), helmet & either bottle cage or hydration vest.

  • Where are you located? Where is dropoff and pickup?
    Being place-based allows us to introduce or reacquaint children and their families with public spaces to enjoy time outside. All of our programs take place at public parks, trail systems and green spaces. Our locations are in Portland or located within 20 minutes of the city. Locations are chosen based on weather and trail conditions and for their unique opportunities to play and learn. One week prior to camp, parents will be provided a detailed itinerary with directions to each day’s location and dropoff/pickup instructions.
  • When does registration open? What is the registrations process?
    Registration for summer camps opens Thursday, January 9th at 8:00am for returning families and Friday, January 10th at 8:00am for all new families. Reminders when registering: For each child, you can add multiple camp weeks to your cart and check out as one transaction. If your camp total cost is $1000+, we can set up a payment plan for you. Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com with your child's info and we will get them registered - this is tougher to do if you've already registered and paid. Remember that your child may fall into more than one age group - for example, a rising 2nd grader can participate in any Tadpole or Goslings camp. When registering siblings, please enter both of their info into the same line, separated by commas. Read through cancellation policy Every single week of camp is unique in its locations & activities! You can do multiple and they will all be different.
  • Which group is best for my child? Are siblings kept together?
    Please select a group based on the grade your child will be entering in Fall 2024. If your child is homeschooled, use which grade level is most appropriate for their age, not academic level. For siblings who don’t fall into the same age category, please consider signing up for the ‘Same Location’ weeks listed below. In these weeks we will have two camps happening simultaneously at the same locations, giving you one drop-off/pick-up spot. Week 1: June 24-27 (Sprouts & Goslings) Week 3: July 8-11 (Tadpoles & Ospreys) Week 4: July 15-18 (Sprouts & Goslings) Week 7: August 5-8 (Tadpoles & Ospreys) If you need further clarification or have a special request, please reach out to us at info@maineoutdoorkids.com
  • How large are the groups? How many instructors are with each group?
    We intentionally hold our summer programs in small groups to provide the best opportunity to build new connections and confidence. All of our camps allow a maximum of 10 participants with two outdoor instructors.
  • What are the age groups for summer camp?
    We break our camps into four different age groups; Sprouts: Rising K - 1st graders ** Tadpoles: 1st - 3rd graders Goslings: 2nd- 4th graders Ospreys: 3rd-5th graders **Please note that while public schools requirments state that students must turn 5 by Oct. 15th 2024, we highly recommend that all campers are 5 by the start of camp.
  • What happens if there is stormy weather?
    This depends on the nature of the storm—whether it's rain or thunderstorms, and how close or distant they are. Our first line of defense is ensuring that campers are equipped with appropriate gear, and we provide guidance to parents on suitable clothing for wet weather. If thunderstorms are anticipated, we choose locations with coverage options, such as Fort Williams or Twin Brook. If it's just rain we may do the same or utilize tarp setups in our wooded locations. We make real-time decisions and communicate directly with parents. We strive to provide at least 24 hours' notice for any changes in location or early pickups and will only cancel as a last resort.
  • Camp says full - How do I join the waitlist?
    There is no way to join the waitlist directly from our website. Please email info@maineoutdoorkids.com with your child's name and the dates that you are looking to join. If a spot opens up, we will reach out to the first person on the waitlist and they will be given 24 hours to sign up.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Payment is due at the time of registration. If you need to cancel your participation in a summer program for any reason, we ask for 45 or more days' notice to receive a full refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 45 days of a program's start date. In the event of inclement weather where an earlier pickup is deemed necessary by our Directors, no partial refunds will be given. If you have unforeseen circumstances that limit your participation in any of our programs, please get in touch with info@maineoutdoorkids.com and we will do our very best to find a solution.
  • What is the schedule? Why no camp on Fridays?
    Our summer camp schedule is Monday through Thursday each week, with a new location each day. Camp runs from 9am-3pm for Sprouts and Tadpoles and 9am-4pm for Goslings and Ospreys. We find that a four day camp week works best to prevent burnout for campers, allow time for families to travel and aligns with our commitment to the 4-day work week for staff.
  • How do I know if my child is ready for a multi-day mountain bike program?
    Mountain Bike camps are appropriate for riders of all levels, from those who are new to singletrack to anyone riding more challenging trails. To meet the physical demands of this program, all participants must be able to do the following prior to the start of camp: Confidently and comfortably ride on a dirt road or doubletrack trail for 30 minutes at a time. Independently follow and understand directions, instructions, skill demonstrations taught by others to improve body awareness and minimize risks of the sport. Have the stamina to be outside all day in a variety of environmental conditions including cold or hot temperatures and precipitation. Must be able to wear appropriately fitting clothing and helmet. Be familiar with their bike and able to independently mount and dismount, ride and balance on the bike on uneven terrain. Have a well-tuned bike with hand brakes, at least 4 working speeds/gears, and tires with proper tread. Suspension is not required but recommended. Have a hydration system appropriate for biking on trails - a bottle cage & bottle on the bike frame or hydration vest with a bladder.
  • What if my child can not attend all four days of camp? Do you do drop-in days?
    We do not have a drop-in day option for our summer camps. If you are interested in a certain program but your child is unable to attend the entire session for any reason, you will need to register and pay for the full program.
  • What if my child has allergies or needs to take medication during the day?
    Please note this when you fill out the Health Form. If your child has allergies, asthma or medications that may be needed during their time with us, we will follow up to create a custom action plan for them.
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